Best Time To Visit Edinburgh Scotland (A Month-By-Month Guide)

Wondering when’s the best time to visit Edinburgh Scotland? 

I grew up in a place where you get sunlight for most of the year but it was great to experience the different shades of weather in Edinburgh in the UK. I had a difficult time initially adjusting to the weather but now I am used to the weather & can give you a good idea of how it feels in Edinburgh for the whole year.

Edinburgh’s weather is very unpredictable, with sunshine one moment and rain the next. On a single day, you might need an umbrella, a windproof jacket, a blanket, and something nice for an evening out. In Edinburgh, they say, if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes!

Edinburgh is a great place to visit with its rich history & offers something different in each season. However, certain times of the year are better for specific activities, so it’s best to plan your trip based on what you want to do.

Every season has its advantages, but I always believe that autumn (September, October) is the ideal time to visit Edinburgh. The weather strikes a perfect balance between cool and warm days, the crowds are more manageable, and the city is absolutely stunning!

However, if you’re seeking the most affordable & best time to visit Edinburgh, plan your trip for winter. The cold weather in Scotland is not very popular with most tourists, allowing you to find the best travel deals and enjoy the beauties in peace.

What’s the Best Time To Visit Edinburgh Scotland?

As I mentioned above, I think that the fall (Autumn) season between September and October is hands down the best time of year to visit Edinburgh. The tourist footfall is low, the hotel prices are affordable & the weather is still good with sunny days.

Having said that if you are someone who is looking to party and enjoy the different festivals under the sun, then I would suggest visiting Edinburgh in August. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival happens in August when the whole city is in a Party mood for about a month which is amazing!

Different seasons in Edinburgh with Pros & Cons.

In Edinburgh, there are typically 4 seasons and all 4 seasons have their pros & cons. I have given a high-level overview of each season in Edinburgh below and also covered them each month later in the article.

Edinburgh in Spring: March to May

During Spring, Edinburgh starts to see sunlight and the daylight starts increasing as we move towards summer. March is still cold in Edinburgh but going into April and May you see a lot of daylight and the sun.

You also start to see the blooming cheery blossoms all over the city. This is again a great time to visit Edinburgh as you see the entire city turn pink. By the time you reach May, the sun sets around 8.30 pm in the night and everyone is excited as summer is almost here.

Pros: Milder weather, blooming flowers, fewer crowds

Cons: Unpredictable weather, some attractions may be closed

Edinburgh in Summer: June to August

Summer season is the hottest & busiest in Edinburgh (no brownie points for guessing why !) & everyone is out in the streets to enjoy the sunny weather. Tourists start flocking to the city to enjoy Edinburgh Castle, the hills & the beach and there are events all around the city.

If you are coming in June, then you should attend the Royal Highland show in Edinburgh where you get to see the Scottish culture, Farm animals, machinery and much more. In July, many tourists also take day trips from Edinburgh and visit the Scottish highlands like Glencoe, Loch Ness and areas near Inverness which are some of the best places to visit in Scotland.

In August, you have the famous Edinburgh Fringe festival where you can see a lot of art, performances & events. It is the world’s largest arts festival and hence August is considered one of the best time to visit Edinburgh by many.

Pros: Warm weather, longer daylight, festival season

Cons: Very crowded, higher prices, can be rainy

Edinburgh in Autumn (Fall): September to November

Autumn is my personal favorite if you want to go wanderlust in the UK at affordable rates & good weather. You still have sufficient daylight in September and enjoy the beautiful fall colors in the city.

The weather starts to cool down after August but I think it’s still comfy as it’s not too hot or too cold. The temperature starts falling in November and it feels like Winter is Coming! I would suggest visiting during September & October as it is beautiful & the most ideal time to visit Edinburgh.

Pros: Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, beautiful fall colors

Cons: It can be rainy and shorter daylight hours

Expert Tip: The sea is very near to Edinburgh so it’s a very windy city and the wind is chilling. So from first-hand experience, I suggest bringing some winter clothes just in case the weather changes.

Also read: Top Places to Visit in Scotland in 3 days

Edinburgh in Winter: December to February

Winter is harsh in Scotland and in Edinburgh, as you don’t get to see the sun so often and you have shorter daylight. The daylight starts around 9 am and by 3.30 pm the daylight is almost gone.

However, Edinburgh offers surprises every season & that’s why it’s so amazing. In November & December, you have the famous Edinburgh Christmas Market which people eagerly wait for and rush to it when it starts.

The Christmas Market happens in East Princes Street Gardens which is just beside the very happening Princes Street which is one of the most popular spots in Edinburgh for different kinds of activities.

December is not a cheap month to visit Edinburgh but January & February are relatively cheaper as Edinburgh sees very low tourists at this time.

Also read ✅ How to plan Scotland trip from London [Ultimate Guide]

Best Time to See Fall Colors in Edinburgh

In mid-October, you get to see the best fall colors in Edinburgh just like in the movies. The fall season looks lovely in Edinburgh with the old Victorian houses in the background that are plenty around the city.

If you are visiting Edinburgh in November then you will see the leaves on the road marking an end to the fall season & welcoming the harsh winter.

October would be a good time to visit but do carry your winter clothes as it gets cold in the evenings.

Also read: Top Places to Visit in Scotland in 3 days

What’s the Cheapest Time to Visit Edinburgh?

If you are under a budget and still want to explore the beauties of Edinburgh, then November, January & February are the cheapest time to visit Edinburgh. I have excluded December as prices are high due to the Christmas Market & New Year celebrations.

The prices of hotels & tours are very affordable during November, January & February. In November, although it’s cold in Edinburgh but chances of snow are less. You can still see the sun but you have to wrap up your day soon.

I have seen some of the beautiful sunsets in November in Edinburgh.

This might be a good time to visit as the Christmas market starts in the last week of November. You can enjoy the rides, have some fish & chips & experience whiskey tasting in the market.

The average temperature in Edinburgh in November ranges from about 3°C (37°F) to 9°C (48°F). The weather can be quite chilly, and expect rain and overcast skies.

What’s the Most Popular Time to Visit Edinburgh?

Edinburgh’s peak tourist season happens during the summer months, specifically July to August. Picture this: sunny days, vibrant festivals, and delicious food – it’s a recipe for a fantastic time!

Here’s a simple table that shows the percentage of tourists that visited Edinburgh in 2023:

Festivals and Events: August sees the most tourists due to the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival happening for almost a month. Hotels are pre-booked and prices are sky-high at this time.

If you are planning in August, I would suggest to plan in advance to save cost.

Tourists & locals also hike to Arthur’s Seat to experience amazing panoramic views of the city during the summer. Calton Hill is also a good option. If you are planning for a Scotland trip for a few days that includes Edinburgh, then I highly suggest you check out my 3-day Scotland Itinerary that covers all the important places including Edinburgh.

It’s definitely hot in Edinburgh during July & August however might still feel chilly if it’s rainy or overcast. Edinburgh weather is very unpredictable as I mentioned above & it can quickly switch from hot to cold within hours.

So always check the weather before you head out & do carry your umbrella.

Also read ✅ How to plan Scotland trip from London [Ultimate Guide]

What’s the Worst Time to Visit Edinburgh?

The worst time to visit Edinburgh is typically considered to be during the winter months, particularly January and February. It definitely reminded me of those cold dark nights from Game Of Thrones & had me wondering how it would have felt at that time.

During this period, you will spend most of your time in your rooms as it gets dark around 3.30 to 4 pm in the afternoon and the weather is often cold, wet, and windy. Many outdoor attractions and activities are less enjoyable, and some tourist sites may have limited hours or be closed.

Additionally, the wind in Edinburgh makes it worse as its ice cool.

Local Tip: I have taken multiple day trips from Edinburgh in November, January & February and surprisingly found the weather okay to visit the highlands. The rates are pretty low at this time as per my first-hand experience and would be a great idea to cover all the hot tourist spots during this time at affordable rates.

Month-by-Month Weather in Edinburgh Guide

Edinburgh’s weather is influenced by its coastal location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in mild temperatures, frequent rain, and moderate humidity levels throughout the year.

Here’s a simple table showing the average temperature of Edinburgh for the four seasons, including both Celsius and Fahrenheit:

Please find below the Month By Month Guide details for Edinburgh:

January

January is one of the coldest & darkest months in Edinburgh & marks the beginning of cold dark days. However, unlike Canada, don’t expect much snow here. I have rarely seen snow in Edinburgh and even if it does then it will be pretty short-lived (1-2 days).

However, it might be slippery in the city so make sure to get your Anti-Slip shoes before you land here. Tourist footfall is really low this month so you get very affordable hotel rates and tour rates if you want to go for day-tripping to nearby places.

Average Temperature – High of 7°C (45°F), low of 2°C (36°F).

January Events:

• Burns Night (January 25th): Celebrating the life and works of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
• Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (New Year’s celebration continues into early January)

February

February is another dark month to continue & the weather may get slightly better. February is again a great time to take trips around the city as the footfall of locals aswell tourists is really low allowing us to explore the beautiful city.

Definitely take a walk in the Old town and experience the history of the architecture & old charm of the city. Sit, relax & have a great coffee in one of the cafes in the old town. The temperatures are still low in February so please bring your padded jackets to see yourselves from the cold.

There are some ice-skating areas set up near Princes Street starting from Christmas until January & February where you can go and have a fun time.

Average Temperature –  High of 7°C (45°F), low of 2°C (36°F).

February Events

• Edinburgh International Science Festival (typically starts in late February)

March

March brings happiness as you get to see a little bit more sunlight & is typically the last month of winter.

By the end of March, you can see more people out on the streets as the weather gets better & day starts to feel a bit longer.

As per my first-hand experience, March is a great season for traveling in and around Edinburgh. You might get sunny days aswell & you will be enchanted by how beautiful the city looks in Winter with the sun out.

Average Temperature – High of 8°C (46°F), low of 3°C (37°F).

March Events

• Edinburgh International Improv Festival: Showcasing improvisational theatre performances and workshops.
• Edinburgh International Harp Festival: Celebrating harp music with concerts and workshops.

April

April definitely brings smiles to Scotland’s minds as it gets a little warmer from the harsh winter. In this month, you can experience better sunshine and better daylight & also see some flowers bloom here and there.

Prices for hotels & other tours start to rise a little bit as we approach May. For tourists, the end of April might be a good time to visit Edinburgh as you can experience Cherry Blossoms and the weather is favorable.

Average Temperature – High of 11°C (52°F), low of 5°C (41°F).

April Events

• Beltane Fire Festival (April 30th): A modern reinterpretation of the ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of summer.

May

If you want to experience Cherry Blossoms in full bloom, then be in Edinburgh in early May or end of April. There are a lot of parks and streets where you can experience Cherry Blossoms.

You can also see a variety of flowers & Cheery Blossoms on Princes Street & Princes Street Gardens.

I love going to Princes Street Garden to spend a relaxing afternoon with myself, my partner or a group of friends. You have a variety of flowers in Princes Street Garden and people love visiting Edinburgh in May to experience this beauty.

You can also visit Harrison Park in Edinburgh if you want to see Cherry Blossoms in Edinburgh.

May is typically more pleasant than April an ideal time to visit Edinburgh for outdoor activities & city hopping.

Average Temperature – High of 14°C (57°F), low of 8°C (46°F).

May Events

• Imaginate Festival: International festival of performing arts for children and young people.
• Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival: Celebrating craft beers with tastings and events.

June

June marks the official entry of summer & the temperatures are generally in double digits. You can see a lot of crowd on the streets with people roaming around and enjoying a good time sitting outside the cafes & pubs grabbing a drink.

At this time of the year, expect lot of crowd in Edinburgh and high rates for all major tourist attractions.

Average Temperature – High of 17°C (63°F), low of 10°C (50°F).

June Events –

• Edinburgh International Film Festival: One of the world’s longest-running film festivals.
• Leith Festival: Community arts festival celebrating the Leith district of Edinburgh.

July

July is hot most days but expect some light drizzles during this month.

It’s a good idea to visit Edinburgh in July if you want to enjoy the Edinburgh International Magic Festival and the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival. Overall tourist footfall will be high in July and you will see all the tours sold out.

It’s best to plan in advance if you want to book some tourist attractions or day trips in and around Edinburgh as it gets sold out pretty fast.

You can also visit the Portobello beach in Edinburgh & grab a few drinks by the side enjoying the views.

Average Temperature – High of 18°C (64°F), low of 12°C (54°F).

July events 

• Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival: Featuring performances from international jazz and blues musicians.
• Edinburgh Art Festival: Showcasing visual arts in galleries and public spaces.
• Edinburgh International Magic Festival: Celebrating the art of magic with performances and workshops.

August

If you are a fun and party lover, then August is a great time to visit Edinburgh as its the time for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!  At this time the city is pretty busy with events all over the city, the Fringe Festival and many other festivals.

The evenings in August are amazing and you have events in almost every bar and pub in the city with live music, DJ night & much more.

Average Temperature – High of 18°C (64°F), low of 13°C (55°F) .

Also read: Top Places to Visit in Scotland in 3 days

August Events 

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe: The world’s largest arts festival, featuring theatre, comedy, dance, and more.
• Edinburgh International Festival: Celebrating performing arts with top international artists.
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: A series of military performances and displays set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
• Edinburgh International Book Festival: Featuring author talks, readings, and book signings.

September

September is a great time to visit Edinburgh as the weather is still warm and you can experience the fall happening. Most of the crowd leaves the city by the end of August and the prices also start to come down.

It’s a great time to visit Edinburgh in September to take some picturesque photos and enjoy the tourist attractions.

Average Temperature – High of 16°C (61°F), low of 11°C (52°F) 

September Events

• Edinburgh Doors Open Day: Allowing access to historically and architecturally significant buildings usually closed to the public.
• Edinburgh Riding of the Marches

October

Beginning October the temperature starts to drop so it might feel cooler outside due to the chilly winds. I feel September & October are quite cozy to roam around the city with a Jacket and also explore the highlands from Edinburgh.

Expect some drizzle but overall the temperature is a bit low so you definitely need to carry your padded jackets. I love visiting the Old Town and enjoying a good coffee in one of the cafes near Victoria Street.

Average Temperature – High of 13°C (55°F), low of 8°C (46°F) .

October Events

• Scottish International Storytelling Festival
• Edinburgh Horror Festival

November

November cries Winter is Coming and days start to get darker. The sunlight reduces drastically leaving us with short days & we are officially in winter. Dont expect to see snowfall at this time but it is very chilly.

You might capture some good sunsets during this time as I have seen the skies turning pink a lot of times in November. With the temperature dropping, the prices of hotels and other tours comes down & is a great time to visit Edinburgh on a budget.

Average Temperature – High of 10°C (50°F), low of 6°C (43°F) .

November Events

• Edinburgh’s Christmas Market (festive celebrations begin in late November)
• Skating

December

December is a happening time in the city, especially after the 15th as everyone is gearing up for Christmas. The Edinburgh Christmas Market is in full bloom and you see some tourists in the city.

Overall there is a good vibe in the city due to Christmas & New Year on the horizon. There are a lot of events & festivals happening at this time of the year.

There are a lot of shops in and around Princes Street if you want to buy some Christmas gifts or just shop for yourself.

Average Temperature –  High of 7°C (45°F), low of 0°C (37°F).

December Events

• Edinburgh’s Christmas (continues throughout December)
• Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve celebration preparations)

The Verdict: When’s the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh Scotland?

Autumn is the best time to visit Edinburgh!

The temperature is cozy & the prices are low. This is a beautiful time to experience Edinburgh’s fall season and also enjoy the attractions in peace. It offers the perfect mix of pleasant weather, natural beauty, and manageable crowds.