Edinburgh in Winter — Weather & What to Expect
Winter in Edinburgh (December, January, February) averages daytime highs of 7.0°C and lows of 2.9°C, with around 285.3mm of rain across the season (44 rainy days in total). It includes some of the best months of the year to visit (December, January, February).
In the northern hemisphere, winter in Edinburgh covers December, January, February.
Winter in Edinburgh month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 6.7°C | 2.7°C | 112.8mm | 16 | 9/10 |
| January | 6.8°C | 2.9°C | 73.5mm | 13 | 10/10 |
| February | 7.6°C | 3.1°C | 99.0mm | 15 | 10/10 |
What to pack for Edinburgh in winter
- Warm winter coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Compact travel umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
- Light waterproof layer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winter a good time to visit Edinburgh?
Winter in Edinburgh rates around 10/10 — excellent time to visit. Average highs are 7.0°C with 285.3mm of rain across the season.
How hot is Edinburgh in winter?
Daytime highs average 7.0°C (44.6°F) across December, January, February, with nights around 2.9°C.
What months are winter in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is in the northern hemisphere, so winter covers December, January, February.
See also: best time to visit Edinburgh · Edinburgh annual climate · Edinburgh in spring · Edinburgh in summer · Edinburgh in autumn
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Once you know what winter in Edinburgh looks like, find out exactly what to pack for Edinburgh at 247PackingList. For currency, language and country facts, see the United Kingdom guide at 247CountryInfo.
Winter in Edinburgh — what to pack
Travel clothing layers
Pack layers — temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Check Price →Check clothing sizes in United Kingdom at 247Sizing before you shop.
More winter travel essentials
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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.