Weather · December

Edinburgh weather in December

Temperature, rain, what to pack and what to know

Edinburgh

December in Edinburgh: changeable weather. Roughly 6h 42m of daylight, with light from about 08:52 to 15:34. December isn't peak season in Edinburgh. The upside: quiet and cheaper. The downside: weather that needs flexibility.

The weather in detail

Edinburgh in December

Average temp—
Rain this month—
Daylight6.7 h
Sun08:52–15:34
Seasonshoulder
What to do

Edinburgh in December — what works

Match the plan to the forecast — a mix of indoor sights and outdoor time keeps it flexible.

What to pack: Check the forecast close to your trip and pack layers accordingly.

This month: Hogmanay (the Scottish New Year, 30 Dec – 1 Jan) — a huge street party and fireworks from the Castle.

This month: On 25–26 Dec almost everything closes, including most public transport. Pantomimes run in theatres all month.

The Edinburgh guide · Public holidays in United Kingdom

Questions & answers

Edinburgh in December — FAQ

Does it snow in Edinburgh in December?
No. Temperatures are well above freezing.
How many hours of daylight in Edinburgh in December?
About 6h 42m of daylight. The sun rises around 08:52 and sets around 15:34. Plan sightseeing around the light.
Is December a good time to visit Edinburgh?
December isn't peak season in Edinburgh. The upside: quiet and cheaper. The downside: weather that needs flexibility.
← NovemberEdinburgh, all yearJanuary →
Other cities

December weather in other big cities

Plan the trip

Edinburgh — flights & hotels

Check prices for your dates. Booking early is well below the last-minute price.

Check flight prices to Edinburgh, every airline at once.

Rates in Edinburgh shift daily. See what your night costs now.

About this page

Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.

Sources: Climate: Open-Meteo 1991–2020 · Daylight: astronomical calculation