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
In Edinburgh, temperatures differ significantly between summer and winter months. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 19°C (66°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 8°C (46°F) during cooler months like December.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in July to around 2°C (36°F) during December.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Edinburgh
On average, Edinburgh receives a reasonable amount of rain/snowfall, with an annual precipitation of 950 mm (37 in). Year-round, Edinburgh has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, October, with 90 mm (3.5 in), and the driest month, April, with 66 mm (2.6 in), is minimal. 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
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Edinburgh. While May receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 6.4 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce 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
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Edinburgh
What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
June, 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.
What temperatures can I expect in Edinburgh?
Daytime highs range from 8°C (46°F) in December 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 950 mm (37 in). October is the wettest month with 90 mm (3.5 in), while April is the driest with 66 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 3-Day Forecast
Edinburgh on the map
Edinburgh is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in July — average daytime high across popular destinations.
Glasgow
19°C (66°F) Edinburgh19°C (66°F) Dundee20°C (68°F) Aberdeen
18°C (64°F) Oban
17°C (63°F) Strathy East16°C (61°F) Shetland14°C (57°F) 
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.