What August feels like in Edinburgh
August is late summer in Edinburgh. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. Little changes after sunset — nights are cool, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Edinburgh in August
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 6.2 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Edinburgh's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.5 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
On 15 August the sun rises at about 5:42 am and sets around 8:53 pm local time, giving 15 h 11 min of daylight. Evenings are drawing in — 1 h 53 min less daylight than mid-July. The sun is out for roughly 61% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How August compares to the rest of the year
August is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Edinburgh. Afternoons run 0.7°C (1.3°F) cooler than in July, with about the same rain. Temperatures keep falling into September. The next month's average high: 15.7°C (60.3°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Edinburgh in August
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Edinburgh in August?
Afternoons average 17.5°C (63.5°F) and nights about 11.7°C (53.1°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 2nd warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in August?
Quite a lot — 86 mm spread over about 14 days.
What should I wear in Edinburgh in August?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is August or September better for visiting Edinburgh?
September, clearly: it ranks #1 of 12 among Edinburgh's months, against #4 for the other. September is cooler and has fewer rainy days.