Edinburgh in April
In April, Edinburgh averages 12°C (54°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (40 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
April in Edinburgh is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How April compares to the rest of the year in Edinburgh
April is in the middle of the year for warmth in Edinburgh (7th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (13°C). April runs 3°C warmer than March (9°C) and warms a further 3°C into May (15°C).
April sunrise & sunset in Edinburgh
Times shown for Edinburgh local time (Europe/London), calculated for the 15th of April. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Edinburgh — April
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of April, in Edinburgh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Edinburgh in April
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on April's tier (Shoulder) and Edinburgh's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — April in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — April in Edinburgh
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Edinburgh in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 65 mm | 13 | 1 |
| February | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 50 mm | 11 | 1 |
| March | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 mm | 12 | 0 |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 41°F | 40 mm | 11 | 0 |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 mm | 11 | 0 |
| June | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 60 mm | 11 | 0 |
| July | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 54°F | 65 mm | 12 | 0 |
| August | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 54°F | 75 mm | 13 | 0 |
| September | 16°C / 61°F | 10°C / 50°F | 65 mm | 12 | 0 |
| October | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 80 mm | 14 | 0 |
| November | 9°C / 48°F | 4°C / 39°F | 70 mm | 13 | 0 |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 70 mm | 13 | 1 |
Other cities with similar April weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Edinburgh in April →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Edinburgh in April?
In April, Edinburgh averages a high of 12°C (54°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in April?
April can be fairly wet in Edinburgh, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is April a good time to visit Edinburgh?
April is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Edinburgh in April?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full April packing list for Edinburgh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.