Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh experiences a temperate climate, where average temperatures vary from a low of 6°C / 43°F in February to a high of 18°C / 64°F in July.

Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, averaging 71 mm / 2.8 inches monthly, peaking in October (89 mm / 3.5 inches) and reaching its lowest in April (54 mm / 2.1 inches).

UV peaks in June (index 7) and drops to its lowest in December (index 1); regular sun protection is advisable in warmer months.

The longest days occur in June with around 17.5 hours of daylight, while December has the shortest days at about 7.1 hours.

Edinburgh offers distinct seasons, each with its own character and appeal for different types of travelers.

Today's forecast

Climate at a glance

The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Edinburgh.

Typical range

High / low

Average highs up to 17.9°C and lows down to 2.0°C.

Rain pattern

Wettest month

October averages 89 mm.

UV

Typical peak band

Typical peak UV is Moderate.

Daylight

Seasonal range

Roughly 7 hrs to 17 hrs.

Wind

Typical strength

Average around 16 km/h, peaking in February.

Humidity

Typical range

Generally 78 % to 87 %.

When should I go?

Our top-rated months for visiting Edinburgh, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions

Next steps

Dive deeper into rankings, month details, or packing guidance.

How Edinburgh compares

See how it ranks against the rest of United Kingdom for key metrics.

HOTTEST (AVG)
in United Kingdom
#8 / 9
COOLEST (AVG)
in United Kingdom
#2 / 9
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in United Kingdom
#4 / 9
WINDIEST (AVG)
in United Kingdom
#2 / 9
HIGHEST UV
in United Kingdom
#8 / 9
MOST HUMID
in United Kingdom
#3 / 9

Short term outlook

Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Edinburgh, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.

Frequently asked questions

How does the weather in Edinburgh feel over the year?

On a typical year, you can expect highs around 12°C (54°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F). Conditions usually feel cool in the daytime and cold once the sun goes down. It tends to be on the cloudier side, with fewer blue-sky days.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh for dry weather?

The driest month is usually April, with around 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain. In contrast, October is the wettest month, so that’s when you’re most likely to need a raincoat or umbrella.

When is sun exposure strongest in Edinburgh?

UV tends to peak in June, when UV levels are often high (around 7). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

Is Edinburgh a windy place?

Across the year, average winds sit around 16 km/h (10 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 83 km/h (52 mph). Overall it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.

How much daylight does Edinburgh get?

On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.

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