Thinking about a Christmas trip to Edinburgh? You’ll want to be ready for short days, chilly air, and a good chance of damp weather. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 5°C (41°F), and at night, it often gets close to freezing. Rain shows up pretty often, but it’s mostly light or moderate, not those torrential downpours.
Snow? It happens, but don’t count on it. Some years bring a dusting, but it rarely sticks around. More often, you’ll feel crisp air and see lots of clouds, with the occasional burst of brightness that makes the Christmas lights look even more magical.
The North Sea and the Firth of Forth really shape Edinburgh’s weather. Conditions can flip quickly. If you know what’s coming, you’ll pack smarter and won’t get caught off guard. Here’s a look at what December usually feels like in Edinburgh, from daylight hours to the odds of snow, so you can plan with a bit more confidence.
Overview of Edinburgh Weather in December
December brings Edinburgh short, chilly days and lots of dampness. The winters here are mild compared to some other UK spots, but rain, clouds, and limited daylight definitely set the mood.
Typical December Temperatures
December temperatures in Edinburgh stay on the cool side, but you probably won’t see extreme lows. Daytime highs usually reach 6–8°C (43–46°F), and nights dip to about 1–3°C (34–37°F).
Frost can show up overnight, but heavy snow doesn’t really happen in the city. If snow falls, it’s usually light and melts fast. You’ll want to be ready for damp cold rather than deep freezes.
Wind often makes it feel colder than it actually is. Layer up—a warm coat, gloves, and a scarf go a long way when you’re out exploring.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rain falls pretty often in December, so you should expect plenty of damp days. Edinburgh typically gets 16–20 days of measurable precipitation in the month. Rainfall totals usually land around 50–70 mm (about 2–3 inches).
Showers tend to be light or moderate. Rain usually comes in short bursts, and you’ll likely find breaks in between, so it’s not just endless drizzle.
Snow might show up, but it’s not a big part of December’s weather. If it does snow, it usually mixes with rain or melts quickly. Honestly, a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes are way more useful than snow boots.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
December is about as dark as it gets in Edinburgh. You get only about 7 hours of daylight each day, with the sun rising after 8 a.m. and setting before 4 p.m.
Clouds hang around most of the time. Clear skies are rare, and you’ll see overcast or mostly cloudy conditions almost daily. Sunshine averages just 1–2 hours per day, so those bright spells feel precious.
The gray backdrop might sound gloomy, but holiday lights and decorations make things feel cozy. If you want to do stuff outside, aim for the middle of the day—that’s your best shot at daylight.
Christmas Week Weather Trends
During Christmas week, you’ll get cool days, cold nights, and lots of dampness. Rain is more likely than snow, and the wind can really make it feel colder.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Daytime temperatures usually sit between 4°C and 8°C (39°F–46°F). If the sun breaks through, it can feel a bit milder, but clouds usually keep things cool.
At night, it drops to 1°C–3°C (34°F–37°F). Frost isn’t unusual, especially in sheltered spots or when the wind dies down. Mornings can be icy, so watch your step.
Sunset comes early, around 3:40 pm, making evenings feel long and chilly. Pack warm layers, gloves, and a hat if you plan to walk around after dark.
Rain and Snow Probability
Rain beats snow in late December. Edinburgh clocks in with 15–20 wet days during the month, so expect frequent showers—though they’re usually light or moderate.
Snow does happen, but it’s brief and patchy. A white Christmas is rare, and when snow does fall, it melts quickly in the city. If you want more snow, you’ll need to head for higher ground outside Edinburgh.
It’s best to expect damp conditions. Waterproof shoes and a good jacket are your friends. An umbrella might help, but the wind can make a hooded coat a smarter pick.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds really shape how cold it feels. They usually blow at 15 to 25 km/h (9–15 mph), and you’ll notice stronger gusts along the coast or in higher spots.
Most of the time, winds come from the west or southwest, bringing in moist air from the Atlantic. This keeps the weather unsettled and cloudy, with passing showers.
Sometimes, winds switch to the north or east. When that happens, it gets colder, and you might see more frost or light snow. The breeze almost always makes it feel chillier than the numbers say, so windproof outerwear is a good idea.
Likelihood of Snow at Christmas
Snow can fall in Edinburgh at Christmas, but it’s not something you can count on. The city’s coastal spot and relatively mild winters mean cold weather happens often, but heavy snow is unpredictable and usually short-lived.
Historical Snowfall Data
December in Edinburgh is typically cold and damp, with daytime temperatures between 3°C and 6°C (37°F–43°F). Nights often slip close to freezing, so you might get the odd snow shower.
Records show snow does fall in December, but it doesn’t stick around long in the city center. The Pentland Hills nearby hold onto snow more than the city itself.
Rain or sleet happens more often than snow. Over the years, measurable December snowfall in Edinburgh only happens a handful of days each decade. Even when it snows, the North Sea’s influence means it usually melts fast.
In northern Scotland, snow is a lot more reliable in December. Edinburgh’s location makes lasting snow cover pretty rare, even though it sits far north.
Chances of a White Christmas
The Met Office says a white Christmas means at least one snowflake falling on December 25 at an official site. That’s happened in Edinburgh, but it’s not common.
Forecasts and old weather patterns put your odds of seeing snow on Christmas Day at about 20–30%. Sometimes the chances are a bit higher, but most years, the day is cold, cloudy, or rainy.
Bookies and weather services sometimes claim Edinburgh is one of the UK’s top spots for Christmas snow, but honestly, the odds are still pretty slim. If you’re dreaming of snow, you’ll have better luck in the Highlands or up north, where December snow is much more likely.
Daylight Hours and Sunlight During Christmas
Late December in Edinburgh means daylight is in short supply. The sun rises late and sets early, so you don’t get much time for outdoor plans or sightseeing.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Around Christmas, the sun comes up close to 8:40 AM and sets just before 3:45 PM. That’s about 7 hours of daylight. Light fades fast in the afternoon, so most visitors squeeze in their sightseeing during midday.
Compared to southern UK cities, Edinburgh gets nearly an hour less daylight. London, for example, has almost 8 hours on Christmas, while Edinburgh doesn’t even hit 7.5.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 24–26 | ~8:40 AM | ~3:45 PM | ~7 hrs |
You’ll get just a short window of natural light, with a bit of twilight before and after.
Impact of Latitude on Day Length
Edinburgh sits at about 56° north. That’s farther north than plenty of other European capitals. Because of the Earth’s tilt, the sun stays low in the sky, and daylight hours shrink as you move away from the equator.
Cities farther south in Europe get longer days in December. Madrid or Rome, for example, see about 9 hours of daylight, while Edinburgh is stuck at 7. That difference can catch you off guard if you’re used to more sun.
The northern latitude also means the sun barely rises above the horizon, so even during the day, it can feel dim. If you’re planning outdoor photos or sightseeing, keep that in mind.
Influence of the Firth of Forth on Local Climate
The Firth of Forth really shapes Edinburgh’s weather. It moderates temperatures and affects wind, moisture, and cloud cover. Near the water, conditions can feel pretty different from those farther inland, especially in winter.
Effect on Temperature and Wind
The Firth of Forth helps keep Edinburgh’s temperatures a bit milder than inland Scotland in December. Water doesn’t heat up or cool down as fast as land, so the estuary keeps nighttime temperatures from dropping too sharply. You’ll notice this most on calm, clear nights when frost hits harder inland than along the coast.
Winds are another story. The open water lets air move freely, so wind speeds go up in exposed spots. Near the shoreline, you’ll often feel stronger gusts than in sheltered areas.
Westerly and southwesterly winds lose some punch crossing the Highlands, but when they hit the firth, they can funnel through the estuary. This makes things breezier, especially near bridges and coastal towns.
In winter, those winds bring damp, chilly air from the North Sea. That mix of cold and wind often makes it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Fog and Humidity Patterns
The firth also brings fog and higher humidity. When cold winter air drifts over the slightly warmer water, it can create mist or low cloud along the shore. This usually happens late at night or early in the morning.
Humidity stays higher near the water than inland. Evaporation from the estuary adds moisture to the air, making things feel damper.
You might notice fog sticking around longer near the firth, especially if the wind isn’t strong. The estuary slows down how quickly low clouds clear out, so coastal areas can stay gray even after the city center brightens up.
That extra moisture also means frost and icy patches show up more often along the coast, even if it’s just a little below freezing.
What to Pack and Local Tips for Christmas Weather
You’ll want to be ready for cold, damp weather and short days. Rain is frequent, winds can bite, and icy cobblestones mean sturdy shoes are a must. Dress in layers and be ready for sudden weather shifts, and you’ll have a much better time exploring Edinburgh in December.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
In December, daytime highs usually reach about 7°C (45°F). The wind and rain, though, can make it feel much colder. You’ll want to pack a waterproof winter coat with a hood, since showers are pretty common.
Don’t forget a warm hat, scarf, and gloves. Wind chill hits hard in open spots like Calton Hill or up by Edinburgh Castle.
Go for water-resistant shoes or boots with good traction. Cobblestone streets turn slick fast after rain or a bit of frost. Thin-soled shoes just won’t keep your feet warm or dry, so I’d skip those.
For layering, bring some thermal tops, a wool or fleece sweater, and lightweight base layers. This way you can peel things off or pile them on as you wander between cold streets and toasty indoor spaces.
A universal travel adaptor comes in handy for charging your electronics. A compact umbrella might seem smart, but honestly, the wind sometimes turns umbrellas into a lost cause.
Staying Comfortable Outdoors
You’ll probably spend a lot of time outside, maybe at the Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens or just wandering along the Royal Mile. To stay comfortable, wear layers you can peel off indoors, since the heating inside can get pretty strong.
I’d suggest carrying a small backpack for spare layers, gloves, or even a thermos of hot tea. A scarf or neck gaiter really helps block the wind, especially in those open, blustery spots.
Think about Edinburgh’s steep hills when you plan your walking routes. Warm, breathable socks make long walks way less miserable.
If you tend to get cold, hand warmers are a lifesaver at outdoor events like the Hogmanay festivities.
Duck into a café or a bookshop for a short break when you need to warm up, and you’ll still soak in the city’s festive vibe.