Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in January
This is the coldest month in Edinburgh: highs average 42°F (6°C) and lows 36°F (2°C), with about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 42°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 36°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 2.9 in (74 mm)
- Humidity
- 94%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 19 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 42°F (6°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 36°F (2°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.9 in (74 mm).
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 79%.
Only about 7 h 19 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Comfort slips from 45/100 in December to 42/100.
- Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so January 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 — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 42°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Edinburgh in January
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
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 42°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 42°F day.
St Giles' Cathedral
Medieval High Kirk with the ornate Thistle Chapel.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 42°F.
Victoria Street
Curving street of colourful shopfronts that drops from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket.
Nearby in January
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January~89 mi · highs 39°F, 4.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in January~95 mi · highs 42°F, 7.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in January~112 mi · highs 42°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in January~218 mi · highs 46°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (4°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Edinburgh?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 42°F (6°C) and 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain. Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Edinburgh in January?
Average highs are 42°F (6°C) and average lows 36°F (2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in January?
Some: about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 42°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in January
- Edinburgh & the Cairngorms Late Nov – early Jan
Planning Edinburgh in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.