Climate and monthly weather forecast
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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Edinburgh in Scotland, United Kingdom, across from the lovely Princess Street Gardens
Edinburgh in Scotland, United Kingdom, across from the lovely Princess Street Gardens

The climate of Edinburgh

Situated on the East coast of Scotland, Edinburgh experiences a Marine West Coast climate classified as Cfb under the Köppen climate system. Throughout the calendar year, the weather ebbs and flows, manifesting an array of conditions that can be simultaneously challenging and rewarding for residents and visitors alike. Weather parameters such as temperature, precipitation and daylight duration show significant variations within the span of twelve months.

Temperatures fluctuate moderately, with January's lows reaching 1.6°C (34.9°F) and July's peak temperatures hitting around 17.2°C (63°F). Precipitation also changes throughout the year with the highest rainfall observed in August at 70mm (2.76"), while the driest month falls in April with 25mm (0.98") of rain. It's noteworthy that snowfall can be seen from December to February, with December and February bearing the most significant amounts of 12mm (0.47") each. Sunshine hours vary significantly, reaching its peak in June at 17.5 hours and dipping to 7.1 hours in December. The city also experiences wind variations, with the highest gusts of up to 33.8km/h (21mph) hitting the city in December and January.

The best time to visit Edinburgh

A pleasant period for visiting Edinburgh generally falls between June and September. During this time, temperatures average between 13°C (55.4°F) and 17.2°C (63°F). Combined with an upsurge in daylight hours, it typically translates to longer, brighter days suitable for outdoor activities and city exploration. July also brings the least amount of snowfall, and the city sees sunshine for seven hours a day, increasing the appeal for tourists.

The worst time to visit Edinburgh

Tourists tend to avoid Edinburgh during the late autumn and winter months from November to February. This period sees lows plummeting to 1.6°C (34.9°F) to 3.9°C (39°F) making it the coldest period of the year; daylight hours fall to less than 8 hours per day. Additionally, Edinburgh experiences its highest rainfall in November and December at 38mm (1.5") and 39mm (1.54"), correspondingly, further dampening the tourism appeal of the city during this time.

Spring weather in Edinburgh

Spring, extending from March to May, sees a swift shift from the biting temperatures of winter. As the season progresses, the average temperature comfortably sits between 2.5°C (36.5°F) and 5.8°C (42.4°F). Meanwhile, rainfall is lower compared to other seasons, ranging from 25mm (0.98") to 37mm (1.46") per month. The city also experiences extended hours of daylight, increasing from 11.9 hours in March to 16.3 hours in May.

Summer weather in Edinburgh

From June to August, Edinburgh welcomes the teeming influx of tourists with warmer weather. Average high temperatures range from 15.5°C (59.9°F) to 17.2°C (63°F), while humidity remains relatively high, between 84% and 85%. Relative to other months, rainfall strikes high during this period, peaking at 70mm (2.76") in August.

Autumn weather in Edinburgh

The fall of Autumn in Edinburgh from September to November ushers in cooler temperatures, averaging between 9°C (48.2°F) and 14.7°C (58.5°F). October and November see a bit of a spike in rainfall, reaching 41mm (1.61") and 38mm (1.5") each. Despite a decrease in daylight hours, the city still basks in strong visibility averaging at 9km (5.6mi) throughout this season.

Winter weather in Edinburgh

Winters in Edinburgh, stretching from December to February, are the epitome of Scotland's weather stereotypes. Temperatures plunge to an average low between 1.6°C (34.9°F) and 2.1°C (35.8°F) in January and February. This period also brings the most snowfall, with 12mm (0.47") each in December and February. Though daylight hours are low, ranging from 7.1 to 8.3 per day, the beauty of the snow-capped cityscape undeniably offers its charm.

Weather in January

In the city of Edinburgh, January is noted for its generally low temperatures, frequent rain, and a frequent blanket of snow. January sees the lowest temperatures from its consistent chilling gusts, reaching up to 33.8km/h (21mph). Weather in January »

Weather in February

As February arrives in Edinburgh, a slight change can be observed in the climate. Volatile weather patterns persist in February, with above-average snowfall at 24mm (0.94"), contributing to a frosty ambiance across the city. This month, the city remains frequently cloudy, with high humidity ensuring that the cold bites to the bone. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March sees a shift in Edinburgh's weather, marking the transition from winter to spring, even though temperatures remain low. This month is identified by undulating weather patterns even though it sees the highest wind speed recorded so far in the year with gusts up to 29.5km/h (18.3mph). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Edinburgh witnesses a significant shift in the weather with a noticeable decrease in both rainfall and wind speed, heralding the arrival of spring in earnest. Daylight hours increase to 14.2 hours a day, indicating longer sunny days, suggesting milder weather. Weather in April »

Weather in May

As May arrives in Edinburgh, it attracts locals and visitors alike to partake in outdoor activities. Winds calm down from their usual speed to a noticeable 15.3km/h (9.5mph). Late May in Edinburgh is renowned for its longer days and refreshing spring showers. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Edinburgh's June weather features promoting the city's radiant, bustling summer ambiance. The sea starts warming up in June, reaching an average of 12.3°C (54.1°F), making it appealing for water activities. Although there are frequent rain showers, they don't deter sightseeing and festivities. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Edinburgh is the apex of summer, making it one of the warmest months and a popular time for tourists. The city experiences its highest average temperature in July at 17.2°C (63°F), which is agreeable for several outdoor activities. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Weather in Edinburgh during August remains pleasant, prolonging the summer allure. Even though August contends with July for the warmest month, temperatures slightly downgrade to an average of 16.7°C (62.1°F). Event enthusiasts and performers from all over the world are attracted by the fringe festival, making this month glowing with vibrancy. Weather in August »

Weather in September

Edinburgh's September weather signifies the onset of the autumn season. There is a perceptible change in the air, with a wind speed slightly increased to 15.4km/h (9.6mph). As the city embraces a more colorful scenery, daylight wakes up the advent of shorter days. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Edinburgh is known for its pronounced autumn weather, with chillier temperatures kicking in. The weather can be unpredictable with increasing rainfall of 41mm (1.61"), which might add a spooky atmosphere to the Halloween season. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November weather in Edinburgh signifies the arrival of early winter showers, with lower overall temperatures. November brings the first snowfall after the summer, which measures around 5mm (0.2"). The city's mood is grim under the gray skies, with daylight becoming noticeably shorter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

As December arrives in Edinburgh, the city enters the winter cycle with full force. The month is distinguished by its increased snowfall, measuring in at 12mm (0.47"). However, the city sparkles under the charming street lamps and the twinkling seasonal lights. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest time of year in Edinburgh?

During the coldest month in Edinburgh, January, temperatures average a high of 5°C (41°F) and a low of 1.6°C (34.9°F).

How many days does it rain in Edinburgh?

Throughout the year, there are 205.2 rainfall days, and 512mm (20.16") of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Edinburgh?

January through March, November and December are months with snowfall in Edinburgh.

How many days does it snow in Edinburgh?

In Edinburgh, during the entire year, snow falls for 9.2 days and aggregates up to 66mm (2.6") of snow.

When is the lowest UV index in Edinburgh?

The month with the lowest UV index in Edinburgh is January, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the snowiest month in Edinburgh?

The month with the most snowfall is February, when snow falls for 2.8 days and typically aggregates up to 24mm (0.94") of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Edinburgh?

The months with the least sunshine in Edinburgh are February and October, with an average of 4.1h of sunshine.

When is the sea coldest in Edinburgh?

The month with the coldest seawater in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, is March, with an average sea temperature of 6.9°C (44.4°F).

What is the least humid month in Edinburgh?

With an average relative humidity of 80%, April is the least humid month.

What is the driest month in Edinburgh?

The month with the least rainfall in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, is April, when the rain falls for 14.3 days and typically collects 25mm (0.98") of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Edinburgh?

In Edinburgh, snow does not fall in April through October.

What is the month with the most sunshine in Edinburgh?

The months with the most sunshine in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, are April and June, with an average of 7.2h of sunshine.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Edinburgh?

The months with the highest UV index in Edinburgh are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

When are the longest days in Edinburgh?

With an average of 17h and 30min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

What part of the year is the hottest in Edinburgh?

July is the warmest month in Edinburgh, with an average high-temperature of 17.2°C (63°F) and an average low-temperature of 10.4°C (50.7°F).

What is the wettest month in Edinburgh?

The month with the most rainfall in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, is August, when the rain falls for 21.3 days and typically aggregates up to 70mm (2.76") of precipitation.

What month is the sea warmest in Edinburgh?

The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average sea temperature of 15°C (59°F).

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Edinburgh?

On Sunday, 27. October 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time ends, and the time zone changes from BST to GMT. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 30. March 2025, at 1:00 am, and the time zone reverts from GMT to BST.

What is the most humid month in Edinburgh?

With an average relative humidity of 88%, December is the most humid month.

What is the month with the shortest days in Edinburgh?

With an average of 7h and 6min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average temperature - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (17.2°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (5°C).

The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (10.4°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (1.6°C).

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Average pressure
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average pressure - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is May (1015.5mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (1006.9mbar).

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Average wind speed
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average wind speed - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (20.4km/h).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are June and July (13.1km/h).

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Average humidity
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average humidity - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (88%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (80%).

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Average rainfall
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average rainfall - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (70mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (25mm).

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Average rainfall days
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average rainfall days - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (22.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (13.2 days).

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Average snowfall
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average snowfall - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The month with the highest snowfall is February (24mm).
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September and October (0mm).

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Average snowfall days
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average snowfall days - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (2.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average sea temperature - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (15°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (6.9°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 17h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 7h and 6min).

The months with the most sunshine are April and June (Average sunshine: 7h and 12min).
The months with the least sunshine are February and October (Average sunshine: 4h and 6min).

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Average sunshine days
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average sunshine days - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The month with the most sunshine days is April (12.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (5.8 days).

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Average UV index
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average UV index - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 4).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 1).

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Average visibility
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Average visibility - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are June and July (8km).

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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