2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Edinburgh — January

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

January is a good time to visit Edinburgh. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 7°C during the day. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Wind can be noticeable, especially in exposed areas—bring a windbreaker. With only around 8 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

5.9
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

7°C

Avg Low

3°C

Rainy days

11days

Daylight

7.6h

Feels like 3°C / -1°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

64mm

Sunshine

3.2h/day

Humidity

85%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

0.8

Low
Wind

25 km/h (gusts 50)

Is January a good time to visit Edinburgh?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

08:36

Sunset

16:09

7.6h daylight

Visiting Edinburgh in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Limited sunshine — expect overcast skies
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in January

Events & Festivals

🎉
Hogmanay (New Year Celebration)
December 31–January 1 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 Current 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 8°C 4°C 16d (99mm) 2.3h
87% Very Humid
0.5 Low
Wet

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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 January

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.

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

Planning a trip to Edinburgh?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Edinburgh?
January is typically good for visiting Edinburgh, with average highs of 7°C and around 11 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 January?
Yes, nights in Edinburgh during January are cold, averaging 3°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 January?
With highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C in January, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Comfortable walking 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 January?
Edinburgh typically sees around 11 rainy days in January. 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 January?
In January, Edinburgh gets approximately 7.6 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 January peak season in Edinburgh?
No, January 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: February 2026

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