The best time to visit Edinburgh
For most travellers, the sweet spot in Edinburgh is September · June · October: 17° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.
Climate through the year
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 2° | Low | $ | Quiet |
| February | 7° / 2° | Low | $ | Quiet |
| March | 9° / 3° | Low | $ | Fair |
| April | 12° / 4° | Low | $ | Fair |
| May | 15° / 6° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| June | 18° / 9° | Moderate | $$ | Ideal |
| July | 19° / 11° | High | $$ | Great |
| August | 19° / 11° | High | $$$ | Great |
| September | 17° / 9° | Moderate | $$ | Ideal |
| October | 13° / 6° | Low | $ | Great |
| November | 9° / 4° | Low | $ | Quiet |
| December | 7° / 2° | Moderate | $$ | Fair |
The year in Edinburgh
Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Edinburgh.
When to go, depending on what you want
Practical basics
- Region
- Europe
- Local currency
- GBP
- Hemisphere
- Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
- Yearly range
- 2° – 19°
- Strongest months
- September, June, October
- Good for
- city · culture · nightlife · food
Events in Edinburgh
- Aug Edinburgh Festival Fringe — Thousands of comedy, theater, and cabaret shows take over venues across the city for three weeks.
- Aug Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — Massed pipe bands and military display teams perform nightly on the Castle Esplanade against the floodlit fortress.
- Dec–Jan Hogmanay — Street parties, a torchlight procession, and fireworks over the castle mark Scotland's famous New Year celebration.
- Apr Edinburgh International Science Festival — Talks, workshops, and exhibits across the city introduce visitors and locals to current research each spring.
Every month in Edinburgh
A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh?
For most travellers, the sweet spot in Edinburgh is September · June · October: 17° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.
What is the cheapest time to visit Edinburgh?
November — Prices run low season this month: some of the best deals of the year. Save 75%.
When should you avoid Edinburgh?
No major festivals fall in Edinburgh, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
What is the weather like in Edinburgh?
Average highs sit around 19°C with lows near 2°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.
