Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Edinburgh in September
Edinburgh cools off: highs slip to 60°F (16°C), from 64°F in August, with lows of 49°F (9°C) and about 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain.
At 75/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 60°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 2.5 in (64 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 26 min
- Comfort score
- 75/100 · Great
What September feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 60°F (16°C), good for long walks.
Nights cool to an average low of 49°F (9°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.5 in (64 mm).
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
Plan around September
September is one of Edinburgh's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by October, the score drops to 61/100.
- Comfort holds steady from August (76 → 75/100).
- September 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 — September falls outside it.
What to pack for September
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 49°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.5 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Edinburgh in September
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 September scores 75/100 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.
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park with a 45-minute climb to city-wide views.
Why now Highs near 60°F and 2.5 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.
Royal Mile
Old Town spine of closes and wynds running from the castle to Holyrood.
The Kitchin
Tom Kitchin's Michelin-starred Leith restaurant cooking seasonal Scottish produce.
Nearby in September
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in September~89 mi · highs 57°F, 4.1 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Fort William in September~95 mi · highs 59°F, 6.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Inverness in September~112 mi · highs 60°F, 3.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dublin in September~218 mi · highs 61°F, 3.0 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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Edinburgh?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 75/100. Expect highs of 60°F (16°C) and 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain. September is inside the May – Sep window our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends.
How cold is Edinburgh in September?
Average highs are 60°F (16°C) and average lows 49°F (9°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in September?
Some: about 2.5 in (64 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 35.0 in (889 mm).
What should I pack for Edinburgh in September?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 49°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.5 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in September
- Scotland’s Highland Rail Line May – Sep
Planning Edinburgh in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.