The weather in Edinburgh, like much of Scotland, is often a source of complaint among both visitors and locals. Edinburgh has a temperate climate, meaning it rains often and Summers are mild rather than hot.

It is also a gusty city (as organisers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay know only too well, having had to cancel the 100,000 person street party because of high gales).

Torrential rain is not unheard of even in the Summer months of July and August. We think ourselves lucky if we get a few sunny days in which we can comfortably wear shorts and t-shirts throughout the day. Winters are cold and often damp, and can drop to freezing around December to February.

Rain is usually less a heavy deluge, but more a constant drizzle and (in Winter) sleet. It's not unusual in Spring and Autumn to have four seasons worth of a weather in a single day.

Other resources

• Edinburgh webcams See what the weather's like for yourself.
• Charts for Edinburgh's average rainfall, sunlight and temperature.