Late winter · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in February
Little changes in Edinburgh from January: highs stay near 43°F (6°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), and about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain falls.
With a comfort score of 46/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 43°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 35°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (60 mm)
- Humidity
- 92%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 16 min
- Comfort score
- 46/100 · Fair
What February feels like
It's cool, with highs near 43°F (6°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Lows average 35°F (2°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.4 in (60 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 9 h 16 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Comfort improves from 42/100 in January to 46/100.
- Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so February 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 — February falls outside it.
What to pack for February
- 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 February
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
National Museum of Scotland
Free museum from Dolly the sheep to Lewis chessmen, with a rooftop terrace.
Why now Our curated notes list it for "rainy afternoon", which suits a wetter month.
Oink
Hog-roast rolls carved from a whole pig in the window.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 43°F.
The White Hart Inn
One of Edinburgh's oldest pubs, on the Grassmarket below the castle, with regular live folk music.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
The Kitchin
Tom Kitchin's Michelin-starred Leith restaurant cooking seasonal Scottish produce.
Why now A cozy break on a 43°F day.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The monarch's official Scottish residence and ruined abbey.
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.
Nearby in February
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in February~89 mi · highs 39°F, 3.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in February~95 mi · highs 42°F, 5.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in February~112 mi · highs 42°F, 2.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in February~218 mi · highs 46°F, 2.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, 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 February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Edinburgh?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 46/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 43°F (6°C) and 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain. Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so February is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Edinburgh in February?
Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and average lows 35°F (2°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in February?
Some: about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain falls across February on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in February?
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).
Planning Edinburgh in February?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.