Is Edinburgh worth visiting in winter?

Edinburgh has a feast of winter treats from wonderful, world class attractions, sparkling shopping, fabulous Christmas markets, food and drink with the best shows, theatre and cultural events to keep you warm.

Is December a good time to go to Edinburgh?

December is a good time to visit as there is less traffic on the roads and less visitors at popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle. It's good to be aware that some sites will operate on reduced hours, but you'll find you have them more to yourself.

What are winters like in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a mild climate. Its proximity to the sea mitigates temperature extremes. Winters are relatively warm, with average daily minimum temperatures remaining above freezing, while summers are comparatively cool, with temperatures seldom rising much above 70 °F (21 °C).

Is it worth visiting Scotland in winter?

During the winter months, the scenic Scottish Highlands is transformed into a sporting wonderland. All sorts of outdoor pursuits take place, including skiing, snowboarding, curling and skating. There are five ski resorts in Scotland at Cairngorm Mountain, Glencoe Mountain, Glen Shee, Nevis Range and The Lecht.

Is Edinburgh worth visiting at Christmas?

Edinburgh is spectacular year round, but during Christmas, the city is truly worth seeing. During the festive season, Edinburgh is where the magic happens with its shiny, colourful atmosphere. But if you're wondering what there is to see and do around the holidays, wonder no more.

Everything to Know Before Visiting Edinburgh, Scotland!

Is Edinburgh or Glasgow better for Christmas?

To determine who is the best, the study looked at the duration of the 35 Christmas markets in the UK, as well as TikTok views, chances of snow and the average hotel costs. Following Machester, Edinburgh came second, with Liverpool taking third spot on the list. Glasgow came fourth, and Aberdeen took fifth place.

How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least two or three days in Edinburgh, which will give you enough time to explore the city centre and see the main sites.

Does Edinburgh get snow?

Yes, Edinburgh experiences snow, although it's often light and may not settle. The city's geography and climate make significant snowfall relatively rare, but you can still experience light flurries, especially in the winter months.

Can I see northern lights in Scotland?

The frequency of seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland varies. In the northern regions and remote areas with dark skies, such as the Isle of Skye or Shetland Islands, sightings can occur several times a month during the peak aurora seasons (September to March).

Is Scotland too cold in winter?

December, January and February are generally the coldest months in Scotland, with the average maximum temperature usually around 5°C (41°F). The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 10-20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 40 days of falling snow.

Is Edinburgh warmer than London?

The warming influence of the North Atlantic Drift contributes to the relatively mild temperatures in both cities, but London tends to have higher average temperatures throughout the year. In general: Winter: London tends to have milder winters with higher average temperatures compared to Edinburgh.

What is the coldest month in Edinburgh?

Winter in Edinburgh

The coldest months of the year are January and February, with average lows of 33.8°F (1°C) and highs that rarely exceed 44.6°F (7°C).

Which season is best for Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warmer, there's less rain (although this is Scotland, so don't bank on it!), and the days are longer. There's also the renowned Fringe Festival held every August, which attracts thousands of people from all over the world.

Is it expensive to visit Edinburgh?

Although the cost of staying in Edinburgh and eating out is relatively expensive, it balances out because most museums and the best places to visit in Edinburgh are free.

Is Edinburgh expensive in December?

January to March is the best value period to stay. April to May is the shoulder period with value prices. June to September is the most expensive period. August is significantly more expensive, as is Christmas week up to New Year.

Why is Edinburgh so expensive?

Rental prices rose by 12.4 per cent last year, due to a decreasing number of available properties and an increased demand.” High rents are the biggest factor in making Edinburgh the third most expensive place to live in the UK.

Where can I see aurora in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh. If an aurora is strong, it can occasionally be seen in the capital. Some of the best vantage points in Edinburgh include Calton Hill, Blackford Hill and Arthur's Seat.

What is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Scotland?

When are you most likely to see the northern lights in Scotland? The auroras are most likely to be seen in Scotland during the Equinox and Solstice with the best times being in March - April and September - October, and for best chances you want to avoid any times where there is going to be a full moon.

Where is the best place in Scotland to see Northern Lights?

The northern islands in the Outer Hebrides, such as Lewis and Harris, are among the best places in Scotland to see the Northern Lights. With little light pollution, the islands have some of the darkest skies in the UK.

Is Edinburgh cheaper than London?

There's really no contest here, London is a much more expensive destination than Edinburgh. From transportation costs to accommodations to food to toiletries, almost everything is most expensive in London. That's not to say that Edinburgh is a budget traveler's paradise.

Is Edinburgh colder than London?

Both are in or near the cool temperate moist forest biome. The annual average temperature is 2 °C (3.6°F) cooler. Average monthly temperatures vary by 2.2 °C (4°F) less in Edinburgh, Scotland. The continentality subtype is truly oceanic for both.

Is Edinburgh colder than England?

Compare London and City of Edinburgh Weather

London generally has warmer weather than City of Edinburgh. The average mean temperature in London is 12.17°C (53.91°F) while City of Edinburgh's temperature is 9.17°C (48.51°F) and the difference is 3.0°C (37.4°F).

Should I go to London or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is generally a lot cheaper accommodation wise than London. You could do a few days in Edinburgh and then a three day trip with a company like Rabbie's Tours to the Highlands. In a week Edinburgh and trips outside would be much more manageable than London. I don't see why not.

Should I go to Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is an expensive city, that's for sure! While Glasgow isn't cheap, it's certainly more affordable than Edinburgh, in pretty much every category. From restaurants and bars to hotels and attractions, Glasgow is a more budget-friendly destination.

Which is more beautiful Glasgow or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is known for being pretty and Glasgow is famous for being fun. It might be a bit reductive but essentially Edinburgh is famous for being pretty and Glasgow is known for being fun. The same might be said of their people.