Fall in Edinburgh brings cooler days, shorter daylight hours, and a steady mix of rain and cloud cover.
Daily high temperatures usually drop from the low 60s °F (around 17°C) in early September to the mid-40s °F (about 8°C) by late November.
Low temperatures follow the same pattern, often dipping close to freezing as winter gets closer.
Rain falls pretty regularly, with light showers and damp conditions sticking around most of the season.
Cloudy skies appear more often than not.
You’ll still get the odd burst of sunshine, though.
Winds slowly pick up, making the air feel crisp, especially toward the end of fall.
This mix of cool temperatures, frequent rain, and shifting daylight really shapes the autumn mood in Edinburgh.
Packing layers becomes important, and knowing what kind of weather to expect helps you enjoy a walk through Old Town or along the coast.
Overview of Edinburgh’s Fall Climate
Edinburgh’s fall weather shifts quickly from the mild days of late summer to colder, wetter conditions by November.
You’ll notice shorter daylight hours, plenty of cloud cover, and steady winds that make it feel cooler than the thermometer says.
Geographical Setting and Climate Type
Edinburgh sits on Scotland’s east side, right along the Firth of Forth, which opens to the North Sea.
The city gets an oceanic climate, so you’ll see moderate but frequent rainfall and milder temperatures compared to places farther inland.
In fall, the sea slows down the temperature drop in September.
But by October and November, winds from the Atlantic and North Sea bring in damp air and thick clouds.
Rain falls often, but it’s not usually heavy.
You can expect 55–75 mm per month during fall, spread over about 10–12 wet days.
Showers happen a lot but don’t usually last long, so carrying a waterproof jacket makes more sense than trying to use an umbrella in the wind.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Edinburgh feels a lot cooler and darker.
September brings average highs of about 16–17 °C (61–63 °F), but by November, daytime highs drop to around 9–10 °C (48–50 °F).
Nights get chilly, with lows often near 3–5 °C (37–41 °F).
Sunshine hours take a hit too.
May and June average over 6 hours of sun per day, but October drops to about 3 hours, and November gets closer to 2.5 hours.
The days shrink and the clouds roll in, giving fall a pretty gray look.
Rainfall is a bit higher than spring but a lot like summer.
October usually ends up as one of the wetter months, though totals stay moderate compared to western Scotland.
Snow almost never shows up in fall, but you’ll see more frosty mornings by late November.
Influence of Scotland’s Location
Scotland’s northern latitude really changes the fall experience.
By mid-September, the sun sets around 7:30 pm, but by mid-November, you’re looking at sunset near 4 pm.
That quick loss of daylight makes evenings feel long and, honestly, a bit cold.
Edinburgh’s spot east of the Highlands also matters.
The mountains block some of the heaviest Atlantic rain, so the city stays drier than Glasgow or the west coast.
Still, steady winds can make it feel colder than you’d expect.
The North Sea has its own impact.
Moist air from the sea brings mist and low clouds, especially in October and November.
With the cooler temperatures, you get that damp, crisp feeling that really defines Edinburgh’s fall.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Edinburgh
During autumn, steady cooling sets in across Edinburgh.
Days get shorter, nights grow longer, and temperatures drop from mild in early September to downright chilly by late November.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
In September, average highs reach 63°F (17°C) and lows hover near 50°F (10°C).
This part of the season still feels pretty comfortable, especially in the afternoons.
By October, highs slip to about 55°F (13°C), and lows fall to 43°F (6°C).
Nights get cool enough that you’ll want a jacket, even during the day.
In November, highs average 46°F (8°C) and lows dip to 36°F (2°C).
Frost starts to show up, and evenings feel cold.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 63°F / 17°C | 50°F / 10°C |
| October | 55°F / 13°C | 43°F / 6°C |
| November | 46°F / 8°C | 36°F / 2°C |
So, you’ll see a steady drop of about 17°F in highs and 14°F in lows from September through November.
Temperature Trends Through Autumn
The temperature drop happens gradually but it’s consistent.
Early September often feels cool, not cold, while late November brings a real taste of winter.
Daytime temperatures rarely go above 69°F (20°C), even in early fall.
By late November, nighttime temperatures can fall close to 27°F (-3°C), though that’s not the norm.
Compared to mid-summer, when highs reach the mid-60s, autumn definitely marks the shift.
By late fall, temperatures get close to those in Edinburgh’s coldest months, so November feels very different from September.
The cooling also shortens the growing season, which usually wraps up around late October.
Hourly Temperature Patterns
Temperatures in Edinburgh change a bit through the day, but things stay cool overall.
September mornings often start near 50°F (10°C), warming up to the low 60s by mid-afternoon.
By October, mornings begin in the low 40s, and afternoons reach the mid-50s.
You’ll notice the warmest part of the day gets shorter as daylight shrinks.
In November, mornings can hover close to freezing, and afternoons only reach the mid-40s.
Nights are coldest, usually dropping into the 30s.
The hourly range isn’t huge, but with less daylight and lots of clouds, afternoons can feel chillier than the numbers suggest.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Edinburgh’s autumn brings steady rainfall, with no long dry spells.
You can expect frequent wet days, moderate totals each month, and only small changes in how hard it rains as fall goes on.
Frequency of Wet Days
Rain falls a lot in autumn, but it’s usually light or moderate, not heavy downpours.
You’ll probably see 15 to 20 days of measurable rain per month from September through November.
October is usually the wettest month for rainy days, averaging around 18 days with precipitation.
September and November have a few less, but you’ll still notice drizzle or showers on about half the days each month.
Since it’s so often damp, it’s smart to keep waterproof clothing handy, even if the forecast doesn’t mention storms.
Rain usually comes in short bursts, so you might get dry spells within the same day.
Average Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall totals in autumn stay pretty steady, though October is the peak.
On average, you’ll see:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~70–80 mm | ~2.8–3.1 in |
| October | ~85–90 mm | ~3.3–3.5 in |
| November | ~75–85 mm | ~3.0–3.3 in |
These numbers come from long-term weather records.
Even though the totals are moderate compared to wetter parts of Scotland, the frequent light rain makes things feel damp most of the time.
Rainfall Variability Across Autumn
Rainfall patterns shift slowly as fall moves from late summer warmth into early winter.
September feels milder and a bit drier, with longer breaks between showers.
By October, rainfall increases in both frequency and amount, making it the wettest stretch.
November brings cooler air and shorter days, but rainfall usually dips a bit compared to October.
Still, the difference is not dramatic.
You won’t see sharp swings from dry to wet, just a steady rhythm of light to moderate rain.
That consistency makes Edinburgh’s autumn weather predictable, even if it’s rarely dry for long.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
In Edinburgh during fall, skies usually look more overcast than clear.
The amount of daily sunlight drops steadily as the season goes on.
You’ll notice shorter days, fewer bright hours, and a big shift toward cloudier skies compared to summer.
Typical Cloudiness in Fall
Cloud cover in Edinburgh increases as autumn moves forward.
Early in the season, about half the days are mostly cloudy.
By late November, that number climbs to almost two-thirds.
So, you’ll see more gray skies than blue ones.
Edinburgh’s spot on Scotland’s east coast exposes it to moist Atlantic air, which often leads to low, thick clouds.
These clouds can stick around all day, even when it’s not raining.
You might still catch clear patches, especially in September, but by October and November, those bright breaks get rare.
If you’re visiting, plan for mostly overcast conditions and don’t expect many long views or sunsets.
Sunshine Hours Per Day
Sunshine hours drop fast through fall.
In September, you get about 4–5 hours of sun per day on average.
By October, it’s around 3 hours, and in November, it’s often less than 2 hours daily.
This isn’t just because the days are shorter—clouds block the sun, too.
Even when the sun does show up, it might only peek through for a bit.
Compared to spring and early summer, it’s a big change.
For example, May averages over 6 hours of sunshine, while December barely manages 1–2 hours.
If you love daylight for outdoor stuff, September gives you the best mix of mild weather and usable sun.
Changes in Daylight Length
Daylight hours shrink quickly during fall in Edinburgh.
In September, you get about 13 hours of daylight, which is plenty for exploring.
By October, it’s down to around 10–11 hours.
By late November, you might only see 7–8 hours of daylight.
That quick shift really affects how you plan your day.
Mornings start later and evenings get dark much earlier than you might expect.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Early September: Sunrise ~6:30 AM, Sunset ~7:45 PM
- Late November: Sunrise ~8:15 AM, Sunset ~3:45 PM
So, if you want to do things outside, plan them earlier, especially later in the season.
Indoor spots like museums or cafés come in handy once it gets dark.
Wind, Humidity, and Other Weather Factors
Edinburgh’s fall weather feels damp and breezy, thanks to its coastal location and frequent Atlantic systems.
You’ll notice steady winds and moderate humidity, both of which affect how cold or mild the day feels.
Prevailing Winds and Gusts
Winds in Edinburgh during fall usually blow from the southwest, bringing in moist air from the Atlantic.
These winds are steady but not wild, with average speeds between 12–16 mph (19–26 km/h).
Gusts can get stronger if you’re up on the hills or near the coast.
The city’s spot between the Firth of Forth and surrounding hills means wind strength can change suddenly.
Walking through Old Town’s narrow closes feels sheltered, but open spots like Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill often get much windier.
Storm systems show up more in late October and November.
While they’re not extreme by global standards, gusts can go over 30–40 mph (48–64 km/h).
If you’re planning to be outside, be ready for brisk conditions, especially in the evenings.
Humidity Levels During Fall
In Edinburgh, humidity usually stays pretty high in autumn, hovering between 75% and 90%. That’s pretty standard for a maritime climate, and it definitely adds to that cool, damp feeling you notice—even if the temperature itself isn’t all that low.
When you mix high humidity with wind, the air feels colder than the thermometer says. Take a day at 10°C (50°F) with damp air—it often feels chillier than the same temperature in a dry place.
Rain falls often, but it’s usually light or just a quick shower. Drizzle is more common than a real downpour.
Since the air stays moist, drying clothes or gear outside can take ages. If you’re exploring the city, quick-dry layers and waterproof outerwear make life a lot easier.
Travel Tips and Seasonal Considerations
Edinburgh’s autumn brings quick temperature swings, plenty of rain, and shorter days. If you plan ahead, you’ll stay comfortable and get the most out of local events.
Packing Advice for Autumn Visits
You really need to prep for all kinds of weather conditions. Mornings feel chilly, afternoons might warm up, and evenings can turn damp or windy. The best bet? Dress in layers.
Definitely bring a waterproof jacket with a hood, since October and November can be pretty wet. Pair it with comfortable waterproof shoes—cobbled streets get slick fast.
A small windproof umbrella might come in handy, but honestly, gusts make it tough to use on open hills like Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat.
Pack light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and thermal tops for those colder days. By November, you’ll want scarves, gloves, and hats—it can get close to freezing.
For indoor plans, neat but casual clothes work just fine. Most pubs and restaurants are warm inside, so lighter layers underneath will keep you comfy once you’re indoors.
Getting to Edinburgh: Airport Weather Insights
Edinburgh Airport sits on the city’s western edge, so weather changes fast thanks to the nearby coast and hills. In autumn, you’ll see lots of rain showers, low clouds, and sometimes fog that delays flights.
Winds can get pretty strong across the runway in October and November. Major disruptions don’t happen often, but it’s smart to allow extra time for connections if you’re traveling during a stormy spell.
Inside the airport, it’s warm enough, but you’ll feel the chill as soon as you step outside. Grab your jacket before you leave baggage claim or wait for transport.
Public buses, trams, and taxis connect the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes. Wet or windy weather can slow traffic a bit, so factor that in if you’ve got timed reservations.
Impact on Local Events and Activities
Autumn weather shapes your experience of Edinburgh’s cultural calendar. Outdoor spots like Princes Street Gardens or Arthur’s Seat feel best in September or early October when you get more daylight.
By late autumn, days get short, so plan your walks earlier.
Rainy weather makes museums, galleries, and historic sites extra appealing. Many, like the National Museum of Scotland, are free and keep you out of the rain.
Festivals such as the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in October or the Samhuinn Fire Festival on Calton Hill suit the season, but you’ll need warm clothes and waterproof shoes.
Even a simple stroll down the Royal Mile changes in autumn. Wet cobblestones and misty evenings make things quieter, and you’ll want to watch your step and dress for damp weather.
How Edinburgh’s Fall Weather Compares Globally
Edinburgh’s autumn brings mild temperatures, frequent rain, and shorter days. The city lines up with other northern coastal regions, but its cool climate stands out compared to places that hang onto late summer warmth.
Similar Cities Worldwide
When you check out Edinburgh’s fall weather, you’ll see it shares a lot with other cities in the marine west coast climate zone. Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Hamburg also get cool, damp autumns with average temperatures between 9°C and 15°C.
Rainfall patterns look pretty similar. In Edinburgh, October and November usually bring 38–41 mm of rain, and cities like Hamburg or Amsterdam record about the same. You’ll get steady showers instead of big storms, so waterproof clothing is a must.
Daylight drops off fast by November. Edinburgh gets less than 8 hours, just like most of northern Europe. Southern European cities, like Rome or Barcelona, keep longer days and warmer weather.
| City | Avg. Temp (°C) Sep-Nov | Rainfall (mm) Sep-Nov | Daylight (hrs in Nov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 9–14.7 | 38–41 | ~7.5 |
| Amsterdam | 10–15 | 35–42 | ~8 |
| Copenhagen | 8–13 | 40–50 | ~7.5 |
Warm Summers Versus Cool Autumns
Edinburgh’s climate really makes the shift from summer to autumn feel more dramatic than in a lot of other places. After warm summers with highs around 17°C, the city cools off fast by late September. By November, you’re looking at temperatures closer to 9°C.
But if you look at cities with continental climates, like Vienna or Budapest, they often hang onto warmer conditions into October. Their averages stick closer to 15–18°C. These inland spots just don’t lose heat as quickly as Edinburgh, which faces the North Sea head-on.
If you compare Edinburgh to North American cities, you’ll notice autumn here is milder but definitely wetter. Take Toronto for example. October in Toronto can bring crisp, dry days with highs near 14°C. By November, though, frost and even early snow show up. Edinburgh cools off earlier, but heavy snow doesn’t usually hit until winter.
So, what does this all mean? You’ll probably deal with cool, damp, and breezy conditions if you visit Edinburgh in the fall. It’s not like the lingering warmth in southern Europe, or the sharp cold you get inland in North America. Autumn here feels pretty short, almost like it’s in a hurry to move from summer’s mildness to winter’s chill.