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Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh is great to visit year-round, but the best time is during spring and autumn. Spring brings blooming flowers and milder temperatures, while autumn offers vibrant foliage and cozy vibes.

 

High Season in Edinburgh

High season in Edinburgh is during summer, from June to August, when the city is bustling with tourists and events.

Calton Hill, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Adam Wilson @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Edinburgh

Shoulder season in Edinburgh is in spring from April to May and in autumn from September to October. These periods offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Low Season in Edinburgh

Low season in Edinburgh is during winter, from November to March, when the weather gets colder. However, this is a great time to experience the city's festive atmosphere during Christmas and Hogmanay.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Edinburgh over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Edinburgh in Spring

Spring in Edinburgh brings blooming flowers, longer days, and milder temperatures. It is a great time to explore the city's parks and enjoy outdoor activities.

gray concrete castle
Jörg Angeli @ Unsplash

Edinburgh in Summer

Summer in Edinburgh is the high season, with longer days, festivals, and events. The city is bustling with tourists and offers a lively atmosphere.

Edinburgh in Autumn

Autumn in Edinburgh is characterized by vibrant foliage, cooler temperatures, and cozy vibes. It is a great time to visit historical sites and enjoy the city's cultural events.

Edinburgh in Winter

Winter in Edinburgh can be cold and windy, but it also offers a festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and the famous Hogmanay celebration. It's a great time to explore the city's indoor attractions and cozy pubs.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Edinburgh for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Edinburgh in January

→ -2 to 2 °C (28 to 35 °F)

January in Edinburgh is cold, but you can experience the city's traditional Hogmanay celebrations and enjoy cozy indoor activities.

Edinburgh in February

→ -3 to 2 °C (27 to 36 °F)

February in Edinburgh is cold, but you can still enjoy cultural events and explore the city's museums and galleries.

brown concrete building near trees during daytime
Connor Mollison @ Unsplash

Edinburgh in March

→ -2 to 4 °C (29 to 39 °F)

March in Edinburgh brings milder temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens.

Edinburgh in April

→ 1 to 7 °C (33 to 44 °F)

April in Edinburgh offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Don't miss the cherry blossoms in the Royal Botanic Garden.

Edinburgh in May

→ 4 to 11 °C (39 to 52 °F)

May in Edinburgh is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Explore the city's historical sites and enjoy festivals like the Beltane Fire Festival.

Edinburgh in June

→ 8 to 15 °C (46 to 58 °F)

June in Edinburgh is the start of summer and the high season. Enjoy long daylight hours and vibrant festivals like the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Edinburgh in July

→ 11 to 17 °C (52 to 63 °F)

July in Edinburgh offers long daylight hours and a bustling atmosphere. Experience the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe and enjoy outdoor concerts.

building and sky
Peter Cordes @ Unsplash

Edinburgh in August

→ 10 to 16 °C (51 to 61 °F)

August in Edinburgh is the peak of summer with festivals like the Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Edinburgh in September

→ 8 to 13 °C (46 to 56 °F)

September in Edinburgh is the beginning of autumn with milder temperatures and vibrant foliage. Enjoy cultural events and explore the city's museums.

Edinburgh in October

→ 4 to 9 °C (40 to 48 °F)

October in Edinburgh offers beautiful autumn foliage and a cozy atmosphere. Don't miss the Edinburgh Festival of Wine and the Samhuinn Fire Festival.

Edinburgh in November

→ 2 to 6 °C (35 to 42 °F)

November in Edinburgh marks the start of winter. Experience the city's festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and events.

Edinburgh in December

→ -1 to 3 °C (29 to 37 °F)

December in Edinburgh is festive, with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and the famous Hogmanay celebration to welcome the New Year.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Edinburgh for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Edinburgh offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, and budget-friendly hostels. Choose a location close to the city center for easy access to attractions.

brown concrete house bell under white clouds
Kate Bielinski @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Edinburgh has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trams, which are convenient for getting around the city. Consider getting a day or multi-day ticket for unlimited travel.

Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport is the main airport serving the city. It offers flights to domestic and international destinations. You can reach the city center from the airport by taxi, bus, or tram.

Airport to City Center

To travel from the airport to the city center, you can take a taxi, the Airlink bus service, or the tram. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Is Edinburgh Safe?

Edinburgh is generally a safe city to visit. However, as with any destination, it is important to take normal precautions to ensure your safety and belongings.

According to the Global Peace Index, United Kingdom ranks 37th among all countries in the world in 2023. United Kingdom achieved a score of 1.69 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Edinburgh

The best time to visit Edinburgh is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. However, summer is also great for festivals and events.

Best Edinburgh Visit Length

A recommended stay in Edinburgh is at least 3-4 days to explore the city's attractions, historical sites, and enjoy the cultural events.

Must-See Attractions in Edinburgh

Some must-see attractions in Edinburgh include the Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur's Seat, and the National Museum of Scotland.

Edinburgh Nightlife: What to Do

Edinburgh offers a vibrant nightlife with pubs, bars, and live music venues. Explore areas like the Grassmarket, Rose Street, and the Royal Mile for a lively evening.

Getting Around Edinburgh Efficiently

Getting around Edinburgh is easy with the public transportation system. Buses and trams cover the city, and walking is also a great way to explore the compact city center.

Edinburgh 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day by visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle and enjoying panoramic views of the city. Then, explore the historic Royal Mile, including St. Giles' Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. End the day with a ghost tour in the evening.

  1. Edinburgh Castle
  2. Royal Mile
  3. St. Giles' Cathedral
  4. Palace of Holyroodhouse
  5. Ghost Tour
woman in white shirt looking at the city during daytime
Stuart Hay @ Unsplash

Day 2

Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. Then, hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the charming neighborhood of Stockbridge and enjoy a walk along the Water of Leith.

  1. National Museum of Scotland
  2. Arthur's Seat
  3. Stockbridge
  4. Water of Leith

Day 3

Start your day by visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia, a former royal yacht. Then, explore the vibrant area of Grassmarket, known for its pubs and shops. In the evening, take a sunset walk along Calton Hill.

  1. Royal Yacht Britannia
  2. Grassmarket
  3. Calton Hill