Best Time To Visit Edinburgh: Summer

As we continue our journey through the seasons in Edinburgh, we find ourselves basking in the warmth and vibrancy of summer. The city truly comes alive during this time, offering a plethora of experiences that cater to every taste and inclination. From bustling festivals to serene green spaces, Edinburgh in the summer has something for everyone.

Curious about Edinburgh in spring and everything it has to offer? Dive into this guide!

Summer (June – August):

• Temperature: Expect mild warmth, with average highs of 17-19°C and lows around 9-11°C, perfect for sightseeing without overheating!
• Rain: While summer is relatively dry, Edinburgh still sees around 69-75 mm of rain per month, with about 11 rainy days per month.
• Tip: Expect showers, pack a light rain jacket or/and umbrella. Pack comfy shoes and layers for changing weather.
• Daylight: Long days, sunset after 10 PM.
• Crowds: Busiest in August, especially during festivals.
• Costs: Higher prices for accommodation.

Packing for Edinburgh’s changeable weather can be tricky! ️ That’s why I’ve created the ultimate packing guide & checklist. This comprehensive PDF guide takes the guesswork out of packing, ensuring you have everything you need for a stress-free trip. Free Download Here!

Let’s explore why summer might be the perfect time for your Edinburgh adventure!

Things to do in Edinburgh in Summer

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Edinburgh summer

• Explore the captivating Dean Village, nestled alongside the tranquil Water of Leith. This hidden gem is just a 15-minute walk from Princes Street.
• Explore the Royal Botanic Garden: Immerse yourself in a world of flora and fauna at the Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through stunning themed gardens, admire vibrant flower displays, and learn about exotic plant life from around the world.
• Walk along the Water of Leith: Embark on a scenic stroll alongside the Water of Leith.
• Explore Leith: Discover this historic port district with its cobbled streets, trendy bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood and soak up the maritime atmosphere.
• Hit the Beach: Enjoy a refreshing dip or soak up the sun at Portobello Beach or Cramond Beach. (I personally haven’t swum there because it was too cold for me, but I’ve seen many others enjoying the water.)
• Feeling adventurous? Explore Cramond Island, a unique tidal island accessible by foot at low tide. Enjoy scenic walks, stunning views of the Firth of Forth, and a glimpse into Edinburgh’s maritime history.
• Hike Arthur’s Seat with a Picnic: Challenge yourself with a hike up Arthur’s Seat, the highest point in Holyrood Park. Pack a delicious spread and enjoy a rewarding picnic at the top, savoring breathtaking panoramic views of the city bathed in summer sunshine.

Best locations in Edinburgh to enjoy sunsets

• Calton Hill: Witness the golden hues paint the city skyline from this iconic vantage point. With its monuments and landmarks, Calton Hill offers a picture-perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable sunset memories.
• Arthur’s Seat: (as mentioned above) Climb Arthur’s Seat and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views as the sun dips below the horizon. Capture stunning cityscapes bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, or enjoy a romantic picnic dinner with a sunset view.
• Salisbury Crags: Hike the Salisbury Crags for a unique perspective of the city and a spectacular sunset view.
• Cramond: Enjoy the coastal beauty of Cramond and witness the sun setting over the Firth of Forth.
• Newhaven Harbour: Capture the charm of the historic Newhaven Harbour with its colorful boats and a picturesque sunset scene.
• Blackford Hill: Head to Blackford Hill for a panoramic views of the city and watch the sun paint the sky with vibrant colors.
• Forth Bridges: Witness a truly unique spectacle – the sun setting behind the iconic Forth Bridges. Consider taking a trip to South Queensferry, often regarded as the best location to capture this breathtaking scene.

Embrace the Festival Fever

Edinburgh’s summer festival scene is legendary! Get ready for music, art, theater, food, and so much more:

• Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (11 – 20 Jul)
• Edinburgh International Festival (1-24 August)
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (1 – 23 August)
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe (1 – 25 August)
• Edinburgh Art Festival (7 – 24 August)
• Edinburgh International Book Festival (9-24 August)
• Edinburgh International Film Festival (14 – 20 August)
• Edinburgh Foodies Festival (1-3 August)

Bonus Tip: Plan your trip around specific festivals to ensure you can catch the performances or events that most interest you. Remember, festival season often means higher accommodation prices and larger crowds, so book in advance.

Tip: Edinburgh in summer is absolutely beautiful, but it’s also the busiest time of the year. Be sure to book everything in advance! If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting all the must-see attractions in Old Town early in the morning, then head to other parts of the city, explore with guided tours, or even go on a day trip. A trip is all about the experience – explore, enjoy, and create unforgettable memories! Here are some tours to consider.

• Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Edinburgh Castle with a guided walking tour in English. Explore the iconic fortress and learn about its fascinating past from knowledgeable guides.

• Take a walking tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town: Embark on a historical walking tour and delve into Edinburgh’s rich past. Learn about the city’s fascinating stories and hidden gems.

• Take a Walking Harry Potter Tour: Explore Edinburgh’s enchanting locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s magical world.

• Join a Fun Walking Tour: Explore the streets of Edinburgh on this fun walking tour: Silent Disco Adventure Tour. As you listen to popular theme songs and hits through your headset, sing along and dance past landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Waverley Station, and more. This is an alternative to traditional tour groups, allowing you to see the highlights of Edinburgh in a unique way. Perfect for big groups, be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking as this tour easily fits into a day of sightseeing.

• City Sightseeing Edinburgh Bus Tour: If the weather is sunny and you’re limited in time but want to see as much as possible, hop on a City Sightseeing Edinburgh bus tour. Experience iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket from the comfort of an open-top, double-decker bus, offering panoramic views of the city.

• Comedy Walking Tour with Professional Comedian: Discover Edinburgh’s fascinating past with a laugh! This unique walking tour blends history with hilarious commentary from a professional comedian.

• Take a Ghost Bus Tour: Embark on a thrilling ghost bus tour and explore the city’s haunted sites with a touch of comedy. Your creepy conductor will guide you through Edinburgh’s darker history, sharing tales of grave robbers, plague victims, and local ghosts. Learn more here.

• Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends: Discover the mysterious and dark side of Edinburgh with this walking tour. Learn about the city’s eerie legends, gruesome murders, and spine-chilling mysteries as you explore its shadowy corners.

Explore Edinburgh’s Surroundings:

• Hike the Pentland Hills: Breathe in fresh air, savor panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Be sure to look out for Highland cows grazing at Swanston Farm, a working farm nestled within the Pentland Hills.

Day Trips from Edinburgh:

• Charming Seaside Towns: Take a day trip to charming seaside towns like South Queensferry and North Berwick (both easily reached by bus or train). Explore their historic harbors, cute shops, and cozy cafes while enjoying the fresh sea air. South Queensferry offers stunning views, especially on a Forth Bridges boat tour! See these impressive bridges up close and learn about their history on a scenic cruise.

• Sail down the Firth of Forth: Embark on a thrilling boat tour with Forth Boat Tours and admire the city skyline from a unique perspective. Spot iconic landmarks like the magnificent Forth Bridges and marine wildlife like seals and seabirds. The Forth Boat Tours experience is not only a great day out but also allows you to experience some of the very best attractions and sightseeing in Scotland.

• Venture into the Highlands: Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes and rich history of the Scottish Highlands with a day tour from Edinburgh. Explore iconic locations like Loch Ness, Glencoe, or Stirling Castle, and discover the magic of this captivating region.

With these diverse options, you can craft an unforgettable itinerary that incorporates the natural beauty, historical richness, charming towns, and dramatic landscapes surrounding Edinburgh!

Need More Help Planning Your Edinburgh Trip?

While this post is packed with lots of activities to enjoy this summer, I’ve also put together something special for travellers. After connecting with over 490k followers across my social media over the past two years, I’ve heard directly from many of you about the challenges of planning the perfect trip to Edinburgh.

That’s why I created the Ultimate Edinburgh Explorer Bundle – a carefully curated collection of products designed to ensure your Edinburgh adventure is nothing short of extraordinary.

If you want to skip the hassle of planning and the guesswork of what to know and prepare, and instead dive right into the ultimate Edinburgh experience, this bundle is for you! Click here to explore the Ultimate Edinburgh Explorer Bundle!

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