Mid-spring · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in April
Edinburgh sees its driest month, with just 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain, highs of 51°F (11°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C).
It scores 61/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 51°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 39°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 2.1 in (53 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 54 min
- Comfort score
- 61/100 · Good
What April feels like
Cool days top out near 51°F (11°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 39°F (4°C).
Rain is moderate at about 2.1 in (53 mm) for the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 75%.
Plan around April
April is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – September).
- Comfort improves from 51/100 in March to 61/100.
- Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so April falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Edinburgh & the Cairngorms route is planned for Late Nov – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — April falls outside it.
What to pack for April
- Insulated jackethighs only 51°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Edinburgh in April
April is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Victoria Street
Curving street of colourful shopfronts that drops from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket.
Why now April scores 61/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Edinburgh Castle
Clifftop fortress holding the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Calton Hill
City hill with monuments and the classic view down Princes Street.
Why now Highs near 51°F and 2.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Edinburgh's Christmas
The city's Christmas market and fair, with stalls, rides and a big wheel in East Princes Street Gardens below the Scott Monument.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park with a 45-minute climb to city-wide views.
Oink
Hog-roast rolls carved from a whole pig in the window.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 51°F.
Nearby in April
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in April~89 mi · highs 49°F, 3.3 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in April~95 mi · highs 51°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in April~112 mi · highs 52°F, 2.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in April~218 mi · highs 52°F, 2.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Edinburgh in April: quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Edinburgh?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 61/100 against a best of 78 in June – September. Expect highs of 51°F (11°C) and 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain. Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so April is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Edinburgh in April?
Average highs are 51°F (11°C) and average lows 39°F (4°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in April?
Not much: about 2.1 in (53 mm) of rain falls across April on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in April?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 51°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Edinburgh in April?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.