What November feels like in Edinburgh
Late autumn arrives in Edinburgh with November. Days are chilly rather than freezing, and walking is comfortable with a proper jacket. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Edinburgh in November
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Wet days average about 5.7 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Edinburgh's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.5 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in November
In mid-November, sunrise is at about 7:48 am and sunset at about 4:07 pm (local time) — 8 h 20 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 2 h 14 min less daylight than in mid-October. Measured sunshine covers about 52% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How November compares to the rest of the year
In Edinburgh's temperature order, November sits as the 5th coolest month. Against October, the average high is 3.8°C (6.8°F) lower, with 8 mm less rain. December is cooler again. By December, typical highs are 6.6°C (43.9°F).
Who November 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 November
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 November?
Afternoons average 8.7°C (47.7°F) and nights about 4.5°C (40.1°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 5th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in November?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 80 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Edinburgh in November?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is November or December better for visiting Edinburgh?
On our 12-month climate ranking, November comes out ahead (#10 of 12 vs #12). December is cooler and has more rainy days.