December is a cold winter month in Edinburgh, with an average temperature of 5°C. Christmas is fantastic time of year to visit, as Edinburgh comes alive with festive fun and sparkle. There are also lots of special events and shows to enjoy across the city. Here’s what’s on in Edinburgh in December 2022.
Is December a good time to visit Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Weather in December: One of the coldest months of the year in Edinburgh, the holiday décor and dusting of snow can make December a beautiful time to visit. The average high temperature has plunged four more degrees to just 5°C and precipitation on average remains at 70mm.
Is it worth visiting Scotland in December?
December is a busy and festive time to visit Scotland’s cities, and prices for flights and accommodations tend to climb around mid-month for a few weeks during Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year’s celebrations); it’s best to book hotels, activities, and restaurants well in advance.
Does Edinburgh have snow in December?
Months with snowfall in Edinburgh are January through March, November and December. In December, it is snowing for 1.7 days. Throughout December, 12mm (0.47″) of snow is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 9.2 snowfall days, and 66mm (2.6″) of snow is accumulated.
Is Edinburgh a good place to visit at Christmas?
Like many cities in Europe, you’ll find Christmas markets in the city to buy local food and goods. We also have activities that center around the nativity, carolling, and seeing holiday lights. Many of these activities happen at key locations around the city from the Botanical Garden to the zoo to the Edinburgh Castle.
Can you see the northern lights in Edinburgh in December?
Edinburgh. Very occasionally, you might see the northern lights from the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. This is a rare scenario but when it happens, it is pretty special! If you are visiting Edinburgh as part of a winter tour of Scotland, you could always have a look for the northern lights.
How many hours of daylight does Edinburgh get in December?
At the beginning and end of winter, daylight tends to last from around 7am to 6pm. The daylight hours in Scotland gradually reduce through winter until the shortest day of the year on 21 December at around 8.45am to 3.30pm, at which point the days begin to get longer again.
Is Scotland too cold in December?
December, January and February are generally the coldest months in Scotland, with the average maximum temperature usually around 5°C (41°F). The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 100 days of falling snow.
What should I pack for Scotland in December?
What to add to your Scotland packing list for December, January, and February:
- Replace one short-sleeve shirt with a long-sleeve t-shirt.
- Extra pair of wool socks (5 total)
- Long underwear (1-2 pairs)
- Winter scarf.
- Waterproof winter jacket.
- Waterproof hat.
- Pair of waterproof gloves.
Does it rain a lot in Scotland in December?
In comparison, rainfall in December 2021 amounted to 133 millimeters. The driest month during this period was April 2020, when just 30.2 millimeters of rain fell.
Which month is coldest in Edinburgh?
January
Winter in Edinburgh
The coldest months of the year are January and February, with average lows of 33.8°F (1°C) and highs that rarely exceed 44.6°F (7°C).
Are there Christmas markets in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Christmas Markets and Winter Festivals
The 2022-23 Edinburgh Winter Festivals will take place between 25 November and 3 January. Check back for more information soon.
Is Edinburgh colder than London?
You rarely need summer clothes in Edinburgh and the temperature rarely exceeds 17 degrees. London, on the other hand, has much more sunshine and overall, the temperature is usually 3-7 degrees higher than in Edinburgh.
How many days in Edinburgh do you need?
For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least two or three days in Edinburgh, which will give you enough time to explore the city centre and see the main sites.
Does Edinburgh have a winter wonderland?
It might still be a few months away, but here’s everything we know about Edinburgh’s Christmas Market 2022. It is hoped Edinburgh’s Christmas Market will be back again this year, transforming the city centre into a winter wonderland.
How long does it take to go around Edinburgh Christmas market?
It took all of 10/15 minutes to walk through as the amount of stands was poor at best.
Does Edinburgh have Christmas lights?
Firmly established as unmissable within Scotland’s winter calendar, over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Do you need a car in Scotland?
Travelling in Scotland without a car is certainly doable, but you need to make sure you know exactly what your public transport options are, where you’ll be heading each day, and how long you can expect to take to get there.
Is Isle of Skye worth visiting?
The Isle of Skye, also known as Cloud Isles in Old Norse, is Scotland’s second-largest archipelago, but unquestionably it’s most stunning. It’s no surprise that the Isle of Skye is the country’s most popular tourist attraction after Edinburgh, with its rising mountains, cascading waterfalls, and flaming sunsets.
Is Scotland worth visiting in winter?
Is it worth travelling to Scotland in winter? Absolutely! There are so many reasons why travelling to Scotland in the offseason is a good idea – it’s cheaper, less crowded and the snow-capped peaks of the Highlands are breathtaking.
Does Edinburgh have white Christmas?
Edinburgh has’t had snow over Christmas for several years. Photo: yaohuier / Getty Images / Canva Pro. This will be accompanied by rain and extremely strong winds, reaching up to 75mp in some places.