If you’re wondering, does it snow in Edinburgh? The answer is yes…But sometimes!
While the Scottish capital doesn’t see as much snow as other parts of the country, it does occasionally get a good dump. So if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh in winter, make sure to pack your thermals!
Does it snow in Edinburgh?
It can snow in Edinburgh, but it’s not very common. The city is located in the United Kingdom, which has a temperate climate. This means that the winters are not as cold as they are in other parts of the world, such as North America. If it snows, it is usually only for a few days, and the snow doesn’t accumulate much.
How Often Does it Snow in Edinburgh?
Although Edinburgh isn’t as far north as one might think, it does snow here occasionally. We get an average of three snow days per year, but it can range from zero to around fifteen.
The last time Edinburgh had really heavy snowfall was back in 2010, when we had around 10 cm of snow in just 24 hours! The city ground to a halt, and it took a while for everyone to dig themselves out. But it was still really beautiful to see.
When Does it Snow in Edinburgh?
Although Snowfall is rare in Edinburgh, but it usually falls between December and February, with the occasional flurry in March or April. The best time to see snow on the city’s streets is usually early in the morning before it has had a chance to melt.
What Is the Best Time to see the Snow in Edinburgh?
The best time to see the snow in Edinburgh is from late December to early March. This is when the weather is at its coldest and the days are the shortest. If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh during this time, be sure to dress warmly and pack your winter gear!
The Seasons in Edinburgh
Edinburgh experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own weather patterns and average temperatures.
Spring in Edinburgh is cool and fresh, with average temperatures ranging from 41-50 degrees Fahrenheit (5-10 degrees Celsius). The days become longer as spring progresses, with more hours of daylight and warmer weather. From March to May, you can expect sporadic showers as rainfall averages around 4.5 inches (114 mm).
Summer is the warmest season in Edinburgh, with average temperatures ranging from 51-61 degrees Fahrenheit (11-16 degrees Celsius). Edinburgh experiences the longest days of the year during the summer months, with about 17 hours of sunlight per day. June through August is also the driest time of year, with an average rainfall of 3.7 inches (94 mm).
Autumn is cool and crisp in Edinburgh, with average temperatures ranging from 39-49 degrees Fahrenheit (4-9 degrees Celsius). The leaves on the trees begin to change color in October, making for a beautiful landscape. From September to November, rainfall averages around 5 inches (127 mm).
Winter is cold and gray in Edinburgh, with average temperatures ranging from 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 4 degrees Celsius). December through February are the darkest months of the year, with about 5 hours of sunlight per day on average. Snowfall is not common in Edinburgh, but it does occur occasionally. The average rainfall during the winter months is around 4.8 inches (122 mm).
What Are the Best Places to see the Snow in Edinburgh?
Although Edinburgh is not a particularly snowy city, there are some beautiful places to see the snowfall. The best time to see the snow is usually in early December, when the Christmas markets are in full swing, and the city is decorated for the holidays.
The following are some of the best places to see the snow in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh Castle: One of the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh, the castle is also one of the best places to see the snow. Sitting atop an extinct volcano, the castle offers stunning views of the city below, and on a clear day, you can even see across Glasgow.
- Calton Hill: Another popular spot for tourists and locals alike, Calton Hill offers panoramic views of Edinburgh and is especially picturesque when covered in snow.
- The Royal Mile: The main street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile is lined with historic buildings and monuments. In winter, it’s a beautiful place to take a walk and admire the architecture covered in snow.
- Holyrood Park: Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park is a large park that’s perfect for walks or snowball fights! If you’re lucky, you might even spot some deer roaming around.
Things to Do in Edinburgh in Winter
Edinburgh is a beautiful city to visit in any season, but it’s especially magical in winter. The streets are lined with festive markets, the air is filled with the smell of Mulled Wine, and the Christmas lights add a touch of sparkle to the already charming city. With so much to see and do, you might not know where to start. Here are our top 10 things to do in Edinburgh in winter.
Visit the Christmas Markets
There are several different markets to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere. The most popular is probably the Princes Street Gardens market, which has over 40 stalls selling everything from Scottish crafts to mulled wine and chocolate.
Go ice Skating
The open-air ice rink at St Andrew Square is a great place to enjoy some winter fun. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try your hand at curling on the dedicated curling lane!
Take a Tour of Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland, and for a good reason. The castle sits atop an extinct volcano and has sweeping views of the city below. It’s also home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, making it a must-see for history buffs.
Warm up With a wee Dram
There’s nothing like a dram of whisky to take the chill off on a cold winter’s day. Edinburgh is home to several whisky distilleries, including The Famous Grouse Experience and Glenkinchie Distillery. Why not take a tour and learn all about Scotland’s national drink?
Sample Some Haggis
Haggis is a Scottish dish made from sheep intestines, oats, and spices…not exactly traditional Christmas fare! However, it’s delicious (trust us) and worth trying at least once when you’re in Edinburgh. You can find it on menus all over the city or pick up a ready-made haggis from one of the many butcher shops or supermarkets.
Explore Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park is an enormous royal park located just outside Edinburgh’s city center. It’s perfect for a winter walk or hike, and you might even spot some deer along the way! If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk up Arthur’s Seat – an extinct volcano that offers stunning views over Edinburgh – or visit Dynamic Earth to learn about Scotland’s geological history.
Shop ‘til you Drop on Princes Street
Princes Street is one of Edinburgh’s main shopping streets, and it’s especially lovely at Christmastime when it’s decorated with lights and festive window displays. Whether you’re looking for high-end designer stores or more affordable high street brands, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Learn about Harry Potter
Did you know that Harry Potter was born in Edinburgh? JK Rowling wrote much of the early books while living in Edinburgh cafes – she was even inspired by some of the city’s landmarks when creating her magical world! You can learn all about Harry Potter’s connection to Edinburgh on one of several guided tours that operate throughout the year.
Conclusion: Does it Snow in Edinburgh?
After taking all of this information into account, we can conclude that it does snow in Edinburgh – albeit not very often! – and that the best time to see snowfall in the city is typically between December and February. However, as we’ve seen, even this isn’t guaranteed, so if you’re hoping to see a white Christmas in Edinburgh, you might want to plan ahead and book your trip for a year when the forecast looks promising!
FAQs: Snow in Edinburgh
Does it Snow in Edinburgh?
Each year, Edinburgh sees around 22 days of snowfall. However, the amount of snow that actually accumulates on the ground varies greatly from year to year. For instance, in 2010, Edinburgh saw a total of 10 cm of snowfall, while in 2011, there was only 13cm.
How Often Does it Snow in Edinburgh?
Snowfall is relatively rare in Edinburgh, averaging around 22 days per year. However, the amount of snow that actually accumulates on the ground varies greatly from year to year. For instance, in 2010, Edinburgh saw a total of 10 cm of snowfall, while in 2011, there was only 13 cm.
What Is the Coldest Month in Edinburgh?
The coldest month in Edinburgh is typically January when the average temperature is 3°C. However, temperatures can vary widely from year to year. For instance, in 2010, the average temperature in January was -1°C, while in 2011, it was 6°C.
