What April feels like in Edinburgh
April is mid-spring in Edinburgh. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Edinburgh in April
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. A rainy day brings about 4.4 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. Across the year Edinburgh averages about 5.5 mm per rainy day, so April is typical. April is Edinburgh's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in April
Mid-month, Edinburgh gets 14 h 7 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:10 am to sunset near 8:16 pm. Since mid-March the day has gained 2 h 24 min. Measured sunshine covers about 67% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
April is the 6th coolest month of the year in Edinburgh. Afternoons run 2.4°C (4.3°F) warmer than in March, with 19 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into May. The next month's average high: 13.7°C (56.7°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Edinburgh in April
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Edinburgh in April?
Expect around 10.8°C (51.4°F) in the afternoon and 4.3°C (39.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in April?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 48 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Edinburgh in April?
The numbers point to rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is April or May better for visiting Edinburgh?
On our 12-month climate ranking, May comes out ahead (#3 of 12 vs #7). May is warmer and has more rainy days.