Scotland Weather Forecast
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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 14 June 2026 by the Pressorbit weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Britain’s maritime weather is famously changeable – and Edinburgh sits squarely in that pattern, with sunshine often followed by showers within the same hour. The live forecast above gives the short-term picture, but understanding the city’s seasonal averages helps you prepare for whatever the weather brings.
What does the live forecast above tell you about Edinburgh?
The live conditions above update automatically from Met Office data, showing temperature, wind speed, precipitation probability and cloud cover for the next few hours and days. For Edinburgh, the key is to look at the hourly breakdown rather than the daily high alone – a 12°C afternoon can feel much cooler in a brisk Firth breeze. The 10-day and 14-day outlooks included in the live widget give a useful trend but lose precision beyond day 5 or 6. For longer-range planning, the 10-day forecast page provides a clear view of the week ahead.
How does Edinburgh’s climate change through the year?
Edinburgh has a temperate maritime climate, meaning mild winters and cool summers compared to much of the UK, with rain spread fairly evenly across the seasons. Below are the typical ranges you can expect.
Spring (March to May)
Daily highs climb from 8–9°C in March to 14–16°C by May. Lows remain chilly: 1–3°C at the start, rising to 6–8°C by late spring. Rainfall averages 45–60 mm per month, with April often the driest. Sunshine increases noticeably from around 4 hours per day in March to 6–7 hours in May.
Summer (June to August)
Highs typically reach 17–19°C, though occasional heatwaves push mercury above 25°C. Night-time lows stay around 10–12°C. Rainfall totals 55–70 mm per month, with July the wettest summer month on average. The famous Edinburgh Festival coincides with the warmest period, but pack a waterproof – showers are still common.
Autumn (September to November)
September remains pleasant with highs of 16–18°C, dropping to 7–10°C by November. Rainfall increases through the season, from 60 mm in September to 75–85 mm in October and November. Fog can develop in the Forth Valley during calm autumn mornings, reducing visibility on the roads.
Winter (December to February)
Highs average 5–7°C, with lows between 0°C and 2°C. Frost occurs on 10–20 days each winter, and snow falls on 10–15 days on average, though accumulations are usually light and short-lived. Rainfall persists at 50–65 mm per month. Wind chill from the east can make temperatures feel several degrees colder – check the UK weather warnings for ice and snow alerts.
How does the maritime location affect Edinburgh’s weather?
Edinburgh sits on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, exposed to easterly winds off the North Sea. This keeps summer temperatures lower than in London or Cardiff, and means winter cold snaps often arrive with a dry, stable easterly flow. The city lies in the rain shadow of the Highlands and Southern Uplands, so it receives less rainfall than Glasgow or the west coast – roughly 700 mm per year versus over 1,100 mm in Fort William. However, the damp maritime air ensures frequent low cloud and drizzle, especially in the mornings.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
For the most reliable weather, late May to early June offers the best combination of long daylight (17+ hours), moderate temperatures (14–18°C) and lower rainfall than midsummer. August is busier due to the Festival, but expect more rain and occasional heat spikes. If you prefer crisp, clear winter days and fewer crowds, late January to February can be rewarding – pack thermal layers and a windproof jacket. For a broader view of Scottish conditions, the UK weather hub covers other regions.
What should you pack for a trip to Edinburgh?
The cardinal rule: layers. A lightweight waterproof jacket is essential year-round. In spring and autumn add a mid-layer (fleece or sweater). Summer requires a raincoat and a warm top for evenings – even July nights drop to 10°C. Winter demands a thick coat, hat, gloves and scarf; sturdy shoes with grip help on icy pavements. Suncream? Yes – UV levels can be moderate in May and June, especially if you are out all day on Arthur’s Seat.
Does Edinburgh have any local microclimate quirks?
The city’s topography creates subtle variations. The Royal Mile and Old Town, built on a ridge, tend to be windier and slightly cooler than sheltered valleys like Holyrood Park. The northern suburbs along the Forth coast can experience haar – a sea fog that drifts inland on summer mornings, sometimes burning off by midday. In contrast, areas south of the city (e.g., Morningside, Colinton) are often a degree or two warmer and less foggy.
What will the weather be in Edinburgh tomorrow?
Check the live forecast above for the most accurate hour-by-hour picture. Typically, tomorrow’s conditions in Edinburgh will follow the maritime pattern: a mix of cloud, some sunny spells and a chance of light rain or drizzle. Overnight lows will be 1–5°C depending on the season, and daytime highs 6–19°C across the year.
How reliable is a 14-day forecast for Scotland?
For the scotland weather forecast 14 day provided by the Met Office or BBC, confidence is moderate out to 5–7 days, then drops significantly. Beyond 10 days only broad trends (colder, wetter, drier) are trustworthy. For day-by-day planning, use the weather in scotland 10 days view on our 10-day forecast page – it offers higher-resolution data.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh receives about 700 mm of rain annually – less than London (690 mm) and far less than the Scottish west coast. Rain falls on roughly 130–140 days per year, but it is often light drizzle rather than heavy downpours. The scotland weather forecast 30 days met office outlooks can help you spot wetter or drier periods well in advance, though precise day-by-day detail is limited at that range.
Where can I find a 30-day forecast for Scotland?
Long-range forecasts like the scotland weather forecast 30 days from the Met Office and BBC (including bbc scotland weather forecast 30 days) describe overall weather patterns rather than exact days. They indicate whether a month is likely to be wetter, drier, warmer or cooler than average. For Edinburgh, these are useful for trip planning but should be combined with the live forecast above as your date approaches.
