Weather in Edinburgh

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's hilltop capital, pairs a dramatic medieval Old Town with elegant Georgian terraces and views over the Firth of Forth. The castle-topped skyline, cobbled Royal Mile and hidden closes make it one of Europe's most atmospheric cities, especially during the famous summer festival season. Cool, breezy weather and frequent drizzle are part of the charm, best embraced with a warm pub and a dram of whisky. Just beyond the centre, Arthur's Seat offers a surprisingly wild hike with sweeping city views.

Country

United Kingdom

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

Local

Language

Local

Things to do in Edinburgh

Castle and Old Town tours Whisky tasting Arthur's Seat hike Festival and theatre shows Royal Mile exploration Traditional pub nights

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

Cold, with some rainy days.

March

Cold, with some rainy days.

April

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

June

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

July

18C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

August

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

September

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

October

13C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

November

Cold, with some rainy days.

December

Cold, with regular rainfall.

Edinburgh packs an astonishing amount of drama into a relatively small city — a medieval castle perched on a volcanic crag, narrow closes that inspired Harry Potter, and an Old Town skyline that looks like it was designed for a film set. Climb Arthur's Seat for views over the whole city, then descend into a basement pub for a whisky flight and some of the best storytelling atmosphere in Britain.

Best areas to stay in Edinburgh

Old Town

Cobbled medieval streets along the Royal Mile, dominated by the castle and packed with pubs, closes and historic sights.

New Town

Elegant Georgian terraces and gardens, home to Princes Street's shopping and views back up to the castle.

Leith

A revitalised waterfront district with some of the city's best restaurants, breweries and a Sunday market.

Arthur's Seat & Holyrood

An extinct volcano offering city-wide views, right beside the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace.

Getting to Edinburgh

✈

Flights

Edinburgh Airport has direct flights from across the UK, Europe and a growing number of North American routes.

⏱

From London

~1 hour from London by air; ~4.5 hours by direct train from London King's Cross.

🚕

Getting around

The city centre is highly walkable; trams connect the airport to the centre, and buses cover the wider city well.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

August is famous for the Fringe Festival but extremely busy and expensive. May, June and September offer good weather, lighter crowds and more reasonable accommodation prices.

Is Edinburgh Castle worth the entry fee?

Yes — it's the city's top attraction, combining Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and panoramic views. Book timed tickets online in advance to skip queues.

Can you walk between the main sights?

Most major attractions sit along or near the Royal Mile, so the Old Town is very walkable, though steep in places. Arthur's Seat and the New Town are also within easy walking distance.

What is Edinburgh famous for besides the castle?

Whisky tasting, the Royal Yacht Britannia, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Fringe Festival — the world's largest arts festival, held every August.

Is Edinburgh good for a winter visit?

Yes — the Christmas markets and Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations are major draws, though pack warm layers as wind off the castle ramparts can be bracing.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Visited during the Fringe and the whole city felt electric — every corner had a street performer. Book accommodation months ahead though, prices triple.

Liam F. · August 2024

★★★★★

Climbed Arthur's Seat at sunrise and had the whole hill almost to ourselves. The Old Town's closes are full of hidden pubs — easy to spend a whole evening exploring them.

Greta S. · May 2023

★★★★☆

The Christmas markets and lights were lovely, though very crowded on weekends. The castle at night, lit up above the city, was the highlight for me.

Daniel O. · December 2024