Edinburgh Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Edinburgh.
Climate overview of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Edinburgh - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Edinburgh
Visitors to Edinburgh can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 19°C (66°F) in July. In January, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 8°C (46°F).
At night, temperatures range from around 12°C (54°F) in July to 2°C (36°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Edinburgh
Generally, Edinburgh experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 933 mm (37 in) yearly. Despite minor fluctuations, Edinburgh enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In October, you can expect around 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation, while in April, Edinburgh receives about 65 mm (2.6 in). For more details, please visit our Edinburgh Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Edinburgh
Edinburgh can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of May under a blue sky, with approximately 6.4 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in December, with only 1.6 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Water Temperature in Edinburgh
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 5°C (41°F) in March to 13°C (55°F) in July.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Edinburgh by Month
The city experiences its highest humidity in January, reaching 84%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 75%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Edinburgh
The mean wind speed varies between 4 m/s (8 knots) and 5 m/s (10 knots) throughout the year. It is lowest in February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November and highest during January, March and December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: July and August
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: May
- Seasonal pattern: Pleasant summers and cold winters
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Edinburgh
What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Edinburgh. In contrast, January, February, March, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Edinburgh has pleasant summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Edinburgh?
Daytime highs range from 8°C (46°F) in January to 19°C (66°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from 2°C (36°F) to 12°C (54°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Edinburgh get?
Annual rainfall is around 933 mm (37 in). October is the wettest month with 89 mm (3.5 in), while April is the driest with 65 mm (2.6 in).
How sunny is Edinburgh?
Edinburgh receives around 1,428 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 193 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 48 hours.
Edinburgh 3-Day Forecast
Edinburgh on the map
Edinburgh is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
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