Late summer · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in August
The year's rain peaks now, with about 3.9 in (100 mm) falling in Edinburgh, alongside highs near 64°F (18°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C).
At 76/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (100 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 78%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What August feels like
Highs near 64°F (18°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Lows average 52°F (11°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.9 in (100 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 78%.
Plan around August
August is one of Edinburgh's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort holds steady from July (78 → 76/100).
- August sits inside the May – Sep window our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends.
- Our Edinburgh & the Cairngorms route is planned for Late Nov – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — August falls outside it.
What to pack for August
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Edinburgh in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Calton Hill
City hill with monuments and the classic view down Princes Street.
Why now August scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The monarch's official Scottish residence and ruined abbey.
Victoria Street
Curving street of colourful shopfronts that drops from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket.
Why now Highs near 64°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Oink
Hog-roast rolls carved from a whole pig in the window.
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.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
The city's New Year festival; the 31 December street party on Princes Street ends with fireworks over the castle.
Nearby in August
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in August~89 mi · highs 61°F, 5.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in August~95 mi · highs 63°F, 6.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in August~112 mi · highs 64°F, 4.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in August~218 mi · highs 64°F, 3.6 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 August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Edinburgh?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 76/100. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain. August is inside the May – Sep window our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends.
How cold is Edinburgh in August?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in August?
Some: about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in August?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in August
- Scotland’s Highland Rail Line May – Sep
Planning Edinburgh in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.