Edinburgh Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Edinburgh, Highland, Scotland. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Generally, Edinburgh experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 950 mm (37 in) yearly.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Precipitation levels in Edinburgh remain relatively steady throughout the year. October has the most rain, with 90 mm (3.5 in) over 18 days. In April, this drops slightly to 66 mm (2.6 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 14°C (57°F). The city receives 101 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 12°C (54°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Edinburgh Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Edinburgh's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Edinburgh spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Scotland: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Scotland. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Edinburgh vs World: Rainfall Compared
Edinburgh's average annual precipitation is 950 mm (37 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
- The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
- Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
- A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.
For more detailed information about Edinburgh's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Edinburgh Climate page.
