In short
The best time to visit Edinburgh for good weather and manageable crowds is May, June or September. Visit in August for the Fringe and the other festivals, but book early and expect high prices. From mid-November to early January, the city has its Christmas markets and Hogmanay. January to March is quiet, cheap and atmospheric, but cold and dark.
People often ask me when they should come to Edinburgh. The honest answer is that it depends what you want: long, light summer evenings, the madness of the August festivals, or the cosy, golden quiet of winter. There’s no bad time to visit, but there are very different experiences.
Here’s what each month is really like, from a local.
The short answer
- For weather and crowds: May, June or September.
- For festivals: August.
- For Christmas and New Year: mid-November to early January.
- For low prices and quiet streets: January to March.
What’s the weather like?
Edinburgh’s weather is mild and changeable. It’s rarely hot, rarely freezing for long, and it can rain in any month. The bigger difference between seasons is daylight: around 17 hours at midsummer and only about 7 hours in midwinter. That shapes everything, from sightseeing to photos.
Whenever you come, pack a waterproof jacket, layers and shoes with grip.
Spring: March to May
Spring is when the city wakes up. The days lengthen fast, the parks fill with daffodils and then cherry blossom, and the crowds are still manageable.
March
Still cold and often wet, but the days are getting longer and the city is quiet. A good month for museums, pubs and low hotel prices.
April
Cherry blossom on the Meadows, and the Edinburgh Science Festival usually brings events across the city. On the night of 30 April, the Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill marks the start of summer with fire, drums and performance.
May
One of my favourite months. Long, often bright days, fresh green in the parks and still none of the August crowds. Perfect for climbing Arthur’s Seat and walking the Water of Leith.
Summer: June to August
June
The longest days of the year, with light in the sky until well after 10pm. The weather is often at its best, and the city is busy but not yet overwhelmed. The Royal Highland Show, Scotland’s big agricultural show, takes place just outside the city.
July
Warm (by Scottish standards), busy and lively, with the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival and school holidays bringing more visitors. Book accommodation well ahead.
August: festival month
August is unlike anything else. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, takes over hundreds of venues, alongside the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. The Royal Mile and the Mound fill with street performers, and the city runs on adrenaline and late nights.
It’s brilliant, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive month of the year. Book accommodation months in advance, and expect queues everywhere.
Autumn: September to November
September
The festivals are over, the crowds thin out, and the weather is often still mild. One of the best months to visit. Look out for Doors Open Day, when buildings normally closed to the public open their doors for free.
October
Golden trees along the Water of Leith and in Dean Village, crisp mornings and dramatic skies. The Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs in October, and Samhuinn, a fire festival marking the start of winter, takes place around Halloween.
November
The days shorten quickly, but the low light is beautiful. From mid-November, Edinburgh’s Christmas opens in Princes Street Gardens. St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s national day, is on 30 November.
Winter: December to February
December
Christmas markets, the big wheel over Princes Street, carol concerts and, at the end of the month, Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s world-famous New Year celebration. It’s cold and dark by mid-afternoon, and one of the most atmospheric times to visit. Read my Edinburgh at Christmas guide.
January
After New Year the city goes quiet. Hotels are cheap, the sights are empty and the light is low and golden. On 25 January, Burns Night suppers celebrate Robert Burns with haggis, whisky and poetry.
February
Quiet, cold and good value. International rugby at Murrayfield during the Six Nations brings crowds on match weekends, so check the fixtures before you book.
So when should you come?
- First visit, want it all? Late May, June or September.
- Love culture and chaos? August, and book early.
- Romantic and festive? December.
- On a budget? January to March.
Read my guide to Edinburgh in winter, or start planning with my three-day itinerary.
Good to know
Questions people ask
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh?
May, June and September usually give the best mix of mild weather, long days and manageable crowds. June has the longest days, with more than 17 hours of daylight around midsummer.
When is the cheapest time to visit Edinburgh?
January to March, outside the New Year period. Hotels are usually at their cheapest, and the main sights are quiet.
How busy is Edinburgh in August?
Very busy. The Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Book Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo all take place in August, and the city's population swells. Book accommodation months ahead.
Does it snow in Edinburgh?
Occasionally, but snow in the city centre is unusual and rarely lasts long. Winters are more often cold, wet and windy than snowy.
What is the weather like in Edinburgh?
Mild and changeable. Summers are rarely hot and winters are cold but seldom freezing for long. Rain is possible in any season, so always pack a waterproof.
