Scotland
Edinburgh
Scotland
Edinburgh
Updated Tue, Nov 18, 2025
Overview
Edinburgh captivates visitors with its dramatic castle perched on volcanic rock, medieval Old Town wynds, and elegant Georgian New Town. Discover hidden closes, underground vaults, and local pubs where writers once gathered. The city pulses with year-round creativity.
Best time to visit. Visit May through September for festival season and long daylight hours. August brings the world's largest arts festival but crowds too. Spring offers blooming gardens and fewer tourists.
City stats
Population
540,000
Land area
102 sq. mi.
Currency
Pound sterling
Year founded
1018 CE
Official langauge
English
English speaking
Widely spoken
State/Province
Scotland
Timezone
Greenwich Mean (UTC+0)
Driving side
left
Website
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Quick links
How to get there
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Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
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Nearby
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Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45°F - 35°F | 41°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 8:43 am | 3:48 pm | 15 days 2.6 in | 3 days 0.8 in | 16 mph |
| February | 46°F - 35°F | 42°F - 31°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 5:15 pm | 12 days 1.9 in | 2 days 0.5 in | 16 mph |
| March | 50°F - 37°F | 47°F - 33°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:25 am | 6:45 pm | 13 days 2.1 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 16 mph |
| April | 54°F - 40°F | 53°F - 38°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:55 am | 8:15 pm | 11 days 1.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 13 mph |
| May | 59°F - 45°F | 59°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:40 am | 9:35 pm | 11 days 1.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 13 mph |
| June | 64°F - 50°F | 64°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:05 am | 10:15 pm | 10 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 13 mph |
| July | 67°F - 53°F | 68°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:25 am | 10:05 pm | 11 days 2.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| August | 66°F - 53°F | 67°F - 52°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:35 am | 9:15 pm | 12 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| September | 61°F - 48°F | 61°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:55 am | 7:45 pm | 12 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 13 mph |
| October | 55°F - 43°F | 53°F - 40°F | Cloudy | 7:20 am | 6:05 pm | 14 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 13 mph |
| November | 49°F - 38°F | 45°F - 34°F | Cloudy | 8:50 am | 4:25 pm | 14 days 2.5 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 16 mph |
| December | 45°F - 35°F | 41°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 9:30 am | 3:25 pm | 15 days 2.7 in | 2 days 0.7 in | 16 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with parties, fireworks, and traditional Scottish customs. | Best to avoid unless joining festivities. | ||
| Burns Night | January 25 | Celebration of Scottish poet Robert Burns with haggis, whisky, and poetry readings. | Good time to experience Scottish culture. | ||
| Good Friday | Varies (March/April) | Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many businesses closed. | Some closures, but still okay to visit. | ||
| Easter Monday | Varies (March/April) | Day after Easter Sunday. Banks and some businesses closed. Family-oriented holiday. | Moderate impact, but generally fine to visit. | ||
| Early May Bank Holiday | First Monday in May | Public holiday with some business closures. Often marks the start of summer events. | Busy, but good time for outdoor activities. | ||
| Spring Bank Holiday | Last Monday in May | Public holiday with some business closures. Often features local events and festivals. | Good time to visit, but expect crowds. | ||
| Glasgow Fair | Last two weeks of July | Traditional holiday period in Glasgow. Many locals on vacation. Some business closures. | Good time to visit, less crowded in Glasgow. | ||
| Edinburgh Festival Fringe | August (3 weeks) | World's largest arts festival. Edinburgh bustling with performances and visitors. | Exciting but crowded. Book accommodations early. | ||
| Summer Bank Holiday | First Monday in August | Public holiday in Scotland. Some business closures. Often marks end of summer break. | Busy, but good for enjoying summer events. | ||
| St. Andrew's Day | November 30 | Scotland's national day. Celebration of Scottish culture with events and festivals. | Great time to experience Scottish culture. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday and public holiday. Most businesses and attractions closed. | Best to avoid unless seeking quiet holiday. | ||
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Public holiday following Christmas. Many businesses still closed. Shopping sales start. | Quiet day, good for relaxed sightseeing. | ||
| Hogmanay | December 31 | Scottish New Year's Eve celebration. Large street parties and fireworks in cities. | Exciting but crowded. Book accommodations early. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh International Science Festival | early April | World's first public science festival featuring talks, exhibitions, and workshops for all ages. | Great time to visit with extra activities and events. | ||
| Edinburgh International Film Festival | mid-June | One of the world's oldest film festivals showcasing documentaries and feature films. | Good time to visit, some venues busy but minimal disruption. | ||
| Royal Highland Show | late June | Scotland's premier agricultural show featuring livestock, rural crafts, and countryside culture. | Little impact on city center, normal travel conditions. | ||
| Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival | mid-July | Annual music festival featuring jazz and blues performances across multiple venues. | Good time to visit with extra musical entertainment available. | ||
| Edinburgh Festival Fringe | August | World's largest arts festival with thousands of performances across the city. | Extremely busy, book accommodation well in advance. | ||
| Edinburgh International Festival | August | Prestigious festival of music, theatre, opera, and dance featuring world-class artists. | Very crowded, expensive accommodation, cultural highlights. | ||
| Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo | August | Military music spectacle performed on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade during Festival season. | Peak tourist season, crowds and high prices throughout city. | ||
| Edinburgh International Book Festival | August | World's largest celebration of literature with author events and literary discussions. | Busy but manageable, great for literature enthusiasts. | ||
| Edinburgh Hogmanay | December 30 - January 1 | Scotland's famous New Year celebration with street parties, concerts, and fireworks. | Extremely crowded, many closures, book early or avoid. |
1 | Tipping isn't expected in Scotland. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often added to the bill. For exceptional service, you can round up or leave a small extra amount. |
2 | Scots are known for their friendliness. Don't be surprised if strangers strike up conversations in pubs or on public transport. Engage in friendly banter to experience Scottish hospitality. |
3 | When invited to someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift like flowers or a bottle of whisky. Avoid bringing wine, as Scots generally prefer their national drink. |
4 | Respect the Scottish landscape. Follow the 'Leave No Trace' principles when hiking or camping. Stay on marked paths and don't disturb wildlife or natural formations. |
5 | Learn the difference between England and Scotland. Scots are proud of their distinct identity. Avoid referring to Scotland as part of England or calling Scottish people 'English'. |
6 | Try haggis, the national dish, at least once. It's often served with 'neeps and tatties' (turnips and potatoes). Vegetarian versions are available if you prefer a meat-free option. |
7 | Respect the Sabbath in rural areas and islands. Some businesses may be closed on Sundays. Plan ahead and be mindful of local customs, especially in more traditional communities. |
8 | Be prepared for changeable weather. The Scottish saying goes, 'If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.' Pack layers and a waterproof jacket, even in summer. |
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