Scotland (Edinburgh) · December
Low 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
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
December is the coldest winter month in Scotland (Edinburgh) — with highs of only 7°C (45°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 7°C (45°F) during the day and drop to 2°C (36°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 13°C (55°F), the coldest nights around -5°C (23°F) — frost does occur. With 1 sunshine hour per day and 10 rain days (80 mm (3.1 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 8°C (46°F), the water is still quite cool in December — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Hogmanay and the Christmas market bring lights and bustle to the Old Town, then it goes quiet. The days are short, with barely an hour of sun in December, though frost stays rare. Pubs with open fires, whisky and museums replace long walks.
Events & Festivals
- Edinburgh's Hogmanaylate December to 1 January
Scotland's famous New Year celebration: a torchlight procession through the Old Town, the Street Party and a concert in Princes Street Gardens, with fireworks over the castle at midnight.
Packing list for Scotland (Edinburgh) in December
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Scotland (Edinburgh)?
- No — December is not among the recommended months for Scotland (Edinburgh) (Score: 11/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- How warm is it in Scotland (Edinburgh) in December?
- In December, Scotland (Edinburgh) sees daily highs of 7°C (45°F). Nights cool to 2°C (36°F), with a daily average of 5°C (41°F). Peaks reach around 13°C (55°F), the coldest nights around -5°C (23°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Scotland (Edinburgh) in December?
- In December, Scotland (Edinburgh) receives an average of 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain over 10 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Scotland (Edinburgh) get in December?
- Scotland (Edinburgh) averages 1 sunshine hour per day in December — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Scotland (Edinburgh) in December?
- Water temperature in Scotland (Edinburgh) in December averages 8°C (46°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.