What to expect in Edinburgh in December
December is a mixed month in Edinburgh. You get 7° / 2°, but manageable crowds at the big attractions. Worth it for the right traveller.
Edinburgh weather in December
Typical conditions in Edinburgh during December, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 7°C 45°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 2°C 36°F |
| Rainfall | Wet 60/100 |
| Total rainfall | 61 mm2.4 in |
| Rainy days | 11 |
| Sea temperature | 8°C 47°F |
| Daylight | 7 h 2 min |
| How it feels | Cool |
Average highs sit around 7°C with lows near 2°C. Expect a fair amount of rain, so plan indoor backups.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Moderate for Edinburgh — manageable crowds at the big attractions.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Proper cold-weather kit — a warm mid-layer, windproof outer, hat and gloves. Days peak near 7°C and nights fall to about 2°C. Add a compact rain shell and shoes you do not mind soaking; this is one of the wetter months.
What it costs
Costs in December sit around the yearly average for Edinburgh — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 45% less.
Who this month suits
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- Visitors who want to catch a festival
Events & what’s on
Look out for Hogmanay while you’re there.
- Hogmanay — Street parties, a torchlight procession, and fireworks over the castle mark Scotland's famous New Year celebration.
Edinburgh in December compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 13° / 6° | Low | $ | 60 |
| November | 9° / 4° | Low | $ | 60 |
| December · This month | 7° / 2° | Moderate | $$ | 41 |
| January | 7° / 2° | Low | $ | 55 |
| February | 7° / 2° | Low | $ | 58 |
These months score higher for Edinburgh on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in December
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in December.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
