What May feels like in Edinburgh
May is late spring in Edinburgh. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Edinburgh in May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 4.9 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 5.5 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Edinburgh gets 16 h 15 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:01 am to sunset near 9:16 pm. Since mid-April the day has gained 2 h 8 min. Measured sunshine covers about 65% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Edinburgh. Afternoons run 2.9°C (5.2°F) warmer than in April, with 20 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into June. The next month's average high: 16.4°C (61.5°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- 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 May
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Edinburgh in May?
Expect around 13.7°C (56.7°F) in the afternoon and 7.2°C (45°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in May?
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 May?
The numbers point to rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Edinburgh?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #3). June is warmer and has fewer rainy days.