Summer in Edinburgh feels like a blend of mild warmth, plenty of clouds, and skies that just can’t make up their mind. You’ll usually see average daytime highs around 19°C (66°F) in July, which is the warmest month. Nights cool down to about 11°C (52°F).
So, you won’t run into extreme heat, but you also won’t get those endless, sunny days that people rave about in southern Europe.
What stands out here is the long daylight and the city’s unpredictable weather. You might wake up to a bright morning, only for rain to roll in by afternoon, sometimes with barely any warning.
The air stays fresh, and even though rain is pretty common, it usually shows up as quick showers instead of day-long drizzles.
These conditions shape how people go about their day, from what they pack to when they wander the city’s historic streets or parks. If you know what to expect with temperature, rainfall, and daylight, you can prepare for a season that’s more about variety and mood than hot sunshine.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s summer feels milder than many other European cities. You’ll notice cool days, lots of cloud cover, and some temperature swings from day to night.
While extremes happen, the season usually stays steady and comfortable for being outdoors.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
Summer daytime highs range from 17°C (63°F) in June to about 19°C (66°F) in July. By August, it dips a little to 18–19°C (64–66°F).
Nights feel much cooler, often between 10°C and 11°C (50–52°F).
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C |
|---|---|---|
| June | 17.1 | 9.0 |
| July | 19.1 | 10.6 |
| August | 18.9 | 10.5 |
These averages show off the city’s oceanic climate. You won’t deal with much heat, but you’ll want to bring layers since mornings and evenings can feel chilly.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Edinburgh summers are mild, but sometimes hot spells sneak in. The warmest days can push above 25°C (77°F). On rare occasions, it’s even hit 30–31°C (86–88°F).
These spikes don’t last long—maybe a day or two at most.
Sometimes, nights in June drop close to 4°C (39°F), though that’s not the norm. The city’s spot on the coast helps keep things from swinging too wildly, so you won’t get those huge temperature jumps you find inland.
Heat records show Edinburgh only gets short bursts of warmth. Summers here stay cooler than down south in the UK, which is great if you’re not a fan of sweltering weather.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
The difference between day and night temperatures is pretty clear. Afternoons feel mild, usually topping out in the upper teens Celsius.
By late evening, temps drop back into the low double digits. Nights can feel downright cool, especially if there’s a breeze.
Because of this, you’ll want to dress in layers. Even in July, a light jacket or sweater comes in handy after sunset.
If you’re out late, expect a noticeable chill once the sun goes down. That coastal air cools things off quickly at night.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Edinburgh gets steady rainfall all year, but summer usually sees lighter totals than autumn. Rain mostly comes as light or moderate showers, and cloudy skies are pretty common even when it’s not raining much.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in summer is moderate but shows up often. June, July, and August each see about 60–80 mm of rain.
Totals shift a bit year to year, but the overall pattern stays pretty even.
August usually picks up the most rain, with about 70 mm spread over 20 or more days. June and July are just a touch drier, averaging 65–70 mm.
For comparison, October can go over 90 mm, so summer rain is less intense but still enough to notice.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~65 mm | 17 days |
| July | ~70 mm | 18 days |
| August | ~70–75 mm | 20–21 days |
So, you’ll probably get rain on most visits, but it rarely pours all at once.
Chance of Wet Days
You’ve got a decent shot at running into wet weather during summer. Rain falls on over half the days each month, but showers tend to be light and don’t last long.
In June, there’s about a 55% chance of rain on any given day. By August, that goes up to almost 65%, making it the wettest summer month for frequency.
Even when the totals aren’t huge, the steady pattern of drizzle and light rain keeps things damp.
It’s normal to see a few short showers in one day, with dry spells in between. Keeping a light waterproof jacket or umbrella handy just makes sense, since rain often pops up out of nowhere.
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation
Rain in Edinburgh doesn’t really follow a dry season, but there are some seasonal shifts. Summer brings frequent showers, while autumn brings heavier rain that sometimes sticks around longer.
Winter rain is steady but lighter, with the occasional bit of snow if you’re higher up. Spring is usually the driest, especially in April, when rainfall can dip below 70 mm.
By autumn, especially October, you’ll see the heaviest rain. For summer visitors, this means more rainy days but less intense rain than in the wetter autumn months.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Edinburgh’s summer skies often stay cloudy, though you do get brighter spells. You’ll notice more sunshine than in winter, but the city is still less sunny than a lot of the UK.
Average Cloudiness
Expect plenty of cloud cover during summer. Skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 50–60% of the time.
So, even though the days are long, the sun often hides behind layers of cloud.
The North Sea’s influence brings in moist air and winds that keep cloud banks drifting overhead. Even in July, mornings often start gray before maybe clearing up later.
Clouds don’t always mean rain, though. Many summer days are dry but still look dull or partly cloudy. That’s just how it goes in coastal Scottish cities.
Number of Sunny Days
Sunshine hours rise in late spring and early summer, hitting a peak in May and June with about 6 hours per day. By July and August, it drops a bit as clouds thicken and weather gets more unsettled.
Compared to southern England, Edinburgh gets fewer sunny days overall. For a quick comparison:
- May: ~6.4 hours of sun per day
- July: ~4.5–5 hours per day
- December (just for contrast): ~1.6 hours per day
You’ll want to plan for all sorts of conditions. Even if the afternoon looks sunny, clouds can roll in fast. That’s just part of Edinburgh’s summer climate.
Clear Versus Overcast Days
Totally clear days are pretty rare in Edinburgh. In summer, you might only get a handful where the sky stays blue all day.
Most days jump between short sunny breaks and long cloudy stretches. Overcast skies take over in August, which also happens to be one of the wetter months.
This mix changes how you experience the city. You’ll catch bright spells during outdoor plans, but clouds usually come back sooner or later.
Bringing layers and staying flexible with your plans helps you enjoy summer, even with all the cloud cover.
Daylight Hours and Sunrises
Summer in Edinburgh gives you those long, lingering days and short nights. Sunrise and sunset times shift as the season goes on, which changes how much daylight you get for exploring.
Length of Days Through Summer
From late June to early July, Edinburgh gets the longest days of the year. Around the solstice, daylight lasts about 17 hours and 30 minutes.
By August, days get a bit shorter, but you still get over 15 hours of light at the start of the month.
This steady change means you can plan activities differently as summer progresses. In June, it stays bright well past 10:00 pm, so you’ve got time for late walks or squeezing in extra sightseeing.
By late August, sunset shifts closer to 8:30 pm.
If you want to make the most of those long evenings, midsummer is definitely the time to visit.
Earliest Sunrises and Latest Sunsets
During midsummer, sunrise comes very early. Around mid-June, the sun’s up just after 4:25 am.
Sunset doesn’t hit until close to 10:00 pm, giving you some of the longest days you’ll find anywhere in the UK.
By July, sunrise moves a bit later, around 4:45–5:00 am, and sunset stays after 9:30 pm. In August, mornings start around 5:30 am, and evenings wrap up earlier, with sunset near 8:30 pm.
If you’re not used to bright mornings, those early sunrises can catch you off guard. Hotels and homes often use blackout curtains for a reason.
Late sunsets, though, let you enjoy the city well into the evening, perfect for sightseeing or outdoor dining.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Edinburgh’s summer usually feels mild, but the air can get pretty moist and breezy. Expect higher humidity than you’d find inland, along with winds that change direction thanks to the coast.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity stays fairly high in Edinburgh through summer. Relative humidity averages 75% to 85%, with July and August often on the higher side.
The air can feel damp, even when temps stay moderate.
You’ll probably notice mornings feel more humid, especially after rain overnight. Afternoons might drop a little, but with all the clouds and sea air, it never gets bone dry.
Most travelers don’t find the humidity uncomfortable, but it does mean clothes dry slower and the air can feel heavier on long walks.
Light, breathable clothing works best for outdoor plans.
Prevailing Winds in Summer
The city’s spot on Scotland’s east coast shapes the wind. In summer, you can expect average speeds of 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph), mostly from the west and southwest.
These winds carry maritime air over the city, keeping daytime temps cooler than inland.
Gusts usually stay moderate, but stronger bursts show up during unsettled weather spells. Breezes help clear clouds fast, leading to quick sunny breaks between showers.
For visitors, the wind feels refreshing on warmer days, but it can make evenings chillier than you’d expect from the numbers. A light jacket or windbreaker keeps you comfortable while you’re out exploring.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Summer in Edinburgh
Summer in Edinburgh means long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and frequent changes in the weather. You’ll find yourself enjoying outdoor festivals, wandering historic sites, and strolling around the city, but honestly, preparing for those unpredictable conditions and sorting out your arrival plans makes things way easier.
What to Pack for the Weather
Even in July and August, Edinburgh’s temperatures usually hover around 14–15°C (57–59°F). Sometimes, highs sneak up to 19–20°C (66–68°F).
Rain seems to show up often, so you’ll want to be ready for both cool and damp days.
Pack layered clothing:
- Lightweight shirts for when the sun actually comes out
- A cozy sweater or fleece for those chillier evenings
- A waterproof jacket or a compact raincoat
Make sure you bring comfy walking shoes with good grip, since those cobbled streets get slippery after a shower. You might think about carrying an umbrella, but honestly, wind usually makes a hooded jacket a better bet.
Daylight can last up to 17 hours in midsummer. That’s a lot, so sunglasses and sunscreen aren’t a bad idea, even with all the clouds. Tossing a small backpack over your shoulder lets you carry layers, water, and whatever else you need throughout your day.
Navigating Weather Changes
Edinburgh’s summer weather loves to keep you guessing. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re caught in a drizzle.
You might head out under clear skies and come back damp, so being flexible makes a big difference.
Check the forecast in the morning, but don’t trust it completely. Most locals rely on weather apps that update every hour, and honestly, they’re way more helpful than a daily forecast.
If you’re thinking about hiking up Arthur’s Seat or exploring the Royal Mile, pack a rain layer, even if it looks dry when you leave. When showers roll in, museums and galleries make great backup plans.
Wind is almost always in the mix, especially near the coast or up on the city’s hills. A windproof jacket or a smart layering system keeps you comfortable without having to lug around heavy clothes.
Arriving via Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Airport sits about 8 miles (13 km) west of the city center. In summer, you’ll find flights coming and going often, with both domestic and international routes on offer.
Getting to the city isn’t complicated, but you’ve got a few options:
- Tram: It runs every 7 minutes and gets you to the center in around 30 minutes.
- Airlink bus: This one goes straight to central stops, taking about 30–40 minutes.
- Taxi or rideshare: These are faster, maybe 20–30 minutes if traffic’s kind, but they’ll cost you more.
If you land during peak festival season, you might run into big crowds at baggage claim. Waiting for transport could take longer than usual.
Booking bus or tram tickets ahead of time? That can really save you some hassle.
The airport feels pretty compact, and you can usually get around without much trouble. Still, summer traffic can slow things down, so give yourself a bit of extra time at security and boarding.
Keeping your travel documents and essentials handy makes it way easier to get through checkpoints.