Last updated: March 17, 2025
In January, Edinburgh experiences a distinctive winter climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F). With minimum temperatures dropping to -5°C (24°F), it's a month where warm clothing is essential for outdoor exploration. Rainfall is a common occurrence, with 56 mm (2.2 in) reported over 9 days, contributing to the city's lush landscape. The humidity level remains notably high at 90%, creating a crisp and chilly atmosphere. Visitors to the Scottish capital in January can expect a blend of cold temperatures and frequent showers, offering a unique winter experience rich in history and charm.
In January, Edinburgh experiences its chilly embrace, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -5°C (24°F) at night to a mild 14°C (57°F) during warmer days. The average temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), marking the city's winter peak before spring begins to stir. As the month progresses, subtle signs of the changing seasons emerge, leading into February, where nights can dip to -7°C (19°F) but daily highs only marginally increase. Over the following months, a gradual warming trend unfolds; by April, for instance, average temperatures reach 8°C (46°F), paving the way for more pleasant springtime outings. This steady rise continues through May and into summer, reflecting Edinburgh's transformation from a winter wonderland to a vibrant tapestry of colors and warmth.
In January, Edinburgh experiences a modest precipitation total of 56 mm (2.2 in), spread across an average of 9 rainy days. This relatively mild start to the year sets the tone for a wetter February, which receives 88 mm (3.4 in) from more frequent showers, increasing to 15 days of rainfall. As winter transitions into spring, March sees a slight decrease in precipitation to 78 mm (3.1 in), still maintaining those 15 rainy days. By April, the city enjoys a reprieve with just 35 mm (1.4 in) over 9 days, hinting at the drier patterns of late spring and early summer. However, rainfall picks up again in May with 58 mm (2.3 in), followed by consistently higher amounts from June through October, culminating in a peak of 93 mm (3.7 in) in October. This trend emphasizes how Edinburgh's winter and early spring can be relatively gentle before the more frequent and intense precipitation patterns of later months take hold.
In January, Edinburgh experiences its highest humidity levels of the year at a staggering 90%, creating a damp and chill atmosphere characteristic of the Scottish winter. This elevated humidity gradually recedes over the next few months, dipping to 88% in February and further to 86% in March, hinting at the subtle arrival of spring. As temperatures begin to rise, April and May see a slight decrease in humidity to 85% and 80%, respectively, offering a breath of fresh, albeit still moist, air. However, as summer approaches, humidity levels slightly bounce back, stabilizing around 82% from July through August. The cycle of wet weather returns in the fall, with September's humidity creeping back up to 88%, peaking again in November at 92% before starting anew in the chill of December at 89%. Thus, January's humidity not only sets the tone for the winter months but also reflects the broader seasonal pattern of moisture in this historic city.
In January, Edinburgh experiences a low UV Index of 1, with a safe burn time of 45 minutes—a comfortable reminder that even winter sun requires caution. As the months progress, the UV Index gradually rises, reaching 2 in February, before jumping to 3 in March, indicating a shift towards moderate levels of exposure. This upward trend continues into April with a UV Index of 5, marking the arrival of spring and a notable reduction in burn time to 30 minutes. By May, the Index peaks at 6 during the early summer, signifying high exposure levels and a burn time of just 25 minutes. As summer arrives, the Index fluctuates between 6 and 8, underscoring the importance of sun protection during these months. Even as autumn rolls in, September and October witness a slight decrease to a moderate UV Index of 5 and later 3. As we close the year, January returns with its familiar, gentle lower levels, reinforcing the pattern of seasonal variation in sun exposure. Stay informed and protected by checking the latest updates from the Edinburgh UV Index.
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January in Edinburgh sees a modest 77 hours of sunshine, marking the beginning of the year with a gentle glow that gradually brightens the months ahead. As winter gives way to spring, the city enjoys a substantial increase in daylight, with February bringing 131 hours and March shining with 195 hours. This upward trend continues delightfully into April and May, where sunlit hours escalate to 325 and 394, respectively, inviting residents and visitors to bask in the warmth. The summer months of June through August maintain this sunny disposition, averaging around 371 to 390 hours, before a gradual decline starts in September with 283 hours. By the time October rolls in, the sun retreats further, offering 203 hours, and November and December mirror January’s quiet brightness with 111 and 77 hours respectively, echoing the cycle of light and dark that defines Edinburgh's climate.
In January, Edinburgh experiences a 29% chance of sunny weather, offering a slightly brighter outlook compared to the chill of the following months. This likelihood places January above February and March, which see only 23% and 20% chances of sunshine, respectively. As spring approaches, there's a notable increase in sunny days, with April soaring to 46%, suggesting that winter's grip begins to ease. However, even with the lower probabilities, January remains an intriguing month for those seeking a rare glimpse of sunshine amidst the historical charm of Edinburgh. While the weather can be notoriously unpredictable, the city's landscape shines in its own unique way, regardless of the clouds overhead.
In January, Edinburgh experiences a modest 7 hours of daylight, marking the tail end of winter's grip. As the city transitions into February, the days gradually lengthen to 9 hours, signaling the approach of spring. This upward trend continues into March, where daylight extends to 11 hours, inviting locals to bask in the growing sunlight. By April, the daylight reaches 14 hours, creating a vibrant atmosphere for outdoor activities. As the summer months roll in, May showcases a peak of 16 hours, followed closely by June, which boasts 17 hours of sunlight—perfect for enjoying the city's lush parks and historic streets. However, as summer fades, daylight begins to wane, dropping to 16 hours in July and gradually decreasing to 14 hours by August. The rhythm of the seasons continues with September at 12 hours and a further decline through the autumn months, leaving October with 10 hours, November at 8, and returning to 7 hours by December. This cyclical pattern highlights Edinburgh's seasonal transformations, offering both the quiet charm of winter and the lively days of summer.
In January, Edinburgh experiences a gentle average wind speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph), setting a relatively calm tone for the winter month. As we transition into February, the winds pick up noticeably, with gusts reaching 5.8 m/s (13 mph), suggesting a more blustery atmosphere as the city braces for spring. March sees a slight decline in wind intensity to 4.9 m/s (11 mph), while April and May return to calmer breezes, averaging around 3.1 m/s (7 mph) and 3.2 m/s (7 mph), respectively. This pattern of variability continues throughout the year, with wind speeds peaking in late autumn before tapering off in the summer months, where July and August feature the lightest winds at 2.5 m/s (6 mph) and 2.8 m/s (6 mph). Overall, January marks the beginning of a cycle that showcases Edinburgh’s dynamic weather, oscillating between tranquility and lively gusts as the seasons change.
The weather in Edinburgh changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January'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.
January and February in Edinburgh present a somewhat similar experience in terms of average temperatures, both hovering around 5°C (41°F). However, January tends to be slightly warmer at its maximum, reaching 14°C (57°F), compared to February’s high of 15°C (59°F). The colder days of February are evident in its minimum temperature of -7°C (19°F), which is lower than January’s -5°C (24°F). Precipitation also increases from January to February, with February receiving 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain across 15 days, compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days. Overall, February is a wetter and slightly colder month, yet still retains the same average temperature. For more details, you can check Edinburgh weather in February.
In January, the weather tends to be colder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), averaging around 5°C (41°F). The month experiences around 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 90%. In contrast, March sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), averaging 6°C (43°F). However, it has more rainfall, totaling 78 mm (3.1 in) over about 15 days, and slightly lower humidity at 86%. For more detailed information, you can visit Edinburgh weather in March.
January and April present quite contrasting weather experiences. In January, temperatures hover between a chilly -5°C (24°F) and a mild 14°C (57°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). This month also sees significant precipitation of 56 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 90%. In contrast, April offers a more temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from -4°C (25°F) to a pleasant 22°C (71°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F). The precipitation decreases to 35 mm (1.4 in) over the same number of days, and humidity drops slightly to 85%. For more detailed insights, click here: Edinburgh weather in April.
January and May in Edinburgh present contrasting weather patterns that highlight the transition from winter to spring. In January, temperatures can drop as low as -5°C (24°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F). The month sees significant precipitation, with about 56 mm (2.2 in) falling over 9 days and high humidity levels averaging 90%. In contrast, May enjoys milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) to a pleasant high of 26°C (80°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). While May experiences slightly more precipitation at 58 mm (2.3 in) over 12 days, humidity is notably lower at 80%. This shift reflects the warming climate of late spring, making it a more inviting time to explore the city's outdoor beauty. For more details, visit Edinburgh weather in May.
January and June exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a mild 14°C (57°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). The month sees about 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, and humidity levels remain high at 90%. In contrast, June offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures varying from a pleasant 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging around 14°C (57°F). Precipitation increases to 78 mm (3.1 in), spread over 13 days, while humidity drops to 83%. For more specifics on June weather in Edinburgh, visit Edinburgh weather in June.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), and an average temperature of 5°C (41°F). This month sees a significant amount of humidity at 90%, and total precipitation of 56 mm (2.2 in) over approximately 9 days. In contrast, July experiences much milder weather, with minimum temperatures around 7°C (46°F) and maximum temperatures soaring up to 28°C (83°F), resulting in an average of 15°C (60°F). While July has higher total precipitation at 74 mm (2.9 in) spread over about 14 days, the humidity decreases to 82%. For those interested in exploring the warm summer months, you can find more information about Edinburgh weather in July.
January and August present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -5°C (24°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), accompanied by high humidity levels at 90%. The month sees about 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days, making it a chilly and damp time of year. In contrast, August brings warmer temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to an average of 15°C (59°F) and a comfortable maximum of 26°C (79°F). While it experiences more precipitation at 91 mm (3.6 in) spread over 15 days, humidity is lower at 82%. For more details on the warm and vibrant weather in August, you can check out Edinburgh weather in August.
When comparing January and September weather, notable differences emerge in both temperature and precipitation. January features colder conditions with a minimum temperature of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), while September enjoys milder weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to an average of 13°C (56°F), and reaching up to 25°C (77°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in September, totaling 68 mm (2.7 in) over about 12 days, compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days. Humidity levels remain similar, at 90% in January and 88% in September, creating a damp atmosphere year-round. For more information, you can visit Edinburgh weather in September.
In January, temperatures in Edinburgh typically range from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), with an average of 5°C (41°F). The month sees about 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 9 days, while humidity remains consistently high at 90%. In contrast, October experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F), an average of 10°C (51°F), and a maximum reaching 19°C (67°F). The precipitation increases to 93 mm (3.7 in) over 16 days, yet humidity remains the same at 90%. For a more detailed look at the weather trends specific to October, you can visit Edinburgh weather in October.
When comparing January and November weather, January tends to be slightly colder, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (57°F), while November sees a milder average temperature between -4°C (25°F) and 15°C (59°F). In terms of precipitation, November experiences more rainfall at 72 mm (2.9 in) over 14 days, compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) over just 9 days. Humidity levels are also higher in November at 92%, compared to January's 90%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Edinburgh weather in November.
In comparing January and December weather, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges, with January having a maximum of 14°C (57°F) and December slightly cooler at 13°C (56°F). Both months feature a minimum temperature of -5°C (24°F) and an average temperature of 5°C (41°F). However, December tends to be wetter, receiving 77 mm (3.0 in) of precipitation over 14 days, compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) over just 9 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with January at 90% and December slightly lower at 89%. For more detailed information on December weather, you can visit Edinburgh weather in December.
In January, Edinburgh experiences a unique blend of chilly conditions and frequent precipitation, setting it apart from the rest of the year. While temperatures can dip to a brisk -5°C and occasionally reach a mild 14°C, the month is characterized by an average of about 5°C. As one of the wettest months, it sees significant rainfall spread over nine days, contributing to the city's high humidity, which hovers around 90%. This distinctive combination of cool temperatures and moisture creates a particularly atmospheric setting, making January an intriguing time to explore the city's historic charm. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out the Edinburgh Climate.