What March feels like in Edinburgh
March is early spring in Edinburgh. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. 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 March
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 4.8 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Edinburgh's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.5 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in March
In mid-March, sunrise is at about 6:31 am and sunset at about 6:14 pm (local time) — 11 h 43 min of daylight. Since mid-February the day has gained 2 h 9 min. The sun is out for roughly 59% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 4th coolest month in Edinburgh. Against February, the average high is 1.6°C (2.9°F) higher, with 3 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into April. April averages a high of 10.8°C (51.4°F).
Who March 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 March
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Edinburgh in March?
Expect around 8.4°C (47.1°F) in the afternoon and 2.7°C (36.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in March?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 68 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Edinburgh in March?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is March or April better for visiting Edinburgh?
On our 12-month climate ranking, April comes out ahead (#7 of 12 vs #9). April is warmer and has fewer rainy days.