What September feels like in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, September is early autumn on the calendar. Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cool and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Edinburgh in September
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 5.5 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Edinburgh averages about 5.5 mm per rainy day, so September is typical. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in September
In mid-September, sunrise is at about 6:42 am and sunset at about 7:34 pm (local time) — 12 h 52 min of daylight. Compared with mid-August, the day has lost 2 h 19 min. About 59% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How September compares to the rest of the year
In Edinburgh's temperature order, September sits as the 4th warmest month. Against August, the average high is 1.8°C (3.2°F) lower, with 20 mm less rain. Temperatures keep falling into October. October averages a high of 12.5°C (54.5°F).
Who September suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
Tips for visiting Edinburgh in September
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Edinburgh in September?
It feels cool: typical highs are 15.7°C (60.3°F), with lows near 10.1°C (50.2°F).
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in September?
Quite a lot — 66 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Edinburgh in September?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is September or October better for visiting Edinburgh?
September, clearly: it ranks #1 of 12 among Edinburgh's months, against #5 for the other. October is cooler and has more rainy days.