The month in detail
What to expect in January
Winter in Edinburgh is cool (6.0°C during the day). Days are short (1.8h of sunshine) but the city reveals a different side. Expect rain on 42.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.
January ranks 11 out of 12 months in Edinburgh. Compared to December: 5 pts fewer rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
0 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
2°
Sea
5°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
7.3h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 26
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Edinburgh is July (4.4/10), 3.7 pts higher than January.
Context
Our verdict
Edinburgh, Scottish capital: 540,000 inhabitants, medieval old town (UNESCO) on extinct volcano, 18th-century Georgian city (also UNESCO = rare double listing).
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Edinburgh
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Edinburgh
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach holiday.
Country · Scotland
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyPound Sterling (£)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+1.25°C/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 18°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 6°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 53%
🏖️ Beach holiday
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
DublinIrelandYorkUnited Kingdom
AmsterdamNetherlandsCotswoldsUnited KingdomBathUnited Kingdom
Location
Where is Edinburgh ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
ScotlandTemperate oceanic climate with a 4.4 → 0.7 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
55.95°N · 3.19°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
August is the best month with 18.0°C highs, 12.0°C lows, 5.2h of sunshine and 47.0% rainy days.
How many hours of sunshine does Edinburgh get in August?
Edinburgh averages 5.2 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 4.2/10.
What is the rainiest month in Edinburgh?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Edinburgh in August?
In August, overnight lows reach 12.0°C, while afternoon highs average 18.0°C.
Is Edinburgh good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Edinburgh scores 0.7/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 4.2/10.
When should you avoid Edinburgh?
January is the most difficult month to visit Edinburgh, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Edinburgh in January?
In January, the sea averages 5°C in Edinburgh: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Edinburgh in January?
The average UV index reaches 0 in January in Edinburgh (low), with about 7.3h of daylight. No protection needed.