Edinburgh Weather in January

January in Edinburgh brings low temperatures, with highs of 8°C (46°F) and nights dropping to 2°C (36°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 84 mm (3.3 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.

Rainfall in Edinburgh in January

Historically, the month has about 18 days of rain, averaging 84 mm (3.3 in) in total. This is a month with many wet days but modest rainfall totals, so showers are generally light and easy to manage.

Temperature in Edinburgh in January

Daytime temperatures in Edinburgh reach 8°C (46°F) in January, dropping to 2°C (36°F) at night. January is known for being in the winter season. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. With overnight lows of 2°C (36°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets. It is the coldest month of the year, so be sure to pack proper winter clothing for the conditions.Pack accordingly with warm clothes.

Sunshine in Edinburgh in January

The area sees fewer sunny days, with a projection of about 54 hours of sunshine. This reduced sunlight makes it ideal for those who prefer overcast conditions over bright sunny days.

Wind Speed in Edinburgh in January

Average wind conditions reach 5 m/s (10 knots) in January. 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 January

The water sits at 6°C (43°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.

January in Edinburgh can still be great, but if you prefer pleasant temperatures along with dry and sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.