The Edinburgh climate is typically British - both unpredictable and changeable! People often think that Edinburgh weather is wet, grey and misty throughout the whole of the year. Although this can be true of winter months, when daylight hours are short and clouds are low, it certainly is not true of the other three seasons. The word most often used to describe edinburgh weather in spring, summer and autumn is 'mild'.
Winter in Edinburgh is warmer than in the highlands and the west of Scotland. The city begins to descend in to winter from the end of October, only beginning to emerge in March. The city has less rain in winter than in the other 3 seasons, and has many bright, clear and sunny (but cold) days. In the coldest months, January and February, thermometers hover between 1 - 6°C (34 - 43°F), dipping below zero during the coldest winter nights. However a bitter wind can come in from the North Sea and the city feel a lot colder.
Springtime in Edinburgh begins in March and last until towards the end of May. It is generally mild, with periods of warm sunny days interrupted by days of rain and wind. The weather is at its most 'changeable' during early spring, with a cold wintery morning followed by a summer-like afternoon (or visa versa). Average temperatures rise steadily towards the summer high and the streets are less busy than in the summer months, making mid-late spring a good time to visit the city.
During the summer months, from late May until early September, Edinburgh has mainly fine, sunny days. However, much of the rain the city receives also falls in the summer months. In an average year July has both the warmest days and the most rainfall. Also be warned, the edinburgh festival in August means that the height of summer is one of the busiest times to visit the city.
Autumn in Edinburgh begins from the middle of September and lasts until then end of October. Like spring, Edinburgh in the autumn is generally mild, but with more rainy days, as autumn typically suffers more rainfall. Early autumn (September) has the best of the seasons weather and is usually quieter than spring and summer, as the city recovers from the festival, making this an ideal time to visit the city.
For an accurate 7 and 14 day forecast of edinburgh weather visit this Yahoo edinburgh weather page. See also our when to visit edinburgh page
Average Temperatures in Edinburgh (high / low)
Despite being in the North of the UK, average temperatures in Edinburgh are not too severe, averaging only 1 - 2°C colder than London.
January - 43 - 34°F (6 - 1°C)
February - 43 - 34°F (6 - 1°C)
March - 47 - 36°F (8 - 2°C)
April - 52 - 40°F (11 - 4°C)
May - 58 - 43°F (14 - 6°C)
June - 63 - 49°F (17 - 9°C)
July - 66 - 52°F (19 - 11°C)
August - 65 - 52°F (18 - 11°C)
September - 61 - 49°F (16 - 9°C)
October - 54 - 45°F (12 - 7°C)
November - 49 - 40°F (9 - 4°C)
December - 45 - 36°F (7 - 2°C)
Average Rainfall in Edinburgh (mm)
Edinburgh has a reputation for being damp 'on all but rare days' as one guide puts it. The city does get its fair share of rain, but not as much as many would have you believe.
January - 23 mm
February - 15 mm
March - 25 mm
April - 30 mm
May - 44 mm
June - 53 mm
July - 56 mm
August - 51 mm
September - 49 mm
October - 43 mm
November - 25 mm
December - 23 mm