Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
The best months to visit Edinburgh are May, Jun, Aug. Here is the full monthly breakdown.
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Best Months: May, Jun, Aug
These months offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures and low rainfall for visiting Edinburgh. Expect highs of 15°C to 18°C to 19°C with relatively dry conditions.
Warmest Month
August
19°C high
Coldest Month
January
2°C low
Driest Month
May
12 rain days
Wettest Month
July
21 rain days
Monthly Weather
January
High: 6°C / Low: 2°C
14 rain days
February
High: 8°C / Low: 4°C
15 rain days
March
High: 9°C / Low: 3°C
18 rain days
April
High: 12°C / Low: 5°C
17 rain days
May
High: 15°C / Low: 8°C
12 rain days
June
High: 18°C / Low: 10°C
13 rain days
July
High: 18°C / Low: 12°C
21 rain days
August
High: 19°C / Low: 12°C
16 rain days
September
High: 16°C / Low: 10°C
16 rain days
October
High: 13°C / Low: 8°C
19 rain days
November
High: 9°C / Low: 5°C
15 rain days
December
High: 8°C / Low: 4°C
17 rain days
Tourist Seasons in Edinburgh
Peak Season
May, June, August
- +Best weather conditions
- +Most activities and events
- -Higher prices and larger crowds
- -Book accommodation well in advance
Shoulder Season
April, July, September
- +Good weather, fewer tourists
- +Better value for accommodation
- +More authentic local experiences
- ~Some attractions may have reduced hours
Off Season
January, February, March, October, November, December
- +Lowest prices of the year
- +No crowds at attractions
- -Weather may be less favourable
- -Some seasonal businesses may close
Month-by-Month Breakdown
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 6°C | 2°C | 14 | Off Season |
February | 8°C | 4°C | 15 | Off Season |
March | 9°C | 3°C | 18 | Off Season |
April | 12°C | 5°C | 17 | Shoulder Season |
May★ | 15°C | 8°C | 12 | Peak Season |
June★ | 18°C | 10°C | 13 | Peak Season |
July | 18°C | 12°C | 21 | Shoulder Season |
August★ | 19°C | 12°C | 16 | Peak Season |
September | 16°C | 10°C | 16 | Shoulder Season |
October | 13°C | 8°C | 19 | Off Season |
November | 9°C | 5°C | 15 | Off Season |
December | 8°C | 4°C | 17 | Off Season |
Season Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Edinburgh
Make the most of your trip by booking popular tours and activities in advance.
Edinburgh Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Edinburgh on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
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Edinburgh Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Edinburgh with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Edinburgh: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Edinburgh's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Edinburgh: Scenic Excursion
Escape Edinburgh for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Edinburgh Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Edinburgh's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Top 3 Areas to Stay in Edinburgh
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Old Town
Historic and atmospheric, this is the heart of medieval Edinburgh with its famous Royal Mile.
Our top picks in Old Town
Leith
Bustling waterfront area with a maritime heritage, trendy restaurants, and a creative arts scene.
Our top picks in Leith
Boutique hotel in a former church with a lively bar and restaurant.
Book NowA luxury floating hotel permanently berthed in Leith, offering a unique experience.
Book NowReliable and affordable option with good views of the waterfront.
Book Now
New Town
Elegant Georgian architecture, high-end shopping, and a sophisticated urban atmosphere.
Our top picks in New Town
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