Late spring · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in May
Edinburgh warms up: highs climb to 56°F (14°C), from 51°F in April, with lows of 44°F (7°C) and about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain.
It scores 70/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 56°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 44°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (60 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 74%
- Daylight
- ~16 h 02 min
- Comfort score
- 70/100 · Good
What May feels like
Highs near 56°F (14°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Lows average 44°F (7°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.4 in (60 mm).
Long days help: there are roughly 16 h 02 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – September).
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 3°C (6°F) from April.
- Comfort improves from 61/100 in April to 70/100.
- May 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 — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 44°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 May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
The Bow Bar
Traditional pub on Victoria Street with cask ales and a deep whisky list.
Why now May scores 70/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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.
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 56°F and 2.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
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 May
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in May~89 mi · highs 55°F, 4.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in May~95 mi · highs 57°F, 4.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in May~112 mi · highs 57°F, 2.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in May~218 mi · highs 57°F, 2.6 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Edinburgh?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 70/100 against a best of 78 in June – September. Expect highs of 56°F (14°C) and 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Sep window our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends.
How cold is Edinburgh in May?
Average highs are 56°F (14°C) and average lows 44°F (7°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in May?
Some: about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 44°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).
Routes in season in May
- Scotland’s Highland Rail Line May – Sep
Planning Edinburgh in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.