Edinburgh in May
In May, Edinburgh averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 7°C (45°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (55 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May 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 May compares to the rest of the year in Edinburgh
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Edinburgh (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (13°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (12°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (18°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Edinburgh
Times shown for Edinburgh local time (Europe/London), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Edinburgh — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Edinburgh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Edinburgh in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Edinburgh's popularity.
May 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 — May 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.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Edinburgh in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Edinburgh in May?
In May, Edinburgh averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 7°C (45°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in May?
May can be fairly wet in Edinburgh, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Edinburgh?
May 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 May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Edinburgh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.