When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is beautiful and amazing all year round. Each season brings something new. And, although there is no best time to visit Edinburgh, here’s a breakdown of each season, so you can choose the best time for you…
Winter
December, January & February
Winter is the coldest season in Edinburgh. The average temperature is 4°C, with lows of 1°C and highs of 7°C. It dips below zero at times, so you’re most likely to see ice, frost and snow at this time of year.
Edinburgh sparkles over the festive period. A wonderful time to enjoy our stunning Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations. Throughout December, the Christmas markets are a highlight with twinkling lights, artisan stalls, festive food and drink, and exciting fairground attractions. Then on New Year’s Eve, the city hosts ones of the most new years parties in the world! Edinburgh’s Hogmanay features concerts, street parties and spectacular midnight fireworks. It’s a bucket-list event for many travellers.
January and February are quieter months, which means you’ll usually find the best value accommodation and travel deals during this period. Despite the colder weather, there is plenty to see and do. From magical winter walks to cosy nights in the pub. Winter is also the ideal season to enjoy a warming dram of Scotch whisky!
Check out Edinburgh Tourist’s monthly guides to December, January and February for event highlights.
Spring
March, April & May
Spring is a fairly mild season in Edinburgh. The average temperature is 8°C, with lows of 2°C and highs of 14°C. It is the driest season of the year, although you should still expect some rain.
It’s a lovely time to visit as the weather warms up and the hours of sunlight increase. Edinburgh’s parks and gardens, like Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, burst into bloom. Cherry blossoms line the streets, creating a stunning backdrop for walks and photography. It’s also an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit the nature reserves such as Hermitage of Braid, or explore the nearby coastline.
Although quieter than the peak tourist months of summer, you’ll find plenty of festivals and events to keep you busy in spring. Highlights include Six Nations Rugby, Edinburgh International Science Festival and Whisky Month.
Find more event suggestions with Edinburgh Tourist’s guides to March, April and May.
Summer
June, July & August
Summer is the warmest and sunniest season to visit. The average temperature is 14°C, with lows of 9°C and highs of 19°C.
This is peak tourist season in Edinburgh. There is always a festival happening and no shortage of weird and wonderful things to see. August is extremely busy as several summer festivals quite literally take over the city. It’s difficult to describe the festival atmosphere, an incredible thing to experience. For most of August, the Edinburgh International Festival showcases performances in music, theatre, opera and dance. It attracts world-renowned artists and offers a high-quality, curated programme. Running alongside it, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a more open festival, featuring thousands of arts performances of every kind. Then there’s the Military Tattoo, the Book Festival and so much more!
Summer is also when we get our longest and warmest days, allowing more time for sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening activities. Many cafés and restaurants set up outdoor seating, and it’s also a great time to enjoy a picnic, as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
For a full list of festivals and events, see Edinburgh Tourist’s guides to June, July and August.
Autumn
September, October & November
Autumn is a fairly mild time of year. The average temperature is 10°C, with lows of 3°C and highs of 16°C. It’s the rainiest season to visit.
As the hustle and bustle of the summer festivals ends, the nights draw in and gorgeous autumnal colours transform the city. There is still so much to do at this time of year and the crowds disperse a little, making it easier to explore.
In autumn, Edinburgh’s parks transform into a canvas of red, orange and gold. The surrounding hills, like Arthur’s Seat and the Pentland Hills, offer breathtaking views as well. It’s cooler than summer, but still comfortable for outdoor exploration.
See Edinburgh Tourist’s monthly guides to September, October and November for event highlights.
