Edinburgh, United Kingdom Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a oceanic climate, marked by mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. Average daytime highs range from about 44°F (6°C) in January to around 65°F (18°C) in July, and the city records roughly 171 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 65°F (18°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 44°F (6°C)
- Record high: 84°F (29°C) · Record low: 20°F (-7°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: December (16 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (10.8 h sun/day)
- Climate type: oceanic - mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall
- Snow: about 7 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 65°F (18°C) and overnight lows stay near 54°F (12°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 44°F (6°C) and lows around 36°F (2°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 84°F (29°C) and dropped as low as 20°F (-7°C).
Rain, sun and snow
December is usually the wettest month. It brings about 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain over 16 days, while April is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.8 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 7 days in a typical year, mostly from December through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44° | 36° | 14 | 3.1 in | 3.7 h/day | 84% |
| February | 45° | 37° | 13 | 2.9 in | 5.4 h/day | 81% |
| March | 47° | 37° | 16 | 3.0 in | 6.7 h/day | 80% |
| April | 51° | 39° | 12 | 2.1 in | 9.4 h/day | 76% |
| May | 57° | 45° | 13 | 2.8 in | 10.2 h/day | 78% |
| June | 62° | 50° | 14 | 3.0 in | 10.8 h/day | 78% |
| July | 65° | 54° | 17 | 3.5 in | 10.2 h/day | 78% |
| August | 64° | 54° | 15 | 3.2 in | 9.6 h/day | 79% |
| September | 61° | 50° | 13 | 2.9 in | 7.8 h/day | 80% |
| October | 55° | 46° | 15 | 3.8 in | 5.3 h/day | 82% |
| November | 48° | 40° | 14 | 3.1 in | 4.3 h/day | 85% |
| December | 45° | 38° | 16 | 3.9 in | 2.6 h/day | 86% |
Edinburgh month by month
Edinburgh weather in January
January brings highs around 44°F (6°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh weather in February
February brings highs around 45°F (7°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Edinburgh weather in March
March brings highs around 47°F (9°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 16 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Edinburgh weather in April
April brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 12 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh weather in May
May brings highs around 57°F (14°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 13 wet days.
Edinburgh weather in June
June brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 14 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh weather in July
July brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 17 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh weather in August
August brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 15 wet days.
Edinburgh weather in September
September brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 13 wet days.
Edinburgh weather in October
October brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 15 wet days.
Edinburgh weather in November
November brings highs around 48°F (9°C), lows near 40°F (5°C), about 14 wet days.
Edinburgh weather in December
December brings highs around 45°F (7°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 16 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the wettest month of the year in Edinburgh.
Seasons in Edinburgh
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Edinburgh is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 52°F (11°C) and nights around 41°F (5°C); expect showers on roughly 40 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Edinburgh is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 64°F (18°C) and nights around 53°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 46 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Edinburgh is mild, with daytime highs averaging 55°F (13°C) and nights around 46°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 42 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Edinburgh runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 45°F (7°C) and nights around 37°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season, plus around 4 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Edinburgh?
Is Edinburgh hot in summer?
Is Edinburgh cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Edinburgh get in a year?
Best time to visit Edinburgh
The best time to visit Edinburgh is generally August to September and April, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 60°F (15°C).
Pack for Edinburgh with a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 54°F (12°C).
Edinburgh temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.