Average Monthly Sunshine in Edinburgh

The graphs on this page shows the average number of hours per month and per day that Edinburgh receives direct sunlight. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average.

Monthly hours of sunshine

If you're visiting Edinburgh, timing is key. In May, you can enjoy up to 193 hours of sunshine, while the shorter days of December provide just 48 hours. The total annual amount of sun is 1428 hours.

Daily hours of sunshine

For those who appreciate different seasons, Edinburgh serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in May with an average of 6.4 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in December, offering only 1.6 hours of daily sunlight.

Edinburgh’s total hours of sunshine compared to other major cities

Edinburgh enjoys an average of 1428 hours of sunshine annually. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:

Seville, Spain, enjoys an impressive 2920 hours of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination even in winter.

In contrast, Juneau, Alaska, receives only about 1523 hours of sunshine per year and is known for its very short days in winter and frequently overcast conditions.

Boston, USA, enjoys 2629 hours of sunshine annually, with distinct seasons and many bright, sunny days.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 2770 hours of sunshine annually, with long, sunny summers.

Other climate information

October, Edinburgh’s wettest month, receives 83 mm of rainfall and has a maximum daytime temperature of 13°C. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 12°C.

For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, check out our Temperature page. To explore more about precipitation patterns, visit our Edinburgh Precipitation page.