Early winter · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in December
Edinburgh cools off: highs slip to 43°F (6°C), from 47°F in November, with lows of 37°F (3°C) and about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 43°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 37°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 2.9 in (73 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~6 h 43 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 43°F (6°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Nights cool to an average low of 37°F (3°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.9 in (73 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 77%.
Daylight is short, roughly 6 h 43 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Shortest days of the year, about 6 h 43 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 52/100 in November to 45/100.
- Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so December 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 — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 43°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Edinburgh in December
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
The city's New Year festival; the 31 December street party on Princes Street ends with fireworks over the castle.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best 31 Dec, night.
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.
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park with a 45-minute climb to city-wide views.
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.
The Kitchin
Tom Kitchin's Michelin-starred Leith restaurant cooking seasonal Scottish produce.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 43°F.
Nearby in December
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in December~89 mi · highs 41°F, 4.4 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in December~95 mi · highs 43°F, 7.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in December~112 mi · highs 42°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in December~218 mi · highs 47°F, 3.8 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Edinburgh?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 43°F (6°C) and 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain. Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Edinburgh in December?
Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and average lows 37°F (3°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in December?
Some: about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 43°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 December
- Edinburgh & the Cairngorms Late Nov – early Jan
Planning Edinburgh in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.