Edinburgh in September
In September, Edinburgh averages 16°C (61°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (65 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
September 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 September compares to the rest of the year in Edinburgh
September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Edinburgh (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (13°C). September runs 3°C cooler than August (19°C) and cools 3°C in October (13°C).
September sunrise & sunset in Edinburgh
Times shown for Edinburgh local time (Europe/London), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Edinburgh — September
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in Edinburgh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Edinburgh in September
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 September's tier (Shoulder) and Edinburgh's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — September 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 — September 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 September weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Edinburgh in September →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Edinburgh in September?
In September, Edinburgh averages a high of 16°C (61°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in September?
September can be fairly wet in Edinburgh, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is September a good time to visit Edinburgh?
September 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 September?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September packing list for Edinburgh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.