Edinburgh Holidays & City Breaks

Edinburgh Holidays & City Breaks
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Map of Edinburgh

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1°C - 25°C

Edinburgh has a cold climate similar to the UK, but its winters aren’t as chilly as some parts of Scotland. Rainfall is more likely during autumn and winter, but the summer still sees a moderate amount. July and August are the hottest months and have been known to reach a toasty 25°C.
 

 

Other popular city breaks

Edinburgh is best for...

History buffs: As a former battleground, Edinburgh’s history is both fascinating and dark. Explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town or walk uphill to Edinburgh Castle which rests high above the city. And if that’s not enough history for one day, admire the monumental scale of St Giles’ Cathedral, before heading underground to Real Mary Kings Close, an historic street which lies beneath the city.

Festival lovers: With a calendar full of events, there’s always something going on in this fun-loving city. Edinburgh International Festival hosts a series of performances from well-known acts, while the Fringe Festival showcases up-and-coming comedians, playwrights and  musicians. There are also events celebrating all things science, art and jazz, not to mention Hogmanay, its iconic New Year’s street party.

Outdoorsy types: This incredible city is surrounded by rolling hills with plenty of vantage points offering amazing views of the highlands. The extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat rises for 251 metres, and is one of Edinburgh’s most famous hiking spots.

Fast facts for Edinburgh

Language: English is the main language spoken in Edinburgh, but many Scots still speak the ancient Celtic language of Gaelic. Mainly spoken in the highlands and islands, it’s likely that you won’t even come across it during your time in Edinburgh.

Currency: The currency in Edinburgh is the British pound (GBP).

Local time: Edinburgh is (GMT), the same time as the UK.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the Official Guide to Edinburgh website.

 

Edinburgh weather

Let’s put a few misconceptions about the weather in Edinburgh to bed. Despite what you may have heard, the summer weather in the city is delightful. You can expect average highs of around 20ºC. This makes it the perfect place to visit for those who don’t enjoy the heat. The mild summer months provide the perfect opportunity to get out there and see the beautiful sites this historic city has to offer.

Pack layers and be prepared for anything

Although Edinburgh weather is usually drier than the rest of Scotland, there’s still a chance of rain, even during the summer months. We advise packing versatile clothes that’ll suit all weathers. You can’t go wrong with a trusty cardigan or sweatshirt.Pack a few layers and enjoy your holidays, no matter how the weather turns out.

If you long to experience the best of the Edinburgh weather, we suggest planning a trip sometime between June and August as that’s when it tends to be warmest.

If you’re planning a trip in August be sure not to miss the Edinburgh International Festival, where you’ll witness amazing classical music performances complemented by a firework display.  A word of warning though, this is the most popular time to visit, so book accommodation well in advance.

However, if you’re planning a winter trip, the temperatures average a chilly 3ºC in January. Be sure to wrap up warm, pack layers, a rain mac, and an umbrella. You don’t want the wind and rain to stop you from seeing everything this vibrant city has to offer.
 

 

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