Edinburgh
City in United Kingdom
Edinburgh is a city in the United Kingdom with a population of about 488,000. Located 534 kilometers from London, it attracts visitors to historic sites such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and St Giles' Cathedral.
What to see
The city offers several historical landmarks concentrated in the area. Edinburgh Castle and the nearby Holyrood Palace are central to the city's history. Visitors also explore St Giles' Cathedral. For those interested in outdoor activities, Arthur's Seat provides a natural landmark within the city. Additional cultural institutions include the National Library of Scotland, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Scottish National Gallery.
When to go
Temperatures in Edinburgh are mildest from June through August, with daily highs ranging between 16 °C and 18 °C. These months have regular rainfall, with July seeing rain on about 19 days. The winter months from December to February are colder, with daily highs around 6 °C and lows around 2 °C. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with October being the wettest month at 93 mm.
Getting there
Edinburgh Airport is the primary gateway to the city, located 11 kilometers away in Ingliston.
Top sights in Edinburgh
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 18 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 |
| Average low, °C | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| Rainfall, mm | 82 | 58 | 66 | 50 | 58 | 68 | 72 | 73 | 77 | 93 | 80 | 76 |
| Rainy days | 15 | 14 | 16 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Edinburgh (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- National Library of Scotland
- National Museum of Scotland
- Scottish National Gallery