Edinburgh Weather in December

Edinburgh in December sees low daytime temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and nighttime lows of 2°C (36°F). Rainfall is fairly high this month at around 85 mm (3.3 in), so pack a rain jacket to stay dry.

Rainfall in Edinburgh in December

Expect around 17 days of rain based on historical data, with 85 mm (3.3 in) average. Rain falls on many days this month, but usually in relatively small amounts. A light waterproof is more useful than a heavy umbrella.

Temperature in Edinburgh in December

In December, Edinburgh sees low temperatures, with highs of 8°C (46°F). Nights drop to around 2°C (36°F). During December, you'll experience the winter season. It stays cool throughout the day, so warm layers are a good idea from morning to evening. At 2°C (36°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.

Sunshine in Edinburgh in December

The city usually sees around 48 hours of sunlight, indicating fewer sunny days.

Wind Speed in Edinburgh in December

Average wind conditions reach 5 m/s (10 knots) in December. This creates lively weather with fresh winds that make small trees sway noticeably. Remember this is an average: some days are less windy while others have particularly active windy conditions.

Average water temperature in December

At 8°C (46°F), the water is too cold for most people to swim comfortably. A wetsuit is pretty much essential if you plan to go in.

December in Edinburgh has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.

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For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Edinburgh's climate page.

Edinburgh Temperature in December

Min Temperature 2°C (36°F)  

Max Temperature 8°C (46°F)  

Water Temperature 8°C (46°F) *  

Chance of Rain 58%  

Precipitation 85 mm (3.3 in)  

Rainy days 17 days  

Humidity 84% *  

Windspeed 5 m/s (10 knots) *  

Sunshine 48 hours *  

Percentage Sunshine 19% *  

* Data from: Edinburgh, Scotland (9 KM, 5 Miles).

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Edinburgh typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 8°C (46°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 2°C (36°F).

Average temperatures in December

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

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 December

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Historical weather for Edinburgh in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Edinburgh spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Edinburgh historical weather extremes in December

Based on 49 years of weather observations (1976-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Edinburgh.

• The hottest December day on record in Edinburgh reached 16°C (61°F) (December 9, 2025).
• The coldest December day was on December 7, 2010, with a maximum of -7°C (19°F).
• The lowest overnight temperature recorded in December was -15°C (5°F) (December 29, 1995).
• The heaviest December precipitation occurred on December 8, 1990, when 53 mm (2.1 in) of precipitation fell.

What to Wear in Edinburgh in December

Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Edinburgh in December. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Expect water temperatures of around 8°C (46°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.

What To Do in Edinburgh in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

4/10

Cycling

4/10

Walking

4/10

Camping

4/10

Outdoor sports

4/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Edinburgh's climate page.

More climate data for Edinburgh

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Edinburgh climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.