Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in October
Edinburgh cools off: highs slip to 54°F (12°C), from 60°F in September, with lows of 45°F (7°C) and about 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain.
It scores 61/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 54°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 45°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (93 mm)
- Humidity
- 90%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 04 min
- Comfort score
- 61/100 · Good
What October feels like
Cool days top out near 54°F (12°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 45°F (7°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (93 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Plan around October
October is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (June – September).
- Comfort slips from 75/100 in September to 61/100.
- Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so October 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 — October falls outside it.
What to pack for October
- Insulated jackethighs only 54°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Edinburgh in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Oink
Hog-roast rolls carved from a whole pig in the window.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 54°F.
St Giles' Cathedral
Medieval High Kirk with the ornate Thistle Chapel.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 54°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.
Victoria Street
Curving street of colourful shopfronts that drops from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket.
Why now October scores 61/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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 Highs near 54°F and 3.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
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.
Nearby in October
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in October~89 mi · highs 51°F, 5.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in October~95 mi · highs 53°F, 7.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in October~112 mi · highs 53°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in October~218 mi · highs 56°F, 4.0 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Edinburgh?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 61/100 against a best of 78 in June – September. Expect highs of 54°F (12°C) and 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain. Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so October is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Edinburgh in October?
Average highs are 54°F (12°C) and average lows 45°F (7°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in October?
Some: about 3.7 in (93 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in October?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 54°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Edinburgh in October?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.