2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Edinburgh — October

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

Climate Overview

October is a wet time to visit Edinburgh. Mild temperatures around 13°C make it comfortable for exploring. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.1
GoTripzi Score Good

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

Avg High

13°C

Avg Low

8°C

Rainy days

16days

Daylight

10.6h

Feels like 11°C / 5°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

113mm

Sunshine

4.6h/day

Humidity

84%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

1.8

Low
Wind

24 km/h (gusts 48)

Is October a good time to visit Edinburgh?

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

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
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Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:42

Sunset

18:17

10.6h daylight

Visiting Edinburgh in October: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities

Things to Do in October

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 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 Current 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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5
3
3
Your Best MonthFebScore: 5.8

Where to Stay

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

Edinburgh

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

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for October

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 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 October a good time to visit Edinburgh?
October is typically wet for visiting Edinburgh, with average highs of 13°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 October?
Nights in Edinburgh during October are cool at around 8°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Edinburgh in October?
With highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C in October, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell. 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 October?
Edinburgh typically sees around 16 rainy days in October. 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 October?
In October, Edinburgh gets approximately 10.6 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 October peak season in Edinburgh?
No, October 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