Early spring · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in March
Edinburgh edges warmer than February, with highs of 46°F (8°C), lows of 36°F (2°C) and about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 51/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 46°F (8°C)
- Avg low
- 36°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (60 mm)
- Humidity
- 89%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 27 min
- Comfort score
- 51/100 · Fair
What March feels like
Afternoons only reach about 46°F (8°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Nights cool to an average low of 36°F (2°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.4 in (60 mm).
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 77%.
Plan around March
March sits mid-table; the best months are June – September.
- Comfort improves from 46/100 in February to 51/100.
- Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so March 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 — March falls outside it.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Edinburgh in March
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
St Giles' Cathedral
Medieval High Kirk with the ornate Thistle Chapel.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 46°F.
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 46°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 46°F day.
The Bow Bar
Traditional pub on Victoria Street with cask ales and a deep whisky list.
Nearby in March
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in March~89 mi · highs 42°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in March~95 mi · highs 45°F, 5.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in March~112 mi · highs 46°F, 2.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in March~218 mi · highs 48°F, 2.8 in rain · 1°C (2°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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Edinburgh?
It's middling, scoring 51/100. The best months are June – September, at up to 78. Expect highs of 46°F (8°C) and 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain. Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Edinburgh in March?
Average highs are 46°F (8°C) and average lows 36°F (2°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in March?
Some: about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Edinburgh in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.