Weather in Edinburgh in May
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Book now, pay at pickup — compare Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt and 800+ rental companies for May in Edinburgh.
Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youEdinburgh in May is cool — daytime temperatures average 14.1°C, dropping to 7.3°C at night. The month is moderately rainy (14 rainy days), with roughly 10.4 hours of sunshine a day. It is one of the best months of the year to visit. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit Edinburgh — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your Edinburgh packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for Edinburgh in May
Search flights to Edinburgh
Compare 100+ airlines for May — one search, best price.
Search Flights →Travel clothing layers
Pack layers — temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Check Price →What to pack for Edinburgh in May
- Warm layers
- Light jacket or fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light waterproof layer
Compare all months in Edinburgh
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.8°C | 73.5mm | 10/10 |
| February | 7.6°C | 99.0mm | 10/10 |
| March | 9.1°C | 69.4mm | 10/10 |
| April | 10.7°C | 38.2mm | 10/10 |
| May | 14.1°C | 68.7mm | 10/10 |
| June | 17.3°C | 58.2mm | 10/10 |
| July | 18.5°C | 92.5mm | 10/10 |
| August | 18.0°C | 83.8mm | 10/10 |
| September | 16.8°C | 86.1mm | 10/10 |
| October | 12.9°C | 142.8mm | 9/10 |
| November | 9.9°C | 79.8mm | 10/10 |
| December | 6.7°C | 112.8mm | 9/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit Edinburgh →
For facts about United Kingdom — currency, language and dialling code — see our United Kingdom country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a Edinburgh travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in United Kingdom before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Edinburgh?
May rates 10/10 for visiting Edinburgh — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 14.1°C, 68.7mm of rain across the month and about 10.4 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Edinburgh in May?
In May, Edinburgh has average highs of 14.1°C (57.4°F) and average lows of 7.3°C (45.1°F).
Does it rain in Edinburgh in May?
Some rain is likely. Edinburgh averages 68.7mm across about 14 rainy days in May, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in Edinburgh in May?
For Edinburgh in May (14.1°C highs / 7.3°C lows), pack warm layers plus light jacket or fleece, comfortable walking shoes, light waterproof layer.
More essentials for Edinburgh in May
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
Check Price →Travel first aid kit
Compact TSA-friendly kit for peace of mind wherever you travel.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.