Edinburgh Weather & Climate Guide: A Comprehensive Year-Round View

Edinburgh’s weather is defined by its maritime setting on the east coast of Scotland, characterized by moderation, variability, and a unique phenomenon known as the "haar." While it shares the unpredictable reputation of the rest of the country, Edinburgh is significantly drier than its western counterparts like Glasgow, sitting in the rain shadow of the Highlands.

Typical Weather Patterns and the "Four Seasons in One Day"

Edinburgh is famously unpredictable. A common local saying is that you can experience "four seasons in one day." A morning of bright, crisp sunshine can rapidly transition into a gray drizzle, followed by a stiff breeze and a sudden clear afternoon. This is due to the city's position between the hills and the sea, where weather systems from the Atlantic and the North Sea frequently collide and shift.

Seasonal Trends

• Spring (March to May): This is often the driest and brightest time of year. Temperatures gradually rise from 6°C (43°F) to 13°C (55°F). Early spring can still feel wintery with occasional frost, but by May, the city begins to bloom, and the days lengthen significantly.
• Summer (June to August): Summers are cool and mild rather than hot. Average highs hover around 18°C–20°C (64°F–68°F). The northern latitude means extremely long daylight hours, with the sun setting as late as 10:00 PM in late June. While heatwaves are rare, temperatures occasionally reach 25°C (77°F).
• Autumn (September to November): This is a season of transition marked by morning mists and golden light. October is historically the wettest month. Temperatures drop from 14°C (57°F) in September to 9°C (48°F) by November, and the wind speeds begin to increase as Atlantic depressions become more frequent.
• Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, damp, and windy, though rarely extreme. Average temperatures range from 1°C to 7°C (34°F–45°F). While snow makes for a picturesque castle backdrop, it usually only settles for a few days at a time. The most striking feature of winter is the darkness, with the sun setting before 4:00 PM in late December.

Regional Phenomena: The Haar

A specific weather phenomenon unique to the east coast of Scotland is the haar. This is a thick, cold sea fret or coastal fog that rolls in from the North Sea, typically in late spring or summer. It can plunge the city into a gray, chilly mist even when the rest of the country is enjoying warm sunshine. It often lingers over the Old Town and the coast, giving the city a ghostly, atmospheric appearance.

Microclimates and Topography

Edinburgh’s dramatic topography creates distinct microclimates. The city is built on volcanic crags and hills, led by Arthur’s Seat and Castle Rock.

• Arthur’s Seat: At its summit, the wind can be significantly stronger and the temperature several degrees lower than in the city center.
• The Shore vs. The City: Coastal areas like Leith and Portobello are often windier and more susceptible to the haar than the inland "New Town" or the sheltered valleys of Dean Village.

Historical Context and Adaptation

Historically, Edinburgh was known as "Auld Reekie" (Old Smoky) because the city’s many coal fires created a permanent haze that mingled with the naturally damp air. Today, the air is clean, but the wind remains a legendary constant. Many locals have abandoned umbrellas—which are often destroyed by sudden gusts in the narrow "closes" (alleys) of the Royal Mile—in favor of high-quality waterproof shells.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

Beyond the numbers, Edinburgh weather is a sensory experience. The "stiff breeze" (often a moderate gale) is a near-constant companion that makes 10°C (50°F) feel much sharper than it would in a landlocked city. The high humidity means the cold is "damp," a biting chill that requires layers to manage. However, when the sun does break through, the light has a piercing, clear quality that illuminates the city’s dark volcanic stone with striking clarity.