Scotland (Edinburgh) · August
Best travel monthPeak seasonScotland · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 7° (45°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 8° (46°)2– (36–)12 (54) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)18 (64) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)21 (70) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)24 (75) | 20° (68°)14– (57–)25 (77) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)21 (70) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)13 (55) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 2° (36°)-6– (21–)8 (46) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)8 (46) | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)9 (48) | 4° (39°)-2– (28–)9 (48) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)11 (52) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)15 (59) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)16 (61) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)13 (55) | 4° (39°)-4– (25–)11 (52) | 2° (36°)-5– (23–)10 (50) |
☀️Sunshine | 2h UV 1 | 3h UV 2 | 4h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 6h UV 6 | 6h UV 6 | 5h UV 6 | 5h UV 5 | 4h UV 4 | 2h UV 3 | 2h UV 2 | 1h UV 1 |
🌊Water Temp | 6° (43°) | 6° (43°) | 7° (45°) | 9° (48°) | 12° (54°) | 14° (57°) | 16° (61°) | 16° (61°) | 15° (59°) | 12° (54°) | 10° (50°) | 8° (46°) |
🌧Rain Days | 9d70mm (2.8") | 8d56mm (2.2") | 7d56mm (2.2") | 5d36mm (1.4") | 7d54mm (2.1") | 7d63mm (2.5") | 8d72mm (2.8") | 8d81mm (3.2") | 7d56mm (2.2") | 9d79mm (3.1") | 9d66mm (2.6") | 10d80mm (3.1") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Peak season — flights and hotels at their annual highest. Book early.
August is one of the best months to visit Scotland (Edinburgh) — with 5 sunshine hours per day and pleasant highs of 19°C (66°F).
Daytime highs average 19°C (66°F), cooling to 11°C (52°F) at night (daily average: 15°C (59°F)). Peaks reach around 23°C (73°F), the coldest nights around 5°C (41°F). With 5 sunshine hours per day and 8 rain days (81 mm (3.2 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 16°C (61°F), the water is still quite cool in August — a wetsuit may be useful.
Layer up — warm days and cool evenings alternate. Perfect timing for hikes and sightseeing.
Long light evenings, daytime highs of 17 to 19°C (63 to 66°F) and, in August, the festivals: the Fringe, the Military Tattoo and the Book Festival fill every lane and every hotel bed. Come in June or July and you get nearly the same days with fewer crowds.
Events & Festivals
- Edinburgh Festival FringeAugust (just over three weeks)
One of the world's largest arts festivals turns the city into a stage: comedy, theatre and music in hundreds of venues, plus street performers on the Royal Mile.
- Royal Edinburgh Military TattooAugust (around three weeks)
Evening military and music show with pipes and drums on the Esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle.
Packing list for Scotland (Edinburgh) in August
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is August a good time to visit Scotland (Edinburgh)?
- Yes — August is one of the best months to visit Scotland (Edinburgh) (Climate Score: 58/100). Pleasant temperatures (19°C (66°F)), good sunshine (5 h/day), and few rain days (8) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Scotland (Edinburgh) in August?
- In August, Scotland (Edinburgh) sees daily highs of 19°C (66°F). Nights cool to 11°C (52°F), with a daily average of 15°C (59°F). Peaks reach around 23°C (73°F), the coldest nights around 5°C (41°F).
- How much rain falls in Scotland (Edinburgh) in August?
- In August, Scotland (Edinburgh) receives an average of 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain over 8 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Scotland (Edinburgh) get in August?
- Scotland (Edinburgh) averages 5 sunshine hours per day in August — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Scotland (Edinburgh) in August?
- Water temperature in Scotland (Edinburgh) in August averages 16°C (61°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
