Edinburgh has a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The city’s coastal position on the Firth of Forth moderates temperatures year-round, though North Sea winds can make it feel several degrees colder than the thermometer suggests. Rainfall is distributed evenly across all months, with no distinct dry season.
Edinburgh Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall, and Sunshine
Edinburgh’s weather changes considerably month to month. Below is the complete monthly climate data based on 30-year averages from the Met Office, measured at the Royal Botanic Garden weather station.
Edinburgh Monthly Climate Comparison Table
The table below shows average high and low temperatures, total rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours for each month in Edinburgh.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 57 | 86% | 54 |
| February | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 42 | 82% | 78 |
| March | 9°C / 48°F | 2°C / 36°F | 48 | 79% | 115 |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 39°F | 40 | 77% | 144 |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 6°C / 43°F | 47 | 76% | 188 |
| June | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 53 | 77% | 170 |
| July | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 58 | 78% | 173 |
| August | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 53 | 79% | 162 |
| September | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 52 | 81% | 126 |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 43°F | 66 | 84% | 94 |
| November | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 56 | 85% | 64 |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 61 | 86% | 46 |
Edinburgh Weather in Winter (December to February)
Winter in Edinburgh is cold but rarely extreme. December and January both average highs of 7°C (45°F) with overnight lows dropping to 1°C (34°F). Snowfall occurs on roughly 12 days per year, mainly in January and February, but accumulation is usually light and melts within 24 hours. December is the darkest month with just 46 hours of sunshine, while February improves to 78 hours. Rainfall totals 42-61mm per month. Wind chill from North Sea easterlies can make 5°C feel like -2°C, so pack a waterproof windbreaker alongside your winter coat.
Edinburgh Weather in Spring (March to May)
Spring temperatures climb steadily from 9°C (48°F) in March to 15°C (59°F) in May. March still feels wintry with overnight lows of 2°C (36°F), but by May lows reach 6°C (43°F). This is Edinburgh’s driest period, with just 40mm of rain in April. Sunshine jumps dramatically from 115 hours in March to 188 hours in May, the sunniest month of the year. The city’s cherry blossoms in the Meadows typically peak in late April.
Edinburgh Weather in Summer (June to August)
Edinburgh summers are mild by European standards. July and August both peak at 19°C (66°F), with overnight lows around 11°C (52°F). Heatwaves occasionally push temperatures to 25°C (77°F), but air conditioning is virtually non-existent in hotels and restaurants. Rainfall averages 53-58mm monthly, and brief showers are common even on sunny days. July offers 173 hours of sunshine spread across 17-hour days around the solstice.
Edinburgh Weather in Autumn (September to November)
September retains summer warmth at 16°C (61°F) before October drops to 13°C (55°F) and November to 9°C (48°F). October is Edinburgh’s wettest month with 66mm of rainfall. November sees daylight shrink to just 8 hours and sunshine to 64 hours for the entire month. Wind speeds pick up in October and November, averaging 17 km/h (11 mph), the highest of the year. The autumn foliage in Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Botanic Garden peaks in mid-October.
Edinburgh Rainfall Patterns and What to Pack
Edinburgh receives 633mm of rain annually across roughly 127 rainy days. That’s less than Glasgow (1,124mm) and even less than London (615mm). The rain tends toward persistent drizzle rather than heavy downpours. A compact umbrella is useful but often useless against sideways wind-driven rain; a hooded waterproof jacket works better. Layering is essential in every season due to rapid weather changes, and comfortable waterproof walking shoes are non-negotiable on Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets.
