What December feels like in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, December is early winter on the calendar. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Edinburgh in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Wet days average about 6.1 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Edinburgh averages about 5.5 mm per rainy day, so December is typical. December is Edinburgh's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Edinburgh gets 7 h 1 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:37 am to sunset near 3:38 pm. Days are getting shorter: 1 h 19 min less daylight than in mid-November. Measured sunshine covers about 40% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Edinburgh's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Against November, the average high is 2.1°C (3.8°F) lower, with 12 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. January averages a high of 6°C (42.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- 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 December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Edinburgh in December?
Expect around 6.6°C (43.9°F) in the afternoon and 2.5°C (36.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in December?
It does: about 15 rainy days bring roughly 92 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Edinburgh in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Edinburgh?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January has fewer rainy days.