Edinburgh Holiday Weather Overview
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland combines both ancient and modern Scottish atmosphere with medieval relics and cultural festivals.
The most populous city in Scotland, Edinburgh’s sights to behold include Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland.
The Edinburgh Festival in August is a tremendous period for Edinburgh, with the atmosphere and warm summer weather making it an ideal time to visit.
Rainfall is common in Edinburgh, but its location in the path of the warm Gulf Stream keeps Edinburgh comparatively dry compared to other Scottish cities.
Things to do and see in Edinburgh
Modern architecture is a feature of Edinburgh, referred to as the “Athens of the North” that immediately captivates visitors. Gothic churches, remarkable museums and amazing galleries are amongst the many sights.
A feature tourist spot is Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that dominates the Edinburgh skyline, whilst Holyrood Park is beauty natural environment and a few minutes’ walk from Old Town Edinburgh, which features many medieval buildings.
The Palace of Holyrood is the beautiful residence of the Scottish monarch in Edinburgh, whilst museum fans will be satisfied at the Natural Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery.
Edinburgh festivals are widely highlight as a feature of the city, with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh Military Tattoo both part of the Edinburgh Festival, a collective for term for many arts and culture festivals in Edinburgh.
Best food and places to eat in Edinburgh
Edinburgh cuisine features a range of unique dishes to be experienced, with Haggis the most famous amongst them - a savoury pudding made from sheep organs.
Otherwise, Edinburgh hosts a dynamic variety of restaurants, with La Favourita a popular, modern pizzeria, whilst an Asian influence can be experienced at the otherwise Scottish menu at Wedgwood.
However, for those seeking a view with their dinner, Tower Restaurant comes highlight recommended for its intimate setting overlooking the Edinburgh skyline.
What languages are spoken in Edinburgh?
English is the main language spoken in Edinburgh, although the ancient Celtic language of Scottish Gaelic is still spoken across Edinburgh and many parts of Scotland.
Scots is a language infrequently spoken in parts of Edinburgh, predominantly spoken throughout the Lowlands and Northern Isles.
Which currency is used in Edinburgh?
The currency of Edinburgh is the British pound, with the Euro not recognised as a currency in Edinburgh. Visitors entering Edinburgh from outside the UK are advised to collect British pound currency before entering.
As of August 2014, Scotland is preparing to vote for its independence in September 2014 and there are currently doubts as whether an independent Scotland would adopt the Euro.
Top hotels in Edinburgh
Hotels of different prices are scattered across Edinburgh, although for a more unique stay, Edinburgh visitors can stay at university rooms with accommodation available all-year round.
Otherwise, a luxurious five-star hotel called The Chester Residence offers authentic yet modern décor, whilst The Howard offers intimacy and grand rooms.
The Hotel Ceilidh-Donia is amongst the many three-star hotels that provide a charming, affordable stay, along with Edinburgh City Hotel.
When is the best month to visit Edinburgh?
The summer is generally the best time to visit Edinburgh, with festivals drawing tourists from all over the world and the atmosphere subsequently tremendously enjoyable.
Summer also provides Edinburgh with more sunlight than any other season and whilst rain is always likely, it remains less so during summer, with the increased heat a compensatory feature.
Spring & Autumn in Edinburgh
Edinburgh weather is generally quite unpredictable, with the maritime climate of Edinburgh resulting in days of pure rain or delightful sun.
Spring and autumn in Edinburgh are very similar, with spring occurring from March-May while autumn greets Edinburgh between September-November.
Spring is normally a tad warmer, but the average temperature of both seasons generally hovers at around 10ºC, with night-time lows relatively chilly throughout.
Conditions have been known to alter during both seasons in Edinburgh and whilst rainfall can often occur, it is received less in Edinburgh than most Scottish cities and very little extreme weather is ever experienced.
Summer in Edinburgh
Edinburgh summers see the temperature rise greatly between June-August. July sees the temperature generally stay above 19ºC, which is the hottest month in Edinburgh.
Rainfall can still reduce levels of sunshine, however, with six hours of sun per day hitting Edinburgh in June which is then reduced to four hours in August.
Early September still catches summer weather with the average high temperature at 16ºC and the average low at around 8ºC.
Winter in Edinburgh
December-February in Edinburgh can be harsh for visitors, with the temperature often falling below freezing and frosts develop many nights during this season.
Roughly one hour of sunshine per day can be experienced in Edinburgh during winter in December, but by February this increases to three.
Rainfall is consistent throughout Edinburgh which is normally delivered between 15-17 days per month through the season.
What to pack and wear in Edinburgh?
Warm clothes and an umbrella are advised for visiting Edinburgh at any time of the year, due to the unpredictable nature of rainfall.
T-shirts, shorts and light skirts are recommended for the summer, although comfortable shoes are a necessity to navigate Edinburgh, such is the amount of sightseeing available.
Best months to visit Edinburgh?
June and July are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Edinburgh. Our weather forecaster has analaysed past 10 years of weather data through Edinburgh weather forecast and Edinburgh weather history and based on that they forecast these months temperature to be around 16°c and average of 83.2 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Edinburgh?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around 2°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Edinburgh?
July and October receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 91.50mm.
Travelling to Edinburgh? Check out our Weather averages of Edinburgh to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Edinburgh section.