Best time to go to Edinburgh Average weather of Edinburgh, Scotland
Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Edinburgh?
The best time to visit Edinburgh depends on your individual preferences in terms of climate, tourist crowds, and activities. If you are mainly guided by the weather, the period from June to August, corresponding to the Scottish summer, is the most pleasant. Temperatures are the warmest, reaching up to 18°C (65°F) , and the days are long, allowing you to fully enjoy all the attractions the city has to offer. However, this is also the season when the city receives the most precipitation.
The peak tourist season in Edinburgh runs from May to October, with a peak in December. During these months, the city is the liveliest, with many events and festivals. Among them, the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, the world's largest performing arts festival, is a must-see experience. However, the popularity of these months also means that attractions can be crowded and hotel prices may increase. In December, despite icy temperatures, you can enjoy the city's beautiful Christmas markets.
In August, you can attend both the Edinburgh International Festival, which features various types of musical, theatrical, dance, or opera performances, and its off festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting Edinburgh during the low season, from November to April, excluding December. Although the weather may be colder and more unstable, with chances of snow in January and February, the city is less crowded during these months. This can be an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Edinburgh at a more relaxed pace and at more affordable prices.
Ultimately, each time of year offers a unique experience of Edinburgh. Whether you prefer the mild summer climate, the buzz of the peak tourist season festivals, or the tranquility of the low season, your trip to Edinburgh will surely be memorable.
So, when is the best time to go to Edinburgh? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months in Edinburgh are May, June, July, August, September and October
- On average, the warmest months are June, July and August
- The coldest months are January and February
- The rainiest months are June, July and August
Annual weather in Edinburgh
Weather details in Edinburgh month by month
Weather and climate in Edinburgh
If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, it is important to know about the city's climate and seasons. Edinburgh enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, which, according to the Köppen-Geiger classification, is more specifically a temperate maritime climate. Edinburgh's experience through the seasons varies, allowing you to choose the best time to visit based on your personal climate preferences.
Winter in Edinburgh (December to February)
Winter is the coldest season in Edinburgh. Temperatures often range between a low of 3°C and a high of 7°C. It is quite common to see snow in January and February. Days are generally short and the sky is often cloudy, but occasionally, you can enjoy sunny days.
Spring in Edinburgh (March to May)
Spring brings a gradual warming to Edinburgh. Temperatures start to rise, reaching up to 14°C in May. Precipitation is less frequent than in winter, and the number of sunny days begins to increase. It is a good season to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds.
Summer in Edinburgh (June to August)
Summer is the warmest season in Edinburgh, with temperatures reaching up to 18°C. It is also the season when the city receives the most precipitation. Days are long and generally clear, allowing you to make the most of the city's attractions.
Autumn in Edinburgh (September to November)
Autumn sees temperatures starting to drop, with highs around 16°C in September and down to 9°C in November. Precipitation is quite frequent, and the weather can be quite variable, with sunny days followed by rainy days.
In conclusion, Edinburgh has a temperate oceanic climate with distinct seasons. Winter is cold and sometimes snowy, spring is relatively mild and clear, summer is the warmest and wettest, and autumn is cool with a variety of weather conditions. The best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do during your trip.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Edinburgh
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Edinburgh: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Edinburgh
Find out when Edinburgh has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Edinburgh
- Very low season in Edinburgh
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February and March. - Low season in Edinburgh
The months with low numbers of tourists are: April, November and December. - High season in Edinburgh
The number of visitors to Edinburgh is high in: May, June, September and October. - Peak season in Edinburgh
The largest number of tourists visiting Edinburgh is during: July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Edinburgh month by month
Best time for low prices in Edinburgh
Average prices of hotels in Edinburgh month by month
Generally, January is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Edinburgh. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, August is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Edinburgh
A return flight between London and Edinburgh is generally cheaper if you go in march ($ 51 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 32 more for your airline ticket to Edinburgh if you go in december.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Edinburgh
Average price of hiring a car in Edinburgh
On average, it costs $ 46 per day to hire a car in Edinburgh. This price varies by $ 24 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 33 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in august is $ 57.
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