Guide to The Best Time To Visit Edinburgh
There's just something about Edinburgh, Scotland that keeps me coming back for more. I lived there as a study abroad student and have made return trips to keep exploring more of the country that I didn't have the ability to as an early 20-something. I love it in every season — from long days in the summer that inspire you to explore the stunning outdoor scenery to shorter winter days that beg you to cozy up by a fire with a warm cup of tea.
If you're thinking about a trip to Scotland's capital, this guide to the best time to visit Edinburgh will help you to plan your next adventure. This post contains affiliate links.
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Victoria Street, Edinburgh Old Town
When is the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh? My Quick Answer
In my opinion, there's no bad season for visiting Edinburgh, each offers its own draw. If you want the most sunny days and the thrill of festival season, visit in summer. If you're looking for the most budget-friendly time of year, consider winter. Or, my personal favorite times of year: spring and fall — each a shoulder season with fewer crowds and moderate weather.
Advocates Close with a view of the Walter Scott Monument
Edinburgh by Season
Spring in Edinburgh
Visiting Edinburgh in spring means increasingly longer days and more temperate weather. It's not exactly warm yet, with daytime highs in the 40s and 50s and lows dropping into the 30s. So, you'll still want a warm coat, especially for early mornings and evenings after the sun goes down. But, even with crisp, cool temperatures, April is Edinburgh's statistically driest month so the trade-off is a higher probability of sunny weather during your visit.
Spring is my favorite time of year to wander through Princes Street Gardens and the Meadows, enjoying the cherry blossoms (without the wild crowds you'd encounter in DC or Japan). On sunny days, I love to grab a meal deal from the Princes Street M&S Food Hall and take it to one of the benches in the gardens for an incredibly picturesque picnic.
Spring might be for you if you:
enjoy fewer tourists
want to catch cherry blossoms in bloom
don't mind the gamble of "four seasons in one day" weather
want fresh energy without the festival-season price tag
Notable Spring Happenings:
Edinburgh Science Festival — Held each spring, this festival brings hands-on exhibits, talks, and family-friendly workshops across the city to make science and discovery accessible to all ages.
Edinburgh International Children's Festival — A nine-day festival celebrating the best of children’s dance and theatre.
Beltane Fire Festival — This ancient Celtic celebrates the arrival of summer atop Calton Hill, featuring torch-lit processions, drumming, and dramatic performances around a bonfire.
→ Not sure what to pack? Check out my guide to packing for Scotland in every season.
Summer in Edinburgh
The summer months bring peak season in Edinburgh. It's characterized by long daylight hours and moderate temperatures, with average highs that rarely exceed the 60s. Summer in Edinburgh is also known for its lively festival season. The lovely weather, paired with summer festivals, makes it the most popular time to travel to Edinburgh so you'll want to plan well in advance for a summer visit. It's a truly electric time to be in the city, but the trade-off is large crowds. If you're hoping to get a moody photo of Old Town with (nearly) empty streets, this would not be the best time to visit.
In my early 20s the long summer days meant staying out at the pubs until the sun began to rise. Now, it means I'm considering whether my accommodations have effective blackout curtains.
Summer might be right for you if you:
want to feel a city at its most electric
want to lose track of time in daylight that barely fades
are fine trading solitude for spectacle
Notable Summer Happenings:
Edinburgh Fringe Festival — This three-week event is the largest arts festival in the world. Live performances from up-and-coming and world-class performers across a wide variety of genres and mediums take place across the city.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — Staged against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this outdoor spectacle brings together music and dance from around the globe, showcasing military traditions, Scottish heritage, and international culture.
Edinburgh International Festival — Running alongside the Fringe each August, this festival showcases world-class classical music, theatre, opera, and dance performances from renowned artists across the globe.
Fall in Edinburgh
Edinburgh in autumn begins the transition to a colder, wetter, and darker season. Early autumn is generally mild and pleasant but by the end of October you'll be reaching for a heavier coat as temperatures begin to dip into the low 40s. October and November are statistically two of the wettest months of the year with an average of 11 rainy days.
But the cooler weather also gives way to fewer crowds. For photographers or those looking for the perfect, Instagram-worthy shot, that means better photo ops at popular sights. And, with the leaves changing, it casts a stunning amber tint across the whole city that can't be replicated in any other season.
Fall might be right for you if you:
prefer smaller crowds
want cozy pub afternoons
would like to experience Edinburgh's quieter, more contemplative side
Notable Fall Happenings:
Scottish International Storytelling Festival — Taking place each October as the nights draw in, this festival gathers storytellers for a cozy, community-centered celebration inspired by the Scottish ceilidh tradition.
Winter in Edinburgh
In Scotland, winter days are dark and chilly. Days can be as short as 7 hours of daylight closest to the winter solstice and daily average temperatures dip into the low 40s and 30s with January and February being Scotland's coldest months. Edinburgh does see occasional snow, but it typically doesn't accumulate or stick around for very long. In my experience, seeing the city with snow flurrying around was so magical that I didn't particularly mind the chill in the air.
But, winter in Edinburgh is not all doom and gloom. It's a wonderful time to eat and be merry in one of Edinburgh's cozy pubs or coffee shops. And, with far fewer crowds, prices are generally much more affordable in this season. For those looking for festive activities, the Edinburgh Christmas market is worth the trip (without the same crowds you'll find in other parts of Europe), and no one does New Year's Eve quite like Edinburgh.
Winter might be right for you if you:
are chasing the best deals of the year
don't mind trading daylight for candlelight and firesides
want to experience festive celebrations for the holidays
Notable Winter Happenings:
Christmas Markets — From mid-November to early January, the Edinburgh Christmas Market fills East Princes Street Gardens with stalls from Scottish and European crafters, artists, and independent retailers.
Hogmanay New Year celebration — A world-famous multi-day event that usually includes an annual torchlight procession on December 29th, as well as large outdoor concerts and spectacular midnight fireworks on New Year's Eve.
Loony Dook — Edinburgh's version of a New Year's Day polar plunge in the Firth of Forth.
Burns Night (January 25th) — Celebrate beloved Scottish poet Robert "Rabbie" Burns with a Burns Night supper. You can expect traditional fare like haggis and a dram paired with poetry and singing Auld Lang Syne to your heart's content.
The Grassmarket
Edinburgh Weather Month-By-Month
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43.2° | 32.5° | |
| Feb | 43.7° | 32.0° | |
| Mar | 47.7° | 34.7° | |
| Apr | 52.0° | 37.6° | |
| May | 57.6° | 42.3° | |
| Jun | 63.1° | 47.7° | |
| Jul | 65.8° | 50.5° | |
| Aug | 65.3° | 50.4° | |
| Sep | 61.2° | 47.1° | |
| Oct | 55.8° | 42.6° | |
| Nov | 47.7° | 35.8° | |
| Dec | 44.4° | 33.6° |
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center
The Vennel
FAQs About When to Visit Edinburgh
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
It depends on what you're after. Visit in summer (June–August) for the longest days and the energy of Fringe season, though you'll pay peak prices and share the city with crowds. Visit in winter (November–February) for the lowest prices, festive markets, and a magical, moody atmosphere — just pack for short days and cold weather. My honest recommendation, though, is the shoulder seasons of spring (April–May) or fall (September–October): you'll get milder weather, thinner crowds, and some of the best light of the year for photos, without the summer premium.
What is the driest month in Edinburgh?
April is statistically the driest month with 7 days of rain on average.
What is the wettest month in Edinburgh?
October and November are statistically the wettest months with 11 days of rain on average.
How many days do I need to visit Edinburgh?
At a minimum, I would recommend two days. This gives you enough time to see the top highlights of Old Town and New Town (think Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens). If you don't want to feel rushed, I'd plan for 4+ days to really take it all in.
Is Edinburgh worth visiting?
This is an easy yes! It's hands down one of my favorite cities I've ever visited. It feels a bit like living history in the best possible way, the people are incredibly kind and ever since my study abroad days I feel like there is an invisible string connecting me to Edinburgh that keeps pulling me back. There are so many things to do in this city — exploring medieval castles, museums and art galleries; eating at world-class restaurants; and wandering historic neighborhoods are just the beginning.
→ My top things to do in Edinburgh
Is Edinburgh expensive to visit?
One of the best things about Edinburgh is that there is truly a great option for every type of budget. If you plan to visit in August during peak festival season, you can certainly expect to pay a premium. Otherwise, you can stay in accommodations that are ultra-luxurious, with the expected corresponding price tag or modest hostels and B&B's for a fraction of the cost and still be within easy reach of everything the city has to offer.
→ My guide to the best places to stay has my favorite options in every price point.
Do I need a car in Edinburgh?
If you're only planning to visit Edinburgh, a car is not necessary. Public transportation through the city is ample, efficient and affordable. If you prefer a car, there are plenty of classic black cabs to get you from point A to point B. Or, if you're like me, it's easy to rack up a 30,000 step day exploring the city on foot.
If you plan to venture out to the highlands or beyond the city-center a rental car may be helpful depending on your destination. For personalized recommendations based on where you would like to visit in Scotland, contact me!
→ Exploring more of Scotland? Check out my 7-day itinerary
→ Don't want to rent a car? This guide covers the best day trips by train
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh has never once disappointed me, in any season. Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms in Princes Street Gardens, dancing through Hogmanay, or ducking into a cozy pub during a November downpour, the city has a way of meeting you exactly where you are. My honest advice: don't wait for "perfect" weather — pick the season that matches the experience you want, and let Edinburgh do the rest.
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Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
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