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Edinburgh, Scotland · Temperate oceanic

Edinburgh in September: go or not?

Tough period. Edinburgh in September only reaches 4.2/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 55.95°N · 3.19°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Avoid
Edinburgh · September
4.2
10–16°
Temperature
46%
Rain
4h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Connor Mollison via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in September

Autumn marks the end of peak season in Edinburgh. Temperatures drop (16.0°F) and rain returns (46.0% of days). With 46.0% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned.

September ranks 5 out of 12 months in Edinburgh. Compared to August: −4°F daytime, −0.9h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in September

UV index
2 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
10°
Sea
15°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
12.4h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 25
Compare

Is September the right month?

The best month in Edinburgh is July (4.4/10), 0.2 pt higher than September.

See July →See all 12 months →
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).

Read Gilles' full review →

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 →
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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✈️
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →

🎟️ Activities & tours · Edinburgh

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
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 trip.

Country · Scotland

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyPound Sterling (£)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+2.25°F/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 64°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 43°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 53%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore

Other destinations in September

If September doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate
DublinIrelandYorkUnited KingdomAmsterdamNetherlandsCotswoldsUnited KingdomBathUnited Kingdom
Nearby
Lake DistrictUnited Kingdom166 kmIsle of SkyeUnited Kingdom236 kmBathUnited Kingdom511 kmWild Atlantic WayIreland522 km
Other top picks
Cape VerdeCape Verde5.3SalCape Verde5.6Marsa AlamEgypt5.8Sharm el-SheikhEgypt5.8HurghadaEgypt5.9
← AugustOctober →
🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map
Location

Where is Edinburgh ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Scotland
Temperate 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 64°F highs, 54°F 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 54°F, while afternoon highs average 64°F.
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 September?
In September, the sea averages 59°F in Edinburgh: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Edinburgh in September?
The average UV index reaches 2 in September in Edinburgh (low), with about 12.4h of daylight. No protection needed.