Edinburgh in August
In August, Edinburgh averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (75 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
August offers comfortable temperatures in Edinburgh, with some rain to plan around.
How August compares to the rest of the year in Edinburgh
August is one of the warmest months in Edinburgh (2nd of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (13°C). August runs roughly the same as July (19°C) and cools 3°C in September (16°C).
August sunrise & sunset in Edinburgh
Times shown for Edinburgh local time (Europe/London), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Edinburgh — August
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Edinburgh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Edinburgh in August
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 August's tier (Peak season) and Edinburgh's popularity.
August in United Kingdom — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
UK has long-weekend bank holidays in early May, late May, and late August. Many independent shops and some attractions close; popular destinations (Cotswolds, Cornwall) get busy.
Plan: Sundays + Mondays surrounding bank holidays = peak domestic travel. Book accommodation 4-6 weeks out.
Crowds & pricing — August in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Northern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — August 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 August weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Edinburgh in August →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Edinburgh in August?
In August, Edinburgh averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 12°C (54°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in August?
August can be fairly wet in Edinburgh, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is August a good time to visit Edinburgh?
August is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Edinburgh in August?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Edinburgh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.