What is the weather like in Edinburgh throughout the year?

Edinburgh experiences varying weather throughout the year. The warmest month is August with average highs of 18°C. The coolest month is January.

What is the weather like in Edinburgh in July?

Edinburgh in July scores 66/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Recommended for planning your trip.

Who should visit Edinburgh in July?

July in Edinburgh is ideal for: Cultural tourists, Business travelers.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh | 30-Year Weather Analysis

Why July is the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

Is July a Good Time to Visit Edinburgh?

👍Recommended for planning your trip(66/100)

Short Answer

Edinburgh in July features 15.5°C seas - too cold for swimming but stunning for coastal walks. Air temperatures average 18°C with 32% rain probability.

Decision Factors

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Cold sea - swimming challenging

15.5°C sea temperature - Polar Plunge

Health precautions needed

Be aware of: Leptospirosis, Hantavirus, Tuberculosis (TB)

Plenty of sunshine

9.8h of sunshine daily

Calm, family-friendly seas

0.28m wave height - Lake-like

Shoulder season - balanced conditions

59% of peak - good value with moderate crowds

Good For

🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites
💼
Business travelers
Climate-controlled meetings unaffected by weather

Who Should Avoid

🏖️
Beach lovers
Sea temperature only 15.5°C - too cold for comfortable swimming
👴
Elderly travelers
78% humidity creates difficult conditions

Warmest

August

18°C avg

Coolest

January

6°C avg

Driest

April

22% rain

Wettest

October

34% rain

Planning Your Trip to Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Wondering when is the best time to visit Edinburgh? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to Edinburgh are July, August, April. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 18°C with only 32% chance of rain.

The Edinburgh climate varies throughout the year. August is the hottest month with average highs of 18°C, while January is the coldest at 6°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in Edinburgh, avoid October when rainfall peaks at 34% probability.

For the best Edinburgh weather experience, we recommend visiting during April for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of July and August for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Edinburgh Weather by Month: Climate Guide

Click any month to explore detailed daily forecasts for Edinburgh

🏆 85-100: Excellent👍 70-84: Great👌 55-69: Good🤔 40-54: Fair⚠️ 0-39: Challenging

When to Visit Edinburgh: Travel Style Guide

Personalized Edinburgh travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Budget Travelers

Shoulder season with good weather and lower prices

MarchMayOctober

Avoiding Crowds

Fewer tourists with acceptable weather conditions

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

AprilMayJune

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

JulyAugust

Edinburgh Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit Edinburgh are July, August, April. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (18°C avg) and low rainfall (32% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in Edinburgh?

August is historically the warmest month in Edinburgh with average highs of 18°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in January when temperatures average around 6°C.

When is the rainy season in Edinburgh?

October typically sees the most rainfall in Edinburgh with a 34% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in April when rain probability drops to just 22%.

How accurate is the Edinburgh weather forecast?

Our Edinburgh climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to Edinburgh.

What should I pack for Edinburgh?

Packing depends on when you visit. In August (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 18°C weather. In January (coolest month), bring layers for 6°C temperatures.

Is Edinburgh good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in Edinburgh are April (only 22% rain chance) and July for optimal weather conditions. Avoid October when rain probability peaks at 34%.