Verdict: Tough month
Edinburgh Weather in January
January is properly cold in Edinburgh, with highs of only 7°C (45°F). Expect showers on roughly 14 days of the month — rarely trip-ruining, worth planning around. If your dates are flexible, most travelers will have a better time in Edinburgh outside January.
Average high
7°C / 45°F
Average low
3°C / 37°F
Rain days
~14
Precipitation
76 mm
What to pack for Edinburgh in January
- A proper warm jacket, and a hat for mornings
- Rain gear is non-negotiable — expect rain on roughly 14 days
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
January against the rest of the year
Warmest in Edinburgh: Jul (18°C / 64°F) · Coolest: Jan (7°C / 45°F) · Wettest: Oct (~19 rain days)
7°
3°
Jan
8°
3°
Feb
9°
3°
Mar
11°
4°
Apr
14°
8°
May
17°
10°
Jun
18°
12°
Jul
18°
12°
Aug
16°
10°
Sep
13°
8°
Oct
10°
5°
Nov
7°
3°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)