2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Edinburgh — December

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

☔ Climate Overview

December is a wet time to visit Edinburgh. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 8°C during the day. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. With only around 7 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

5.6
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

8°C

Avg Low

4°C

Rainy days

16days

Daylight

7h

Feels like 4°C / 0°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

99mm

Sunshine

2.3h/day

Humidity

87%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

0.5

Low
Wind

23 km/h (gusts 47)

Is December a good time to visit Edinburgh?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

--

Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

08:37

Sunset

15:39

7h daylight

Visiting Edinburgh in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Limited sunshine — expect overcast skies
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎉
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Mid-November–January Festival

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Edinburgh Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 7°C 3°C 11d (64mm) 3.2h
85% Very Humid
0.8 Low
Good
Feb 8°C 4°C 14d (80mm) 4.7h
82% Very Humid
1.6 Low
Wet
Mar 10°C 4°C 13d (60mm) 6.9h
80% Very Humid
3.4 Moderate
Wet
Apr 12°C 5°C 12d (45mm) 9.3h
75% Humid
5.7 High
Good
May 16°C 8°C 11d (57mm) 10.4h
77% Humid
6.8 High
Excellent
Jun 18°C 11°C 11d (50mm) 10.8h
76% Humid
7.4 Very High
Excellent
Jul 19°C 12°C 14d (73mm) 9.7h
79% Humid
6.3 High
Excellent
Aug 19°C 12°C 13d (69mm) 9.1h
80% Very Humid
5.4 High
Excellent
Sep 17°C 10°C 11d (66mm) 7.3h
81% Very Humid
3.8 Moderate
Excellent
Oct 13°C 8°C 16d (113mm) 4.6h
84% Very Humid
1.8 Low
Wet
Nov 10°C 5°C 12d (77mm) 3.5h
85% Very Humid
1 Low
Good
Dec Current 8°C 4°C 16d (99mm) 2.3h
87% Very Humid
0.5 Low
Wet

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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Your Best MonthFebScore: 5.8
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5.82.Mar
5.83.Oct
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5.45.Apr
5.16.Jan
4.77.Nov
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4.310.Aug
4.311.May
3.412.Sep
2.9

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Edinburgh – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Edinburgh

Scotland's capital of castles and cobbled closes, with Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, rich literary heritage, and sweeping views from volcanic hills.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Cool Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Edinburgh?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Edinburgh?
December is typically wet for visiting Edinburgh, with average highs of 8°C and around 16 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Edinburgh in December?
Yes, nights in Edinburgh during December are cold, averaging 4°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Edinburgh in December?
With highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in December?
Edinburgh typically sees around 16 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Edinburgh in December?
In December, Edinburgh gets approximately 7 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Edinburgh?
No, December is not peak season in Edinburgh. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/London)

Last Updated: March 2026

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