Last updated: March 17, 2025
In December, Edinburgh transforms into a winter wonderland, where temperatures fluctuate between a maximum of 13°C (56°F) and a minimum of -5°C (23°F). With an average temperature of 5°C (41°F), this month invites residents and visitors alike to bundle up and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Despite the chill, the city boasts a humidity level of 89%, enhancing the cozy ambiance. Rainfall is a common companion, with 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation spread over 14 days, ensuring that the landscape remains lush and vibrant. Embrace the seasonal charm and explore all that Edinburgh has to offer in its brisk, yet enchanting December weather.
In December, Edinburgh experiences a chill that heralds the onset of winter. With temperatures dipping to a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and peaking at just 13°C (56°F), the city finds itself enveloped in a crisp, brisk atmosphere. The average temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), aligning with the colder months that precede it. This trend reveals a continuation of cooling temperatures from November, reflecting a gradual transition into the depths of winter. As the year draws to a close, locals and visitors alike bundle up to enjoy the festive ambiance, with the city's historic charm contrasting beautifully against the season's frosty backdrop.
In December, Edinburgh experiences a substantial precipitation of 77 mm (3.0 in), falling right in line with the overall trend of moist winters that characterize the city. With 14 days of rainfall, the month joins a string of damp periods, particularly notable in the preceding months of October (93 mm) and November (72 mm). This wet pattern maintains a rhythmic dance throughout the autumn and winter seasons, suggesting that while December is less rainy than both October and August, it still contributes significantly to the city's lush and green landscape. As the year wraps up, residents and visitors alike brace for the lingering drizzle that shapes Edinburgh's charm, making the festive season feel even cozier amidst the cool, damp air.
As December settles in Edinburgh, the city experiences a notable shift in humidity levels, averaging around 89%. This figure reflects a slight decline from the 92% recorded in November, yet it remains higher than the early months of the year, where humidity peaked at 90% in October. Throughout the year, Edinburgh's humidity displays a trend of gradual decline as the weather transitions from the dampness of late autumn into the relatively brisk conditions of winter. The city typically experiences its highest humidity in the late autumn months, with January kicking off the year at a lofty 90%. Overall, while December's humidity remains elevated, it hints at the colder, dryer days ahead as the festive season takes hold.
In December, Edinburgh experiences a low UV Index of 1, mirroring the beginning of the year with a consistent trend of reduced sun exposure. This level suggests a relatively safe environment for outdoor activities, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy up to 45 minutes in the sun without the risk of skin damage. As the year progresses, the UV index tends to escalate from low values in the winter months to very high levels in the summer. This seasonal variation highlights the importance of sun safety as you transition from the chilly December days to the sunnier months ahead. For detailed insights into Edinburgh's UV trends throughout the year, check out Edinburgh UV Index.
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In December, Edinburgh experiences a return to the subdued glow of winter, with sunshine hours dwindling to just 77 hours. This marks a significant dip compared to the vibrant spring and summer months, which boast over 350 hours of sunlight. Notably, May shines as the pinnacle of brightness, recording an impressive 394 hours. As the year draws to a close, daylight gradually retreats, underscoring a natural cycle where Edinburgh's charm transforms beneath the moody winter skies. This seasonal rhythm from the ample sunshine of summer to the crisp clarity of December invites residents and visitors alike to appreciate the city's unique allure, even amid the shorter days.
In December, the likelihood of sunny weather in Edinburgh takes a noticeable dip, with only an 18% chance of sunshine. This marks a decline from the preceding months, where November offered a relatively hopeful 31% chance. As winter sets in, the trend reveals a consistent reduction in sunny days starting from the vibrant colors of April, which boasts a 46% chance. Throughout the year, we see seasonal fluctuations, with the sunniest months typically falling in the spring, while December’s gloomy forecast underscores the city's transition into the colder, darker days of winter. For those hoping to bask in the sunlight, it may be wise to plan for indoor activities as the days grow shorter and cloudier.
In Edinburgh, December marks the return of shorter days, as daylight is limited to a mere 7 hours. This trend reflects a gradual decline from the long, bright days of summer, peaking at 17 hours in June, and highlights the stark contrast between the seasons. As the year wanes, daylight diminishes steadily from 16 hours in July down to December's low, mirroring the dip in energy and vibrancy often felt in winter months. With each passing month, daylength retracts, creating a rhythm that is both predictable and enchanting, reminding us of the cyclical nature of time in this historic city.
As December settles over Edinburgh, the wind begins to weave a tapestry of brisk charm, with an average speed of 4.0 m/s (or 9 mph). This month marks a slight dip from the more blustery autumn, where November had set the stage with gusts reaching 5.1 m/s (11 mph). Interestingly, December's winds, while milder, still carry the crispness of winter, similar to the gentle breezes felt in June and July. The overall trend shows a gradual ebb in wind intensity as the year draws to a close, contrasting with the lively gusts of early autumn and hinting at the quieter, more contemplative nature of winter in this historic city.
The weather in Edinburgh changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Edinburgh and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, the weather features similar minimum temperatures as January, with both months dipping to around -5°C (23°F). However, December typically experiences a slightly warmer average maximum temperature of 13°C (56°F) compared to January's 14°C (57°F). Precipitation in December is higher, with 77 mm (3.0 in) falling over 14 days, while January sees a decrease to 56 mm (2.2 in) over just 9 days. Humidity levels are similar, with December at 89% and January a bit higher at 90%. For more details on January weather, you can visit Edinburgh weather in January.
In comparing the weather between December and February, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, hovering around 5°C (41°F). However, February typically experiences slightly colder minimum temperatures, dipping to -7°C (19°F) compared to December's -5°C (23°F). February also sees a marginal increase in maximum temperatures, reaching up to 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is a bit more frequent in February, with 88 mm (3.4 in) over 15 days, compared to December's 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days, and humidity levels remain consistently high in both months at around 88-89%. For a more detailed breakdown of February weather conditions, you can visit Edinburgh weather in February.
December and March present contrasting yet similar weather patterns, with both months experiencing chilly temperatures and notable precipitation. In December, the average temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), with lows dipping to -5°C (23°F) and highs reaching 13°C (56°F). This month sees around 77 mm (3.0 in) of rainfall spread over 14 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 89%. Conversely, March offers slightly milder temperatures, with an average of 6°C (43°F), ranging from a low of -4°C (25°F) to a high of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation is slightly higher at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 15 days, with a comparable humidity level of 86%. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can visit Edinburgh weather in March.
In December, the weather in Edinburgh is quite chilly, with average temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F), and a maximum of only 13°C (56°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 89% and a significant amount of precipitation, receiving 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days. In contrast, April offers a noticeable warming trend, featuring average temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and reaching highs of 22°C (71°F). With lower precipitation of 35 mm (1.4 in) over just 9 days and a slight decrease in humidity to 85%, April feels much more pleasant. For more specific details, explore Edinburgh weather in April.
December and May showcase distinct contrasts in weather. December brings colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (23°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while May enjoys a milder climate, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to an average of 11°C (52°F) and reaching a maximum of 26°C (80°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in December, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) across 14 days compared to May's 58 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels also differ, with December at a notable 89%, while May presents a more comfortable 80%. For more detailed insights, check out Edinburgh weather in May.
December and June present quite contrasting weather in terms of temperature and overall atmosphere. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (23°F) to a mild 13°C (56°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). The month sees a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days, and the humidity often feels quite high at 89%. In contrast, June experiences much warmer temperatures with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging around 14°C (57°F). Precipitation remains similar at 78 mm (3.1 in) but over fewer days, just 13, while humidity is slightly lower at 83%. For those considering a visit to Edinburgh in June, you can find more information here.
December and July in Edinburgh present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can dip to a minimum of -5°C (23°F) with an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), making it quite chilly. The month is also characterized by high humidity at 89% and about 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 14 days. In contrast, July offers a much warmer experience, with minimum temperatures around 7°C (46°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), peaking at a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Although July also sees around 74 mm (2.9 in) of rainfall over 14 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 82%. For those looking to explore Edinburgh during the summer, insights can be found here: Edinburgh weather in July.
The weather in December and August presents a striking contrast in Edinburgh. December is notably colder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while August enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in August, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 15 days compared to December's 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days. Additionally, December has a higher humidity level at 89%, compared to August's 82%. For more details on August weather patterns, check out Edinburgh weather in August.
In comparison, December weather is generally much colder than September, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F). September, on the other hand, offers milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to an average of 13°C (56°F) and a comfortable maximum of 25°C (77°F). Both months experience a similar amount of precipitation, with December receiving 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days and September having slightly less at 68 mm (2.7 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels are quite comparable, hovering around 89% in December and 88% in September. For a more detailed look at September weather, you can check Edinburgh weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. December is colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (23°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while October experiences milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -1°C (31°F) to a max of 19°C (67°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in December at 77 mm (3.0 in) over 14 days compared to October's 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days. Additionally, December has a slightly higher humidity level at 89% compared to October's 90%. For more detailed information, you can check out Edinburgh weather in October.
When comparing the weather in December to November, it becomes evident that December experiences slightly colder temperatures, with an average of 5°C (41°F) compared to November's 7°C (45°F). The minimum temperatures in December dip to -5°C (23°F) while November remains just a degree warmer at -4°C (25°F). Although both months see similar levels of precipitation, December has a slightly higher total of 77 mm (3.0 in) compared to November's 72 mm (2.9 in). Furthermore, the humidity is marginally lower in December at 89%, compared to November's 92%. For a detailed outlook on November's weather, check out Edinburgh weather in November.
As December rolls into Edinburgh, the city experiences a noticeable shift in weather compared to other months. With average temperatures dipping to 5°C (41°F) and lows reaching as cold as -5°C (23°F), the chill in the air is palpable, inviting blankets and hot drinks. Precipitation becomes more frequent, with nearly half the month seeing rain, making it essential to embrace the festive spirit while staying weather-ready. The high humidity at 89% adds to the winter ambience, often resulting in a misty haze that wraps the city in a cozy atmosphere. For those curious about the wider climatic patterns of this beautiful city, more details can be found at Edinburgh Climate.