visit edinburgh in february

Edinburgh in February: 34 Best Things to Do

Considering a February visit to Edinburgh? Let me guide you through this unique experience from an expat’s lens!

Many imagine Edinburgh in February as just another chilly European city, but living there unveils its true character.

I spent two February months in Edinburgh during a five-year stay in Scotland, learning firsthand about its winter charm and challenges.

From navigating the cobbled streets under a brooding sky to seeking warmth in cozy pubs, I’ve experienced the city’s winter spirit.

Edinburgh in February is enchantingly unique with its stark historic buildings against grey skies and heartwarming comfort foods.

Returning here after globetrotting, I realized the month’s underrated beauty despite its biting cold and unpredictable weather.

I’m not here to sugarcoat it. Instead, I aim to give you an authentic glimpse of Edinburgh’s February allure, helping you decide if it’s the perfect time for your adventure.

Ready to explore Edinburgh’s winter magic? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Weather in Edinburgh in February

Ah, Edinburgh in February, where the winter’s tale continues with its own unique twist.

The city, in its majestic winter coat, blends ethereal beauty and brisk Scottish air, turning every breath into a visible wisp.

Temperatures in February play in the realm of a cool 5°C (41°F) on average, with the lows often flirting with 0°C (32°F).

Yes, it’s a tad nippy, but it’s nothing a warm scarf and a bit of Scottish grit can’t handle.

Snow in Edinburgh during February is a delightful possibility, not a certainty. When it does grace the city, it transforms the ancient streets into a mesmerizing winter wonderland, especially around the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

My second February in the city was particularly memorable. Waking up to a light snowfall that gently blanketed the Royal Mile, I felt like I was living inside a snow globe!

Remember, they believe there’s no bad weather in Scotland, just inappropriate clothing.

So, arm yourself with a sturdy coat, reliable boots, and an adventurous spirit.

February in Edinburgh isn’t just about enduring the cold but embracing it. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast ready to delve into the city’s rich history or an outdoor lover keen to stroll along the frosty paths of Princes Street Gardens, the weather sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Edinburgh Holidays in February

1. valentine’s day – february 14th.

Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is not just about romantic dinners; it’s a celebration that illuminates the city with a special charm.

The historic streets and cozy restaurants become the backdrop for couples and friends alike.

Whether it’s a candle-lit dinner in a quaint bistro in the Old Town, or a serene walk through the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh offers many memorable ways to celebrate love and friendship.

The city’s enchanting aura on this day is truly something to experience, whether you’re with a loved one or just enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

2. Scottish Snowdrop Festival – Late February

As February progresses, one of Scotland’s most delightful natural events begins to unfold – the Scottish Snowdrop Festival.

While not confined to Edinburgh alone , the city and its surrounding areas participate enthusiastically. Gardens, parks, and woodlands start to bloom with the first signs of spring – the delicate snowdrops.

These tiny, white flowers create a magical contrast against the winter landscapes. The festival not only symbolizes the arrival of spring but also offers a tranquil escape into nature.

Places like the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh or nearby estates often host special walks and talks, celebrating these early bloomers.

3. National Storytelling Week – Early February

In early February, Edinburgh, with its rich literary heritage, becomes a hub for National Storytelling Week.

This event is a celebration of the art of storytelling, where tales and legends, both old and new, are shared across various venues in the city.

The week is filled with events suitable for all ages, from traditional Scottish folklore to contemporary narratives.

Libraries, bookshops, and even some cafes transform into storytelling havens, where locals and visitors can gather to listen, learn, and be transported through the power of a good story.

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4. Edinburgh’s Mountain Film Festival – Mid-February

Mid-February brings the excitement of Edinburgh’s Mountain Film Festival , a celebration for adventure enthusiasts.

This festival showcases a selection of the world’s best adventure, travel, and extreme sports films.

Held over a weekend, it’s not just about film screenings; there are inspiring talks from adventurers and opportunities to meet like-minded individuals passionate about the great outdoors.

Often hosted in one of the city’s charming theatres, the festival provides a perfect blend of awe-inspiring cinematography and Edinburgh’s historical setting.

10 Best Places to Visit in Edinburgh in February

Best places to visit in edinburgh in february.

February in Edinburgh is a time when the city’s historical charm intertwines beautifully with the last whispers of winter, creating a perfect atmosphere for exploration and discovery. Here are some of the best places to visit in Edinburgh during this unique month:

5. Edinburgh Castle

Perched majestically on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit landmark. In February, with fewer tourists, you get a more intimate experience exploring Scotland’s most famous fortress. The castle’s ancient walls and stunning views over the city look even more dramatic against the February skies. Don’t miss the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, steeped in history and intrigue.

6. The Royal Botanic Garden

Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden is a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. The gardens are quieter in February, offering a peaceful stroll among winter-flowering plants and early spring blossoms. The Victorian Palm House, with its tropical plants and warmth, is a delightful contrast to the chilly outdoors.

7. The Scottish National Gallery

For art lovers, the Scottish National Gallery is a haven. February is an ideal time to leisurely wander through its impressive fine art collection, including works by Scottish and European masters. The gallery’s warm and inviting atmosphere provides a perfect respite from the cold.

8. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

For a fun and interactive experience, head to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. Located near the Castle, this attraction offers a unique view of the city through the Camera Obscura and several floors of optical illusions that are enjoyable for all ages.

9. The Scotch Whisky Experience

A trip to Edinburgh isn’t complete without delving into the world of Scotch whisky. The Scotch Whisky Experience , situated at the top of the Royal Mile, offers guided tours that educate visitors about Scotland’s national drink. Complete with tastings, the tours are a warm and welcome activity in February.

10. Arthur’s Seat

For those up for a bit of adventure, a hike up Arthur’s Seat , an extinct volcano, is a rewarding experience. The panoramic views of the city and the sea are especially clear in the crisp February air. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, as paths can be slippery.

11. The Royal Yacht Britannia

Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith, Edinburgh’s port district. This former royal yacht offers a glimpse into the royal family’s life at sea. The audio tour provides an insightful narrative as you explore the ship’s five main decks.

12. Underground City Tours

February’s chill makes it a perfect time to explore Edinburgh’s underground secrets. The city’s famous underground city tours take you through the historic and eerie vaults beneath the Old Town. It’s a unique way to learn about the city’s darker past.

13. Calton Hill

For stunning city views, a visit to Calton Hill is highly recommended. It’s less crowded in February, providing a serene experience. The hill is home to several iconic monuments and buildings, including the National Monument and the Nelson Monument.

14. Greyfriars Kirkyard

For a touch of mystery, visit Greyfriars Kirkyard . Famous for its connection to Harry Potter and the loyal dog Greyfriars Bobby, the graveyard is a fascinating place with intriguing tombstones and tales that date back centuries.

10 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh in February

February in Edinburgh is about exploring historic sites and immersing oneself in the unique experiences the city offers during this brisk month. Here’s a list of activities that will make your February visit to Edinburgh truly memorable:

15. Attend a Rugby Match at Murrayfield Stadium

February often coincides with the Six Nations Rugby Championship. Catching a match at Murrayfield Stadium is a thrilling experience, where the electric atmosphere is as palpable as the Scottish pride. Even if you’re not a sports enthusiast, the energy and camaraderie are infectious and offer a genuine slice of local culture.

16. Experience the Dark Side of Edinburgh with a Ghost Tour

Edinburgh’s rich history is intertwined with tales of the supernatural. February’s dark evenings provide the perfect setting for a ghost tour. Explore the city’s eerie side by walking through its ancient cemeteries or the hidden underground vaults, where many secrets lurk.

17. Relax in a Traditional Edinburgh Pub

Escape the February chill in one of Edinburgh’s many traditional pubs. It’s the perfect time to experience Scottish hospitality, savour a local ale, and maybe even catch a live folk music session. Pubs like The Last Drop or The World’s End on the Royal Mile offer a cozy, historic atmosphere.

18. Take a Whisky Tasting Tour

Whisky tasting in Edinburgh is a must-do, especially during the colder months. Many distilleries and bars offer whisky-tasting sessions where you can learn about and savour Scotland’s most famous export. It’s a warming experience both for the body and the soul.

19. Explore the National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is an ideal indoor activity for a February day. Its diverse collection, from Scottish antiquities to technological innovations, offers an engaging experience for all ages. Best of all, admission is free.

20. Enjoy the Serenity of Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens in February has a different beauty, with fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk, enjoying the winter scenery and the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.

21. Discover the City’s Literary History

Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature. Spend a day on a literary trail, visiting the Writers’ Museum, the Scott Monument, and various locations associated with famous authors like Sir Walter Scott and J.K. Rowling.

22. Visit The City Art Centre

For art enthusiasts, The City Art Centre offers diverse exhibitions showcasing Scottish art and artists. The exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new to see, making it a perfect cultural escape from the February cold.

23. Enjoy a Cozy Afternoon Tea

February is a great time to indulge in a traditional Scottish afternoon tea. Many hotels and cafes offer this delightful experience, complete with scones, clotted cream, and a selection of fine teas – the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

24. Stroll Along the Water of Leith

The Water of Leith Walkway offers a scenic and tranquil route through the city’s heart. The walk is particularly serene in February, with the crisp winter air and the calming sound of the flowing river.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Edinburgh in February

In February, Edinburgh is the perfect time to explore some of the city’s best culinary delights and cozy drinking spots. Here are top recommendations for places that promise to warm both your heart and palate:

25. The Witchery by the Castle

Nestled near Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery offers an enchanting dining experience. Known for its Gothic elegance and exquisite Scottish cuisine, it provides an unforgettable atmosphere, especially in February’s romantic ambience.

26. The Dome

With its grandeur and stunning interior, the Dome is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. As one of my personal favourites in Edinburgh, it holds a special place in my heart for its luxurious afternoon teas and exquisite dining. The cocktails here are top-notch, perfect for a sophisticated evening in the city’s chill.

27. Timberyard

Timberyard is a gem for those who appreciate a blend of modern and rustic charm. With its locally sourced menu, this family-run spot offers a unique dining experience in a converted warehouse setting, ideal for a cozy February evening.

28. Holyrood 9A

Located in the city’s vibrant heart, Holyrood 9A is known for its relaxed vibe and extensive selection of craft beers. It’s a great choice for enjoying a casual meal, particularly known for its delicious burgers.

29. The Scran & Scallie

In Stockbridge, The Scran & Scallie presents traditional Scottish cuisine with a modern twist. It’s the perfect spot to delve into classic dishes like haggis in a cozy, welcoming setting.

30. Lovecrumbs

Lovecrumbs is a charming and quirky cafe known for its outstanding coffee and an array of tempting cakes and pastries. It’s a delightful spot to escape the February chill and indulge in homemade treats.

31. The Balmoral’s Palm Court for Afternoon Tea

The Balmoral’s Palm Court is the place to be for an afternoon steeped in elegance. Its luxurious setting is ideal for enjoying a selection of fine teas, scones, and sandwiches.

32. Leith’s The Kitchin

In Leith, The Kitchin offers a Michelin-starred dining experience that’s hard to forget. Chef Tom Kitchin’s ‘From Nature to Plate’ philosophy results in dishes that are as delightful to the palate as they are to the eyes.

33. The Last Drop

The Last Drop , a traditional Scottish pub in the historic Grassmarket area, holds a special place in my memories. Having lived in Grassmarket, I often enjoyed its warm atmosphere and friendly company, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking an authentic Edinburgh pub experience.

34. BrewDog Edinburgh

For craft beer aficionados, BrewDog Edinburgh is a must-visit. Its innovative range of beers and vibrant atmosphere make it a lively spot to round off an evening.

Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh in February

When visiting Edinburgh in February, choosing the right accommodation can greatly enhance your experience. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options, mid-range, or luxury, Edinburgh has something to suit every preference. Here are the best places to stay in Edinburgh during the chill of February:

Budget-Friendly: Castle Rock Hostel

Castle Rock Hostel is an excellent choice for those travelling on a budget. Located just a stone’s throw from the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this hostel offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability. It caters to backpackers and budget travellers with both dormitory-style rooms and private options. The hostel is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it a great place to meet fellow travellers.

Mid-Range: The Grassmarket Hotel

Nestled in the lively Grassmarket area, The Grassmarket Hotel perfectly balances comfort and affordability. The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring the city, with many of Edinburgh’s attractions within walking distance. The rooms are modern, well-equipped, and stylishly decorated with a Scottish twist, offering a cozy retreat from the February cold.

Luxury: The Balmoral Hotel

For those willing to indulge in luxury, The Balmoral Hotel offers an experience like no other. This iconic hotel on Princes Street is renowned for its elegant rooms, exceptional service, and fine dining options. With its spa, it becomes a haven for relaxation after a day of exploring the city. Staying at The Balmoral in February is particularly magical, as the hotel exudes warmth and grandeur, making it a perfect winter getaway.

Edinburgh in February Isn’t For You If…

Visiting Edinburgh in February can be a magical experience, but it’s important to acknowledge that it might not be the ideal destination for everyone during this time of the year. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

You Prefer Warm, Sunny Climates

February in Edinburgh is typically cold, and the weather can be unpredictable, with chances of rain or snow. If your ideal vacation involves basking in warm sunshine or you find it hard to enjoy activities in colder weather, Edinburgh this month might not be your cup of tea.

You’re Looking for Bustling Street Life and Outdoor Festivals

Edinburgh is famous for its vibrant festivals, but the major ones, like the Fringe and the International Festival, happen in the summer. February is quieter in the city, with fewer outdoor events and street performers. If you’re seeking the lively atmosphere Edinburgh is known for in the summer, February might disappoint.

Daylight Hours are Important to You

In February, Edinburgh has shorter daylight hours compared to the summer months. If your travel itinerary relies heavily on outdoor activities during daylight, you might find the shorter days limiting.

You’re Not a Fan of Layering Up

Dressing in layers is essential to stay comfortable while exploring Edinburgh in February. This includes thermal wear, a good quality coat, and waterproof boots. If you prefer to travel light or aren’t keen on wearing multiple layers, this time of year might pose a challenge.

Nightlife is a Top Priority

While Edinburgh has a decent nightlife scene, the options can be somewhat limited in February. The city is quieter after dark compared to the bustling summer months, so if vibrant nightlife is a crucial part of your travel experience, you might find February a bit too subdued.

Budget Constraints are a Concern

Travelling to Edinburgh in February can be slightly more expensive in certain aspects. Accommodation prices can be higher due to the aftermath of the holiday season and proximity to Valentine’s Day. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, this could be a factor to consider.

FAQs: Visiting Edinburgh in February

What is the average temperature in edinburgh in february.

In February, Edinburgh’s average temperature typically ranges between 1°C (34°F) and 8°C (46°F). It’s still winter, so expect cold weather with a mix of clear, crisp days and the possibility of rain or snow. Dressing warmly is advisable to comfortably explore the city.

Are most tourist attractions open in Edinburgh during February?

Yes, the majority of Edinburgh’s tourist attractions are open in February. Some might have reduced winter hours, and outdoor attractions could be weather-dependent. It’s always a good idea to check the operating hours of specific sites you plan to visit in advance.

What are the best areas to stay in Edinburgh for a February visit?

For a February visit, staying in central areas like the Old Town or New Town is ideal for easy access to indoor attractions and cozy restaurants. Areas like Leith and Stockbridge offer a more local feel and are great for those seeking a quieter, residential atmosphere.

How should I dress for a trip to Edinburgh in February?

When visiting Edinburgh in February, it’s essential to dress warmly. Layering is key, with thermal clothing, a heavy coat, waterproof footwear, and accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats. Be prepared for chilly winds and possible wet weather.

Are there any special events or festivals in Edinburgh during February?

February in Edinburgh is quieter in terms of festivals compared to the summer months. However, there are events like Valentine’s Day celebrations, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, and occasionally special events or exhibitions in museums and galleries. It’s a great month to experience the city’s cultural offerings at a more relaxed pace.

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Fiona is the founder of Discovering Edinburgh. Fiona has travelled to over 35 countries and fell in love with Edinburgh. After visiting Edinburgh on a day trip, she lived there for three years. Discovering Edinburgh is your go-to resource for everything Edinburgh. Whether you're a local or tourist you are bound to find something new.

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Best Times To Visit Edinburgh

The best time to visit Edinburgh is June through August when the average high temperatures rise to a balmy 65 degrees Fahrenheit. But this is also the city's busiest time for tourism, especially in August when festivals fill up the calendar. To avoid spending a small fortune, you'll have to bundle up: winter (November to March) offers the best low-season deals, except during the city's New Year's celebration, Hogmanay. Spring and early fall are the sweet spots – relatively mild weather and thin crowds pair with the chance to find hotel and airfare deals. 

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February in Edinburgh By Shawna Law -->

By Shawna Law

February in Edinburgh

Writen by Shawna Law

The days are slowly lengthening, temperatures inching up, and snowdrops are peeping their heads above ground, reminding us that Spring will soon be on its way. In the meantime, February promises a range of wonderful events in Edinburgh

Scottish Snowdrop Festival (throughout February, Various Locations)

Taking place between 25th January to 11th March, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival is celebrated in gardens across the country. In Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden is one of the best places to admire the emergence of the dainty white flowers in their various varieties.

MANIPULATE Festival (28th January-5th February, Various Locations)

MANIPULATE Festival is back and will host the very best of Scottish and international puppetry, visual theatre and animated film to adult audiences in Edinburgh and beyond.

Edinburgh International Improv Festival (18th-20th February, Scottish Storytelling Centre)

The Edinburgh International Improv Festival will be held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and offers three days of workshops and shows celebrating the best in improv from around the world.

Scottish Blues Weekend (18th-20th February, Assembly Roxy)

The Scottish Blues Weekend is back and will take place on the third weekend in February, both online and in-person. The festival will host ten of the best Scottish blues bands with a closing concert from award-winning blues guitar phenomenon Mike Zito at Assembly Roxy. 

ENTERTAINMENT

The days are beginning to lengthen but February is also known for its unpredictable weather so, it’s the ideal time to visit a few art exhibitions, spend an evening at a show, or attend a concert. Here are just a few events and exhibitions to keep in mind.

Jazz Sundays (every Sunday at 5pm, Söderberg Pavilion)

The Art of Wallpaper – Morris & Co. (throughout February, Dovecot Studios, £10.50)

H-E-L-L-O by Cauleen Smith Exhibition (throughout February, Collective, Free)

Ray Harryhausen ‘Titan of Cinema’ (until 20 th February, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – Modern Two, £14)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (8th-12th February, King’s Theatre, From £21.50)

Bat Out Of Hell (8th-19th February, Edinburgh Playhouse, £22)

Valentine’s Vivaldi by Candlelight (11th February, St Giles Cathedral, from £19)

Audubon’s Birds of America (from 12 th February, National Museum of Scotland, £10)

The Mansfield Traquair Centre Open Day (13 th February, Mansfield Traquair Centre, Free)

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (16 th –20 th February, Festival Theatre, from £26.50)

Exhibition: Our Voices (19 th February, Fruitmarket Gallery, Free)

The Rocky Horror Show (21 st –26 th February, King’s Theatre, from £31.50)

The Late Show @ The Comedy Attic (26 th February, Beehive Inn, £10.15)

SEASONAL EVENTS IN FEBRUARY

Unlike the past few months, February is a quieter month with regard to seasonal events. However, for those that celebrate, there are a few Valentine’s Day-themed events plus the Six Nations is back! #BackingBlue

Six Nations at the Ghillie Dhu (5th February-19th March, Ghillie Dhu)

The Ghillie Dhu is hosting its annual Six National celebrations. Watch every minute of Scotland’s latest adventure live on the Ghillie Dhu’s big screens with plenty to eat and drink.

Casablanca (13 th February, Cameo Filmhouse)

If you enjoy classic movies, The Cameo Filmhouse will be showing one of the greatest film romances, Casablanca, this month as it was the Valentine’s movie of choice by the cinema’s members.

GALentines Punch Needle Art Workshop (13th February, We Make)

Not a fan of Valentine’s Day? Why not grab a few of your friends and take part in a fun workshop. We Make are hosting a Punch Needle Art Workshop where you’ll enjoy a cosy and creative afternoon over a glass of prosecco!

Valentine’s Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight (14th February, St Giles Cathedral)

St Giles Cathedral will be filled with the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Gershwin and Rachmaninov, played by British concert pianist, Daniel Grimwood, under the warm flicker of candlelight.

LITERARY EVENTS IN FEBRUARY

Edinburgh is known for its rich literary history with many well-known authors calling the city home for a period of time. Both new and second-hand independent bookshops are an integral part of the city and several host regular literary events, here are a selection:

Topping & Company (2 Blenheim Place) 

Beginning with Edinburgh’s largest independent bookshop, Topping & Company will be welcoming two authors this month: Kate Humble (16th February) will be chatting about her new book ‘Home Cooked’ a celebration of simple, seasonal home cooking and Louise Welsh (23rd February) with her book ‘The Second Cut’, a thrilling look into the dark side of the twenty-first century Glasgow.

Lighthouse Bookshop (43-45 W Nicolson Street)

Lighthouse Bookshop has arranged five interesting literary events for February including ‘Me & White Supremacy: The Young Adult Edition and Other Fruit’ (Online, 10th February), ‘Blueberries: A Night with Ellena Savage’ (10th February), and ‘Women In Translation: Fragments of Sappho’ (21st February).

Blackwell’s Bookshop (53-62 South Bridge) As well as Blackwell’s monthly book quiz (7th February), Dr Elizabeth Cripps, senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, will be discussing her new book ‘What Climate Justice Means and Why We Should Care’ (3rd February) and Donald Thomson will be performing pieces from his brand-new publication ‘Celtic Piano Music’ (12th February).

Portobello Bookshop (46 Portobello High Street)

Lastly, Portobello Bookshop is welcoming three authors this month including Louise Welsh with her novel ‘The Second Cut’ (3rd February), Elle McNicoll for the launch of her third middle-grade book ‘Like A Charm’ which is set in Edinburgh (4th February), and an online event with Alex Hyde in celebration of her debut novel ‘Violets’ (10th February).

MARKETS IN FEBRUARY

Edinburgh is fortunate to have a variety of weekly neighbourhood markets to visit. With things the way they are, it’s unsure if all of these markets will all go ahead as planned so, please check their websites before you visit.

Grassmarket Market (every Saturday, from 10am-5pm) A weekly market offering freshly baked goods, seasonal produce, and local craftwork.

Leith Market (every Saturday, Dock Place, from 10am-5pm)

Sitting beside the Shore, Leith’s weekly market hosts predominantly food stalls as well as a few local makers.

Stockbridge Market (every Sunday, Saunders Street, from 10am-5pm) Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s busiest markets selling a range of street food and lifestyle products.

Edinburgh Farmers’ Market (every Saturday, Castle Terrace, from 9am-2pm) Drop by Edinburgh Farmers’ Market to browse seasonal produce such as fruit, vegetables, locally sourced game, and more.

The Pitt Street Food Market (every Friday-Sunday, Pitt Street) This hugely popular street food market is back and will be hosting a range of street food traders with live music.

Sunday Clothes Swaps (13th February, SHRUB Coop) Sunday Clothes Swaps is a monthly clothes swap market where you can browse and exchange clothes and accessories. The café will also be open for hot drinks and delicious vegan baked goods!

The Edinburgh Kilo (19th February, The Out of the Blue Drill Hall)

Head along to Out of the Blue Drill Hall to browse a huge range of vintage, retro and branded fashion for £20 per kilo. Don’t forget to bring a tote bag and book ahead of time as the event is ticketed to help maintain social distancing.

WORKSHOPS IN FEBRUARY

Edinburgh is filled with a host of creative individuals and if you’d like to learn from them and discover a new hobby or hone a skill, here are just a few suggestions to inspire you:

EDINBURGH WELCOMES

• Locavore Edinburgh (118-126 Dalry Road) 
• Haar Restaurant Edinburgh (69 N Castle Street)
• Kestin (7 Baker’s Place, Stockbridge)
• Twelve Triangles (9 Comely Bank Road, Stockbridge)
• Krem Karamel Cafe & Bookshop (68 Inverleith Row, Canonmills)
• Ocelot Chocolate Shop and Café (Coming Soon to 11A Portgower Place)
• Banh Mi Bar (Coming Soon to Bruntsfield)
• Argonaut Books (Coming to 15-17 Leith Walk in March)
• Krema Bakehouse (Coming Soon to 21 Leith Walk)
• Fortitude Coffee (Coming Soon to Newington Road)

Written by Shawna Law

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Best Time To Visit Edinburgh Explained

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There is no bad season for an Edinburgh break, but depending on your travel budget, style, and reason for visiting, specific times of the year may suit you best! This guide to the best time to visit Edinburgh will discuss what’s happening in Scotland’s capital each month, the expected temperatures, and events during that time! 

Note: We use Degrees Celsius in the UK, but we’ve also included Fahrenheit for our US readers. For example, 19C/66F means 19 Degrees Celsius and 66 Fahrenheit.

You may also like our guide to planning a trip to Edinburgh and how much Edinburgh cost .

Join me in my free Scotland Facebook group to ask questions about your trip to Scotland.

When is the Best Time To Visit Edinburgh? 

To avoid repetition, let’s talk about the elephant holding the tartan brolly in the room and the weather in Edinburgh! 

Rain in Edinburgh 

Since Edinburgh is an east coast destination, it sees less rainfall than Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow, in the west, but it does still experience downpours and light showers. 

Pack for all seasons and include a waterproof coat and shoes to avoid soggy clothes and sour faces.

We cover what to pack for each season in our Edinburgh packing list , including pictures of items. 

According to Statista , the rainiest seasons are autumn and winter; no month consistently takes the crown for the wettest month.

The driest month in Edinburgh tends to be April; so much for April showers!

Look at the best things to do when it rains to factor these attractions into your Edinburgh itinerary. 

Overall Temperatures in Edinburgh

Edinburgh freezes in winter, and locals aren’t afraid to take their ‘taps aff,’ which means ‘tops off’ in summer.

Winter lows hit -6C/21.2F, and summer day highs are between 23C/73.4F and 26C/78.8F.

The hottest temperature recorded in Edinburgh was 31.2C/88.16F in 2019.

An extremely cold night in 2021 hit a record of -12.9C/8.78F.

When we refer to the highs and lows, we focus on the temperatures you can expect during the day. ‘High’ means the highest recorded lately and ‘low’, the lowest recorded.

This tends to be early morning, around 6am, and early evening before the night temperatures start.

Naturally, no temperature is certain, so pack for comfort.

If you are visiting from Florida, your cold threshold will be lower than that of someone arriving from a similar climate, such as England!

Going further afield than Edinburgh? Let us help you plan your trip with our free 7-day Scotland itinerary .

Summer in Edinburgh (June, July and August)

Summer is by far the busiest time to travel to Edinburgh, and it includes June, July, and August.

Some of the towns close to Edinburgh, such as Burntisland in Fife, hold a summer festival that includes a Games Day.

This is where Highland dancers compete, pipe bands play, and athletes throw caber. 

Mornings start early, with sunrise around 04:30 and the sun setting late around 22:00. 

Summer days are gloriously long, so that you can fit lots into your Edinburgh itinerary.

Edinburgh in June

June is the quietest of the summer months.

Scottish schools do not break off on holiday until the very end of the month or the start of July.

Temperatures see highs of 24C/75.2F and lows of 8C/46.4F.

Average temperatures hit highs of 17C/62.6F and lows of 9C/48.2F.

When the temperature drops by only a few degrees Celsius in summer, it can mean the difference between bare arms and a warm coat.

When the sun shines, locals picnic in the parks and gardens and head to the local East Coast beaches .

Events and Festivals in June 

• Pride Edinburgh
• Scotland Highland Show 4-day event
• Leith Gala Day
• Meadows Festival

Food in June 

Seafoods such as lobster and plaice are in season in June, and fruits such as blackcurrants and strawberries are ripe for picking.

Craigies Farm in Queensferry is a popular choice for pick-your-own days out.

Edinburgh in July

School’s out for summer! 

The streets of Edinburgh are noticeably busier, with families visiting the best attractions for kids .

Locals giggle from the beer gardens, and walking tours are in full flung on the Royal Mile. 

Edinburgh is buzzing in July.

It’s not quite peak crowd level, as that comes next month, but it’s a busy yet fun time to visit the city.

Booking walking tours and popular things to do, such as Camera Obscura , Edinburgh Castle, and the South Bridge Underground Vaults , is highly recommended to avoid missing out.

Skip-the-line tickets will help speed up your day so you can pack more in.

Book ahead to avoid disappointment if you plan to drink at Edinburgh’s beer gardens at the weekend.

Temperatures see highs of 26C/78.8F and lows of 11C/51.8F but averages of 19C/66.2F and 11C/51.8F.

Events and Festivals in July

• Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

Food in July 

Lemon sole is in season, as are brambles.

Edinburgh in August

Whoah! Welcome to August in Edinburgh, the craziest month when the Edinburgh Festival Fring e takes over the city.

Every nook and cranny is crammed with shows and events covering a range of genres, such as comedy, music, and theatre. 

Some people love the Fringe, others loathe it.

I can’t get enough of it and spend lots of time hopping between shows from afternoon to night.

Clubs enjoy a late licence, staying open until 05:00, and numerous pop-up bars are dotted around the city at spots such as George Street, Teviot, and the Pleasance. 

If you plan to visit the Fringe, you must book your accommodation in advance and plan to spend 2-3 times more than you normally would. 

Here’s our guide to accommodation in Edinburgh . 

Schools go back around the first or second week of August.

August has two public holidays, but they do not impact tourist attractions.

Temperatures see highs of 23C/73.4F and lows of 11C/51.8F and averages are 19C/66.2F and 11C/51.8F.

Events and Festivals in August 

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Edinburgh International Film Festival
• Edinburgh Art Festival
• Edinburgh International Book Festival
• Edinburgh Mela
• Scottish football kicks off

Food in August 

During the Fringe, you can enjoy a huge variety of food truck food, including baked potatoes, churros, and halloumi fries!

Cod and squid are the seasonal seafood items to look out for on restaurant menu specials.

Autumn/Fall in Edinburgh (September and October)

Fall, or autumn as we call it in Scotland, is an enchanting time to visit, and we’ve provided an extensive list of things to do during the autumn season here .

Autumn colours spread over Edinburgh, the air is crisp, and this medieval city turns particularly spooky with Hallowe’en. 

By the end of September, sunrise doesn’t show until around 07:00, and by the end of October, 08:15, so plan for lazy mornings.

Sunsets creep from 21:00 at the start of autumn to dinner time around 17:30 by October 31st, perfect for trick or treating, which we call guising in Scotland!

Read next: Everything Americans need to know before visiting Edinburgh

Edinburgh in September

September sees the city settle after the craziness of the Fringe.

University students start their courses at Edinburgh University, Napier, and Heriot-Watt.

Schools enjoy an autumn holiday near the end of the month.

The start of the month can be warm, so pack for summer and fall.

Temperatures see highs of 21C/69.8F and lows of 7C/44.6F and averages of 16C/59F and 9C/482F.

Events and Festivals in September

• Doors Open Scotland

Food in September

Razor clams are the seasonal delight.

Edinburgh in October 

Darker mornings creep in, and a prominent chill sweeps through the city, calling for many layers.

Schools in Scotland take their ‘tattie holidays’ for one or two weeks, depending on the region.

October 31st in Hallowe’en is the perfect time to enjoy a spooky tour and learn more about legends such as Deacon Brodie.

Pubs and clubs enter the spirit (boom boom) by decorating their premises and hosting themed events. 

Local kids go guiding, aka trick or treating. 

If you have time to travel outside of Edinburgh, visit the Perthshire area to see the most incredible red, orange, and yellow foliage. 

Temperatures see highs of 17C/62.6F and lows of 4C/39.2F and averages of 16C/F60.8 and 9C/48.2F.

Events and Festivals in October

• Scottish Rugby Autumn Nations kicks off
• Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Food in October 

Monkfish makes it onto seasonal menus.

Edinburgh in Winter (November, December, January and February)

The city brightens early nights with its festive street lights, hotel decor, and the Edinburgh Christmas market. 

Some attractions in Scotland close for winter. This is not the case in Edinburgh.

Mornings are dark, with sunrise around 07:15 in November, creeping to 08:45 in January. The sun sets at 16:30 in November and even earlier in December at 15:40, giving the Christmas decorations lots of time to shine.

By February, sunsets are later, around 16:30 – 17:30.

It can snow in Edinburgh, but it doesn’t last long.

You’ll want to pack a padded or wool coat, hats, and gloves! 

Edinburgh in November 

November starts the many winter festivities, including Bonfire Night and St Andrew’s Day.

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night , occurs all over the city around November 5th.

Bonfires are lit, and crowds enjoy fireworks displays. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas begins with the official light switch on and market in Princes Street Garden s.

People start Christmas shopping around Princes Street, George Street, St James Quarter, Ocean Terminal ( Leith ), and The Fort. 

Hotels and restaurants reveal their Christmas decorations , The Botanics opens its doors for its Christmas lights display, and Santa starts to see all the good girls and boys. 

You may also like our guide to the most festive hotels in Edinburgh . 

While the national holiday, St Andrew’s Day (30th November), is not a public holiday for Scots, some restaurants and bars put on a special menu or event like a ceilidh/Scottish dancing.

Temperatures see highs of 14C/57.2F and lows of 4C/39.2F and averages of 10C/F50 and 3C/35.6F.

Festivals and Events in November 

• Bonfire Night firework displays take place around November 5th
• Christmas parties and menus kick off at the end of November; booking a ticket/table is recommended 
• November 30th is St Andrew’s Day, the national holiday celebrating Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, but it is not a day off for Scots
• Edinburgh Christmas Market

Food in November 

Duck is the meat specialty on menus.

Edinburgh in December 

The Christmas events continue until the first week in January and really ramp up in December.

Christmas Day (25th December), Boxing Day (26th December), New Year’s Day (1st January) and 2nd January are public holidays. 

Most shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions close on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and some hotels offer a dedicated Christmas Day dinner menu. 

Traditionally, sales start on Boxing Day, however, of late they have started before then.

31st December is Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), and Edinburgh hosts the world’s biggest street party with live bands, a ceilidh, and fireworks to ring in the new year. 

Hogmanay events actually start on ‘the night afore,’ the 30th, with the Torchlight Procession and continue until the 1st with the unofficial Loony Dook swim at South Queensferry . 

Schools go on winter break for two weeks over Christmas and New Year.

Temperatures see highs of 10C/50F and lows of -1C/30.2F and averages of 7C/44.6F and 1C/33.8F.

Festivals and Events in December 

• Hanukkah – Festival of Lights
• Edinburgh Hogmanay

Food in December

Eat, drink, and be merry in December! Many locals will enjoy a Christmas meal of turkey, vegetables, and stuffing at various Xmas events on the 25th.

Visitors can enjoy a traditional Christmas meal at restaurants and hotels .

Edinburgh in January 

For many, the year starts with nursing a Hogmanay hangover! 

January is often one of the cheapest months to visit Edinburgh , with hotel prices dropping to encourage overnight stays. 

25th January is Burn’s Night, a celebration for Rabbie Burns.

Some restaurants advertise special menus and events to ‘address the haggis’. 

Temperatures see highs of 10C/50F and lows of -5/23F and averages of 7C/44.6F and 1C/33.8F.

Festivals and Events in January

• Rabbie Burns events

February in Edinburgh 

February is the last month of winter.

It is quiet, with the busiest days occurring around Valentine’s Day and the closest weekend to it. 

Check out incredibly romantic guides, things to do for couples , special places to propose , lovely restaurants , and Edinburgh’s most romantic hotels .

Schools in Scotland go on February break, which lasts two days to a week, depending on the region. 

Temperatures see highs of 11C/51.8F and lows of -13C/8.6F and averages of 7C/44.6F and 1C/33.8F.

Festivals and Events in February 

• Six Nations Rugby

Edinburgh in Spring (March, April and May)

Lighter mornings, fresh winds, budding flowers, spring in Edinburgh is always welcomed after a long Scottish winter! 

The unmissable cherry blossoms start to flower around the end of April into May, taking over The Meadows, Princes Street Gardens, and Starbank Park . 

From March, sunrise starts around 7:00, and by the end of May, 05:25.

The sun sets at 17:50 at the start of spring and 21:45 by the end, smoothly transitioning into the long summer days.

March in Edinburgh 

March is the quieter month in spring as schools are still in session, and the weather is unpredictable.

This is the best time to go to Edinburgh if you don’t mind short days and want to avoid crowds.

Temperatures see highs of 18C/64.4F and lows of -2C/28.4 and averages of 9C/48.2F and 2C/35.6F.

April in Edinburgh 

The city starts to enjoy a spring awakening in April, which can often be confused with summer!

Cherry blossoms tend to start to bloom at the end of April, with a full flush of pink taking over the parks and gardens during the first week of May. 

Once the cherry blossoms pass, lilac wisteria is photographed clinging to the New Town buildings in Stockbridge . 

On Easter weekend, families decorate boiled eggs to roll down hills and follow clues during Easter egg hunts. 

This tends to be privately organised by families or as a small community event.

Schools are on Easter holidays for two weeks.

Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays. 

The exam diet at university and high school starts in April and ends in May. 

Temperatures see highs of 18C/64.4F and lows of -6C/21.2F and averages of 12C/53.6F and 4C/39.2F.

Festivals and Events in April

• Edinburgh Science Festival

May in Edinburgh

May is often called Scotland’s summer with many promising ‘taps aff’ sunny days.

However, this has not been the case of late. 

On sunny days, parks and gardens will be packed with university students and young people. 

There are two public holidays that have no impact on tourism in May. 

Temperatures see highs of 18C/64.4F and lows of 1C/33.8F and averages of 14C/57.2F and 6C/42.8F.

Festivals and Events in May

• Edinburgh Children’s International Festival
• Harry Potter Day May 2nd, Potterheads check out our locations guide.

Final Words

So when is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

There’s no right answer to this frequently asked question, as it depends on what you want from the trip!

When do you plan to visit? Tell us in the comments below. 

Essential Edinburgh Information 

Food & drink in Edinburgh Best time to visit Edinburgh Things to do in Edinburgh How much does Edinburgh cost? Free 7-day Scotland itinerary

Plan Your Trip To Edinburgh 

Book accommodation at Booking.com Reserve a skip the line pass or guided tour at GetYourGuide Save money with this Edinburgh Pass

Temperatures are provided by Time and Date . Seasonal food information from this calendar .

Everything Edinburgh

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Adventures of Alice

Edinburgh in Winter: 15 Best Things to Do

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Edinburgh in winter is just a wonderful vibe. There’s something about the moody streets of the city, shiny with rain, and the gorgeous architecture that makes a winter trip so magical. I personally visited the city in December last year and had an absolutely fantastic time in the city. Plus, we got super lucky with the weather because it didn’t rain once!

I didn’t find that the time of year and winter weather had much of an effect on my time in the city. It was still super cosy, I really enjoyed exploring the history, and the Christmas markets were super fun in the evenings. But while we did get lucky with the weather, there’s a much higher chance of rain and even snow in Edinburgh in winter, so you’ll definitely need to come prepared.

15 Things to Do in Edinburgh in Winter

So, if you’re planning on exploring the Scottish capital during winter, here are a few top tips from my own experience, plus the absolute best things to do.

1. Visit Edinburgh Christmas Market

Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are spectacular. They literally transform the city’s historic centre into a wintery wonderland. There are several markets scattered across the city, but the main one is located in East Princes Street Gardens, in the shadow of the mighty Scott Monument. You’ll also be able to see good views of the city skyline from here. 

You’ll find a spectacular Christmas Tree, and wooden cabins selling all kinds of handmade goods from knitwear to furniture, to delicate hand-crafted Christmas decorations. You’ll also find a delicious selection of foods, from traditional German bratwurst, to curious takes on Scottish classics (haggis nachos, anyone?). There’s (of course) plenty of mulled wine and beer to go around, and rides as well. We went on the Ferris wheel and had great views of Edinburgh from above.

As well as the main market, you can also find Christmas markets at:

• West Princes Street Gardens – this is more of a family-friendly market with children’s rides and attractions, 
• George Street – this is where you’ll find Edinburgh’s ice rink, 
• St Andrew’s Square – come here for a magical Santa Claus experience and to meet the big man himself!

In 2023, the markets are running from the 18th of November, until the 6th of January and are all closed on Christmas Day. You can find out more on their official website,  here .

2. Admire the Views from Arthur’s Seat

Despite it being much colder in Edinburgh in winter, that doesn’t mean you can’t go hiking. A trip to Arthur’s seat is one of the best things to do in the city and winter doesn’t change this. The views from the top are spectacular, and the hike isn’t too challenging either. 

The location of Authur’s Seat is in Holyrood Park, at the end of the Royal Mile. It was once an active volcano but is not simply a grassy mound that offers stunning views over the city. The highest point is called Authur’s seat. 

There are several routes up to the summit. You’ll start and end at Holyrood Palace. Salisbury Crags offers the easiest route, whereas the climb to Authur’s seat itself is slightly more strenuous. However, overall, the hike shouldn’t take you longer than 2 hours to get up and down. I would definitely recommend wearing a pair of sturdy, comfortable walking shoes however, and bringing a bottle of water as, even in winter, you can get quite warm on this climb!

3. Explore Edinburgh Castle

If you love history, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Edinburgh Castle. Another attraction in Edinburgh that’s on the site of an extinct volcano, this castle is a great way to explore the city’s history. 

With a history dating back over a thousand years, this historic stronghold has witnessed countless battles, royal intrigues, and historic events. The castle’s stunning silhouette dominates the city’s skyline, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside . 

Inside the castle, you can see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, wander through an ancient jail cell, and see where the servants of the castle used to sleep. There’s even a section near the exit where you can look up your ancestry based on your surname.

We found the castle incredibly interesting and easily one of the best things to do in Edinburgh in winter. And don’t forget to check out their exciting light display that illuminates the castle at night – it’s truly beautiful.

4. Wander Around Dean Village

In my opinion, this is the most picturesque part of the city. It’s also something of a hidden gem . We found there to be nowhere near as many tourists here as in the other places in the city. 

Dean Village, located just a short walk from the historic centre, is a stunning little area that oozes historical charm. It’s a former milling hamlet and seems almost like a tiny English village in the middle of a big city. 

You’ll find colourful 19th-century buildings, water wheels, pretty stone bridges, and a trickling river running through the middle. It’s a great place to go for a wander down the cobbled lanes and escape the bustling city centre.

5. Walk the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a complete contrast to the peaceful vibes you’ll find in Dean Village. Located in the very heart of the old town, this historic street spans around a mile (hence the name), from Edinburgh’s Castle, down to the Palace of Holyrood.

Lined with centuries-old buildings, the Royal Mile is a collection of cobbled streets, hidden closes, and gorgeous architecture. You’ll probably find it quite busy, even if you’re visiting Edinburgh in winter, but this only adds to the atmosphere. 

Along the Royal Mile, you can explore a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and traditional Scottish pubs. The street is also home to numerous landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Museum of Edinburgh. You may well run into some kilt-clad locals playing bagpipes too!

6. See the Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

Like London, Edinburgh is one of the best places in the UK to welcome the New Year . In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s one of the best places in Europe. 

Known as the Hogmanay Street Party, this event is a world-renowned celebration that ushers in the New Year with an explosion of colour, light, and music. Each year, thousands of people from across the globe gather in the heart of the city to witness this spectacular fireworks display. 

The event typically kicks off with a captivating concert and a traditional Scottish Ceilidh dance. Then, as the clock strikes midnight, the night sky over Edinburgh Castle becomes ablaze with a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminates the entire city. This is typically synced to a soundtrack and is a wonderful thing to witness.

7. Admire the Scott Monument

You can’t visit Edinburgh’s main Christmas Market without passing by this structure. Nonetheless, as an important symbol of the city, I thought it deserved its own place. 

The iconic landmark stands as a tribute to the acclaimed Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. This Victorian Gothic masterpiece rises to a towering height of 200 feet above the historic city, making it the largest monument to a writer in the world. 

Its spires are covered with sculptures of characters from Scott’s novels, and you’ll also find a statue of Sir Walter Scott himself. If you fancy even more panoramic views over Edinburgh, you can also climb a narrow spiral staircase to reach the top.

8. Climb Calton Hill

I hope you haven’t grown tired of views because we’ve reached one of the best ones. If you visit Edinburgh in winter, you have got to climb Calton Hill. The hill is the perfect combination of scenery and history.

The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it contains the National Monument of Scotland, although, unfortunately, this was never finished. You’ll find several other sculptures here including the Nelson Monument, designed to resemble an upturned telescope and dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, and the Dugald Stewart Monument, honouring the Scottish philosopher.

Carlton Hill is quite easy to reach from the city centre and only takes about 10 minutes – much less time than Authur’s Seat. So, it’s a great option if you fancy an easier walk for some great views.

9. Visit Edinburgh’s Museums

The Scottish Capital has a great collection of museums and many of these are great things to do in Edinburgh in winter – particularly if it starts raining!

A few of the best museums in Edinburgh include:

• The National Museum of Scotland houses an impressive collection spanning art, science, and natural history. 
• The Museum of Edinburgh  offers a more intimate exploration of the city’s history from medieval roots to modern times.
• The Scottish National Gallery  is the perfect place for art enthusiasts as you’ll be able to explore a collection of world-class paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.
• The Museum of Childhood  provides a nostalgic journey through the past.
• The Surgeons’ Hall Museum delves into the history of medicine and surgery, showcasing the evolution of healthcare. 
• The Writers’ Museum is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts, celebrating Scotland’s literary greats. 

If you find yourself with a rainy day or simply fancy delving into its rich past, these museums are one of the best things to do.

10. See St Giles Cathedral

Located on the Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral is another must-see during Edinburgh in winter. With its distinctive crown spire and striking Gothic architecture, the cathedral is a distinctive landmark in the city. 

St. Giles has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The interior is equally impressive, adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stonework.

11. Explore George Street

If Christmas shopping is your reason for visiting Edinburgh in winter, then you won’t be disappointed when you come to George Street. Lined with neoclassical and Georgian-style buildings, this iconic street is known for its fancy shopping, dining, and nightlife scene. 

You’ll find a selection of high-end boutiques, luxury brands, and designer shops – perfect for a bit of retail therapy. Then, you’ll also find a bunch of trendy bars, chic cafes, and great restaurants, perfect for when your feet get tired from all the shopping!

13. See the Royal Botanic Gardens

This world-renowned centre for the study of conservation of plants is a wonderful place to visit. But, it takes on a whole new league of spectacular in winter. From mid- November to the end of December, the gardens put on ‘Christmas at the Botanics’, an after-dark floral-themed light display. 

This is a great way to embrace the Christmas spirit. Plus it’s truly beautiful seeing all the lights and colours in the garden come to life. In 2023, tickets start from £19 and it’s open from 4 pm until 8 pm. 

14. Discover Edinburgh’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

If you’re a huge Harry Potter nerd (like me!), there’s no better place to dive into the magical world than in Edinburgh. There are so many Harry Potter locations around the city, and Scotland in general, that you can spend plenty of time searching for them and finding the places that inspired J.K. Rowling.

A few of my favourite Harry Potter filming locations to discover in winter include:

• The Elephant House Café
• Tom Riddle’s Grave (located in Greyfriars Kirkyard)
• Victoria Street (said to be one of the inspirations for Diagon Alley)
• The Balmoral House

You can also book a Harry Potter walking tour to learn more about the influence of the city on the magical novels.

To book a Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh, click here.

15. Visit the Edinburgh Winter Festival

The Edinburgh Winter Festival pretty much encompassed everything that the Scottish capital does to welcome in the Christmas season. 

It includes the 4 main Christmas markets on Princes Street Gardens, George Street, and St Andrew’s Square and the Hogmanay Celebrations on New Year’s Eve. But you’ll also be able to see the Castle of Lights, a dazzling light display across the castle walls, a Night After Disco Party on the 30th of December, and the Concert in the Gardens, which is also at the Hogmanay Party. 

This spectacular festival lasts the entirety of December and a little bit of November and January too. This year (2023), there’s also a torchlight procession on the 29th of December to mark the 30th Anniversary of the festival. So, you won’t want to miss this one!

Where to stay in Edinburgh in Winter

Edinburgh is a fairly large city, so, naturally, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets and desires. Here are some of the best places to stay if you’re visiting for the winter season :

• £££ – Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – A fantastic 5* hotel with stunning views over the city, this is the perfect place to stay if you want a little luxury. With elegantly designed rooms, cool artwork, and roll-top bathtubs, you’ll find the ultimate comfort here.
• ££ – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge – This chic 4* hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. You’ll find cosy, modern rooms, a rooftop bar with views of the castle, and a fitness centre.
• £ – Cityroomz Edinburgh – Simply designed and affordable, this hotel is just a few metres from Princes Street. The rooms have comfortable beds and free WIFI, and some even offer self-catering facilities like a mini kitchenette and table and chairs.

Getting Around Edinburgh in Winter

We found without a doubt the easiest way to get around Edinburgh was to use public transport. The bus systems are very reliable and you can pay via debit card or contactless via Apple Pay which makes it easy to use them. Plus, the buses run pretty much the whole city and outskirts, so if you’re staying slightly outside the centre, this is a good way to get around. A single ticket is £2 and a day ticket is £5.

If you’re driving to the city, be sure to check whether your accommodation has parking. Parking can be pretty pricey – and pretty busy in the winter months.

You can also take the train from London and other destinations in the UK , but bear in mind that this will be quite a long journey. However, the good news is that the main train station (the Waverley Train Station) is less than a 10-minute walk from the centre of the city. So, you won’t have a very long journey at all to get from the train station to the Christmas markets.

If you’re arriving at Edinburgh airport, you’ll have several options to reach the city centre. A taxi will take you about 35 minutes but will be the most expensive mode of transport. You can also book a tram, which links directly to the train service.

The trams run every 7 minutes between 7am and 7pm. They’ll drop you off at either Edinburgh Gateway, Edinburgh Park, Haymarket or Edinburgh Waverley, and from there, you can easily reach the city centre.

Alternatively, there’s a bus stop directly outside the terminal which has a direct connection to the city centre. Buses from the airport leave as often as every 10 minutes. Although, be sure to check their website for specific times, especially if your flight lands quite late.

Once you’re in the city centre itself, you can pretty much walk everywhere. The city is very easy to navigate and you can reach most things on foot.

Top Tips for Visiting Edinburgh in Winter

Edinburgh in winter is a magical experience with a festive atmosphere and Christmas lights adding to the city’s beauty. But there are a  few things you’ll need to know.

Here are a few of my top tips based on my visit last year:

• Prepare for limited daylight . One of the main things I forgot to account for during my trip was the limited daylight in winter. It starts getting dark as early as 4pm in winter which is a stark contrast to the long summer days, so bear this in mind when you’re planning activities. 
• Dress appropriately. Edinburgh in winter can be chilly and wet, so you’ll need to wrap up warm with layers and invest in a sturdy waterproof coat and comfortable shoes that won’t soak through if the heavens open!
• Embrace the seasonal treats . Warm up with traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties, and indulge in some delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine from the Christmas markets.
• Be mindful of opening hours . Some of the city’s attractions might have reduced opening hours or be closed on certain days throughout the winter period. So remember to double-check schedules before heading out.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Edinburgh in Winter

Overall, I think winter is a great time to explore Edinburgh. The rain adds to the city’s moody atmosphere, and the festive season and Christmas lights make everything sparkly and pretty. That, paired with the fact that the city holds some of the best Christmas celebrations in the UK, makes the winter months a great time to visit this historic Scottish city.

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a travel blogger, content creator, and founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy, she embraced her passions and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

Based in the UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and going off-the-beaten-path, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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12 Phenomenal Things To Do In Edinburgh This February

February is also the month for National Margarita Day, by the way.

The second month of the year is pretty much upon us: while January went extremely quickly yet painfully slow, the days are officially getting lighter and the Christmas rush is over. And during the month of love, the possibilities are endless, from a tequila trail around the city to a petrifying late-night event at the Edinburgh Dungeon. So, here’s our list of fantastic things to do in Edinburgh this February .

1. Embark on an Edinburgh-wide tequila trail

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Basement (@the_basement_ed)

You can embark on an Edinburgh-wide tequila trail for Margarita Month. That’s right, there’s a National Margarita Day , and it’s on February 22 . Tequila adventurers are invited to go bar-hopping around the Scottish capital and try a variety of tequila-based drinks. While it sounds like a dangerous night, don’t worry, just take it slow: start at Cold Town House   with some braw rooftop views of the castle, before heading to The Huxley , then continue onto Badger and Co. , Copper Blossom and The Boozy Cow , before finishing in a Mexican-inspired bar and restaurant, The Basement . The Basement is one of my absolute favourites with many margarita-filled nights, but be sure to book a table in advance if you’re going during the evening.

2. See The Wizard of Oz Musical on its UK tour

The Wizard of Oz is bringing the beloved story to the stage at the multi-award-winning musical, and they’re not staying for long. Dorothy is officially coming to town, setting off on an adventure down the yellow brick road. Edinburgh Playhouse is hosting the phenomenal West End musical between February 13 and February 17 , telling the tale of a young girl transported to a mysterious land far away. Plus, the casting is also amazing: The Vivienne from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is starring as The Wicked Witch of the West, and  Gary Wilmot  will play The Wizard.

3. Witness a special Valentine’s Day concert surrounded by candlelight

Love is in the Edinburgh air during February: why not just embrace it and go all out with a romantic outing and marvel at stunning candlelight in a historic venue, listening to romantic covers of the most popular love songs out there. A special Candlelight concert is coming to St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral on February 16 , featuring undeniable intimacy and a string quartet. Expect loveable covers of Puccini, Braveheart, James Horner and Céline Dion or Tchaikovsky performed in a way never heard before. You can book your tickets here .

4. Visit a witchy late-night market at the Voodoo Rooms

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Edinburgh’s Alternative Night Market (@midnightlunarmarket)

Midnight Lunar Market could bring answers to questions you never knew you asked. While Edinburgh holds a dark past regarding witches and wizards, it is no longer illegal to practice witchcraft. A spirituality-inspired alternative late market, Midnight Lunar Market, is coming to The Voodoo Rooms on February 13 , bringing alternative traders of all kinds into one place.

5. Visit an art gallery

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Fine Art Society (@thefineartsoc)

Edinburgh is not short of museums and art galleries , offering exciting exhibitions throughout the year. The sophisticated splendour that and art gallery offers makes for an endearing outing whether you’re venturing out on your own or taking your pal along. You can admire art, talk or think about ideas, look at art you can’t afford, and quietly wander through the energy-dense rooms, followed by a (absolutely mandatory) tea or coffee stop. Dundas Street is filled with plenty of art galleries, making it the perfect street to explore them all. For example, check out the available exhibitions The Fine Art Society , where no appointments are needed in advance. Expect to witness Fine Shadings: 250 Years of Painting in Scotland there all of February.

6. Check out a cute coffee shop

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Singapore Coffee House (@singaporecoffeehouse)

Cannonmills is one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, with a plethora of pubs and cafes, as well as the legendary marshmallow shop, The Marshmallow Lady . While we love a wee marshmallow-filled hot chocolate from The Marshmallow Lady , there’s a new kid in town, and it’s Singapore Coffee House , that used to be the spot of Blue Bird Café. Try out the Singapore-inspired full breakfast , Kaya toast with homemade kaya jam served with two slow-cooked eggs on the side or flakey curry puffs with sweet mango chutney. The spot also serves proper Singaporean coffee, such as Kopi which is served with condensed milk.

7. Go see Hamilton The Musical for the very first time in Edinburgh

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hamilton (@hamiltonmusical)

Stephen Daldry’s multi-award-winning production musical Hamilton will tour the UK for the very first time next year, including a Scottish Premiere at the  Festival Theatre, Edinburgh  from Wednesday,  February 28  and Saturday, April 27,   2024 . Hamilton  tells a story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, the production has revamped the story of American founding father  Alexander Hamilton. Therefore, it created a revolutionary moment in theatre: a musical leaving a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. You can book your tickets here .

8. Get excitingly petrified at the Edinburgh Dungeon’s late-night event

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Edinburgh Dungeon (@edinburghdungeon)

Edinburgh Dungeon is inviting thrill seekers to dare come to the new late-night events on February 9 and 23 , Dungeon Lates . Introducing a brand new and more special after-hours programme with theatre, special effects, humour and plenty of dauntingly thrilling moments, the dungeon will be transformed into an even more gruesome spectacle. The event is 18+, so expect some inappropriate jokes and proper banter as well.

9. Embark on Edinburgh’s newest theatrical tour and uncover the Old Town’s secret spots

Ever been led around the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town by a detective? Well, now you have: The Historical Gems Tour is taking in those with a keen eye for mystery to find out the secrets forgotten by time. Taking around one hour and 15 minutes , the theatrical tour is led by an actor dressed as a detective (with a magnifying glass and a pipe and everything), telling stories untold in an endearing way. The Historical Gems Tour can even be attended by the locals, as even we learnt some new facts about Edinburgh’s dark past. You can book your tickets starting from February 9 here !

10. Check out this Super Mario-themed cocktail bar

The Cocktail Geeks is an ever-changing entertainment-themed bar that switches up every few months.  From  January 22 , and stay until  June 9 , you can enjoy a themed out-of-this-world cocktail at the Edinburgh Arches . You can head down to the spot to enjoy some boozy concoctions at the  Super Cocktail Co. , discovering the adventures of  Angus , Mario’s “Scottish bartender cousin”.

11. Try the newest whisky and gin cocktail experience in town

The St Andrews-based gin and whisky brand Eden Mill has introduced one of the newest things to do in Edinburgh to the Scottish drinks scene, with a brand new tasting experience starting on February 3 . Located in the  Heads & Tales Gin Bar  on Rutland Place in the heart of the West End, The Eden Mill Experience offers two immersive mixology experiences: one with gin and one with whisky.

12. Discover awesome exhibitions around the city

Edinburgh’s art scene is abundant with museums, art galleries and opportunities to discover something new, to reflect on the past, present and future, to dig a little deeper. So, those who appreciate great art can check out our list of the most noteworthy exhibitions  in and around Edinburgh.

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57 amazing things to do in Edinburgh this February

Fifty-seven. Can you believe that? And February's such a short month as well. Nevertheless, Edinburgh's cultural calendar has bounced back in a big way following the traditional January hangover, offering 57 cultural delights throughout the month. Obviously, you'll be struggling to fit them all in, so choose wisely. Remember, we'll also be offering you our weekly top 10 recommendations if you need help whittling it down.

Theatre and Dance

Bill Murray Night , The Village, Mon Feb 2 The Village Pub Theatre group present a night of plays (and a quiz) inspired by the unparalleled ouvre of Bill Murray. Head along on Monday night, then again on Monday night, and on Monday night as well, and Monday the night after, and...

Dead Simple , King's Theatre, Mon Feb 2-Sat Feb 7 Telly stars Tina Hobley ('Holby') and Jamie Lomas ('Hollyoaks' / 'Eastenders') tread the boards in this adaptation of Peter James' bestselling crime novel, in which a stag party prank turns deadly.

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Coppelia , Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Wed Feb 4-Sat Feb 7 An eccentric toymaker creates a mechanical woman in Peter Wright’s magical production of this classic comic ballet, as set to Léo Delibes's enchanting score.

The Faith Healer , Royal Lyceum Theatre, until Sat Feb 7 Join faith healer Francis Hardy as he tours the British Isles, performing for the faithful while questioning himself.

To Kill a Mockingbird , King's Theatre, Mon Feb 9-Sat Feb 14 London’s award winning Regent’s Park Theatre bring to Edinburgh their award-winning revival of the play based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about racial injustice in the Great Depression-era Deep South.

Russian State Ballet , Edinburgh Playhouse, Mon Feb 10-Sat Feb 14 The star dancers from Russian State Ballet take up residence at The Playhouse for five consecutive nights, performing three different all-time classics: ‘Coppelia’ (Feb 10), ‘The Nutcracker’ (Feb 11) and ‘Swan Lake’ (Feb 12-14).

One Man, Two Guvnors , Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Tue Feb 17-Sat Feb 21 Francis Henshall, an easily-confused lackey in 1960s Brighton, attempts to keep separate the two rival crime bosses he works for in this modern classic of British slapstick, penned by Richard Bean.

Twelve Angry Men , King's Theatre, Mon Feb 23-Sat Feb 28 An iconic three-time Academy Award winner as a movie and a West End record-breaker as a stage show, this classic American courtroom drama never fails to delight. Tom Conti leads the cast in this revival.

Northern Ballet: Romeo and Juliet , Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Thu Feb 26-Sat Feb 28 In its 45th year, Leeds-based company Northern Ballet opens its spring 2015 season with the UK premiere of Jean-Christophe Maillot and Les Ballets de Monte Carlo’s sweeping, heartbreaking production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Kleenex at the ready.

The Typist , Traverse Theatre, Fri Feb 27-Sat Feb 28 Alexei Sayle narrates this flamenco-infused dance theatre piece about 'Los Ninos de la Guerra' - the 4000-or-so children who came to the UK during the Spanish Civil War.

Museum Lates , National Museum of Scotland, Fri Feb 13 The rather excellent Game Masters exhibition levels up this month with a late-opening party for adults only.  2015’s first Museum Lates event promises music from indie-electronicists The Wild Curve and cosmic disco duo Happy Meals, plus crafting activities, a Silent Disco, cocktails and nibbles – not to mention the 100 or so playable videogames that are part of the standard exhibition.

Valentine’s Day , various venues across Edinburgh, Sat Feb 14 Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers any more - for every restaurant advertising a candle-lit dinner for two, there's also an anti-Valentine's party (often with the word 'massacre' in the title) for the more cynical among us. We've got both camps covered in our handy-dandy Valentine's guide . 

Six Nations Championship , Murrayfield Stadium, 15 & 28 Feb, 21 Mar Scotland doesn’t have an amazing track record when it comes to the Six Nations – in fact, aside from Italy, we’re the only team not to have won it since it traded up from Five Nations – but that doesn’t stop us getting enthusiastic about it. Head along to Murrayfield to catch our boys in blue battling against Wales (Feb 15), Italy (Feb 28) and Ireland (Mar 21).

Andrew O’Hagan , Looking Glass Books, Wed Feb 18 With two Booker Prize nominations under his belt, it’s safe to say Andrew O'Hagan has a way with words. Hear him use some of them out loud at this launch event for his fifth novel, ‘The Illuminations’.

Rally & Broad : Oh Bondage Up Yours, The Bongo Club, Fri Feb 20 It's a bit after the fact, but R&B's monthly performance cabaret is so reliably excellent we'll forgive them their anti-Valentine's sentiments. Special guests this time round include Salena Godden, The Kirsty Law Band, Kevin Williamson, Graeme Hawley and Liz Cronin.

Neu Reekie : Frozen Lovers, Pilrig St Paul's Church, Fri Feb 27 Michael Pedersen and Kevin Williamson return with another edition of their rambunctious performance night, this time boasting music from Hector Bizerk and Eyes of Others (ex-The Machine Room), poetry from Helen Mort, an audio-visual mélange from Paul Hullah & Martin Metcalfe and a selection of short animations.

Stan Douglas , Fruitmarket, until Sun Feb 15 This noir-tinged exhibition of the Canadian artist's film and video work wraps up this month, so grab a dame, don your fedora and see what's the skinny.

BP Portrait Award , Scottish National Portrait Gallery, until Wed Apr 15 Prestigious international portraiture exhibition, showcasing selected entries in addition Thomas Ganter’s winning painting of a homeless German man.

Ponte City , Scottish National Portrait Gallery, until Sun Apr 26 Mikhael Subotzky and Patrick Waterhouse's starling photography exhibition documents the history and current state of Ponte City: a skyscraper in Johannesburg that was originally marketed as a luxury living space for white South Africans but, post-apartheid, has now become a residence for refugees from neighbouring nations.

Oppressed Creatures , Traverse Theatre, Tue Feb 3 The Manipulate festival is primarily a theatrical affair, but always comes bundled with a number of fab animation nights. At this one, Estonian animator Ülo Pikkov presents and introduces four of his finest works, alongside some of his favourite pieces of 20th-century Polish animation.

Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival , George Square Lecture Theatre, Fri Feb 6-Sun Feb 8 A full weekend of films and lectures dedicated to all who love extreme sports, exploring and general mountain-related shenanigans. Guest speakers include Paralympian athlete Karen Darke, National Geographic photographer Cory Richards and ‘WideBoyz’ climber Tom Randall.

Jupiter Ascending , general release from Fri Feb 6 The Wachowski's much-delayed epic space opera finally lands in our screens this month, finally letting audiences see if it was worth all the fuss. We're cautiously optimistic about the flick, which features Mila Kunis as the unwitting heir to Earth and Channing Tatum as the alien warrior who must protect her against her scheming distant relations.

Selma ,  general release from Fri Feb 6 Our reviewer awarded five stars to this historic drama that charts the civil rights struggle in 1960s America, declaring it 'pitch-perfect in its details yet totally lived-in: a universe of rolled-up shirt sleeves, sweaty brows and screams that sound horribly real'. Given the events in Ferguson last year, its release also looks as sadly timely as ever.

Shaun the Sheep ,  general release from Fri Feb 6 The scene-stealing Wallace & Gromit side-character gets his own big screen adventure, and it looks to be as much a hoot as we'd hoped. Take the family along if you must, but we reckon they'd only get in the way of your own childlike glee.

Coherence , selected release from Fri Feb 13 With a trailer campaign that is admirably short on spoilers, we're in a state of extreme anticipation of this cerebral sci-fi thriller that looks set to turn the home invasion genre on its head.

The Duke of Burgundy , selected release from Fri Feb 20 Neatly falling into the same month as ' Fifty Shades of Grey ', Peter Strickland's follow-up to 'Berberian Sound Studio' handles the subject of eroticism and sadomasochism in a much more substantial fashion.

Catch Me Daddy , selected release from Fri Feb 27 A 'pitiless story that feels fresh and immediate', this gripping British thriller focuses on British-Asian Laila (Sameena Jabeen Ahmed) and white Scottish Aaron (Conor McCarron), two young people hiding from threatening figures who pursue them relentlessly.

Comedy 

Simon Amstell , The Queen's Hall, Fri Feb 6 The curly-haired former ‘Popworld’ and ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ host with a unique talent for winding people up the wrong way comes to Edinburgh on his latest international stand-up tour.

Sean Hughes , The Stand, Wed Feb 11 You may also remember Hughes from 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks', where he was team captain for a spell; if you're even longer in the tooth, you may remember him winning the Perrier Award back in 1990. Now you can catch him in his new show, 'Mumbo Jumbo', about the struggle to maintain sanity through middle age.

Music & Nightlife

Honeyblood , Sneaky Pete's, Sun Feb 1 The Glasgow scuzz-pop duo round off Independent Venue Week with a bash at Sneaky Pete's.

Mariachi El Bronx , Electric Circus, Tue Feb 3 If you're only familiar with these guys under their punk-rock guise as The Bronx, prepare to be stunned. Heck, even if you're not familiar with either name, you should prep for stunnage anyway - you never knew lovelorn Mexican brass ballads could be so danceable.

Kaiser Chiefs , Usher Hall, Tue Feb 3 Resurgent following frontman Ricky Wilson becoming a familiar face off the tele as a judge on ‘The Voice’, Leeds indie-rock mob Kaiser Chiefs play their biggest headline show in Scotland in a long while in support of their latest album ‘Education, Education, Education & War’. 

Laura Marling , The Caves, Wed Feb 4 Critically feted, multi award-nominated English alt-folk singer-songwriter Marling dips her toe back into live performance with a string of low-key shows previewing her next album ‘Short Movie’, which is due for release in March this year. Tickets for this intimate show will be released via lottery - sign up at  Marling's website.

Balkanarama , Studio 24, Fri Feb 6 A 'Hot Balkan Instrumental Orgy' of a club night featuring live music, visuals, Balkan beats, DJs, klezmer/gypsy tunes and more. To be honest, they had us at 'Hot Balkan Instrumental Orgy'.

Nightvision: Xplicit , La Belle Angele, Fri Feb 6 Noisia, Eno, G-Mac, Dominic Petrie and MC BZ are on the bill for Edinburgh bass night Xplicit's tenth birthday celebrations, hosted by the peerless Nightvision crew.

Beardyman , Liquid Room, Fri Feb 6 London beatboxer, musician, live looping maestro and comedian Beardyman – AKA Darren Foreman – takes to the road in support of his latest album ‘Distractions’.

Prides , Liquid Rooms, Sat Feb 7 Think of a fast-rising Glasgow synth-pop posse. These are the other guys. Still awesome though.

The Staves , The Queen's Hall, Sat Feb 7 Sibling folk trio from Watford, who have toured with The Civil Wars and Bon Iver, and whose debut album ‘Dead & Born & Grown’ was produced by both Glyn and Ethan Johns. Touring ahead of the release of their new album ‘If I Was’ later this year. 

Gaz Coombes , The Pleasance, Tue Feb 10 The ex-Supergrass singer-songwriter takes to the road under his solo guise to promote new album 'Matador', which you'll be somewhat familiar with if you listen to BBC Radio 6 Music.

Body , Henry’s Cellar Bar, Fri Feb 13 If you like your house, techno and minimal tuneage underground, you can't get much more underground than Henry's Cellar Bar. Rising star Oceaán headlines.

The Twilight Sad , Voxbox Music, Sat Feb 14 Glasgow's finest purveyors of gloom-rock are currently on a stripped down, acoustic tour of independent UK record stores. They'll reach Edinburgh's Voxbox on Valentine's Day, where they'll also be flogging an exclusive, limited edition picture disc single with a new song on the B-side.

Slow Club , The Pleasance, Sat Feb 14 With last year's 'Complete Surrender', Sheffieldian indie pop duo Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor showed an in-depth knowledge of pop history, with influences ranging from Motown to Bowie. Hear them play it live, possibly with a full band backing (they haven't told us, personally).

King Creosote , Catriona McKay and Chris Stout , The Queen's Hall, Sat Feb 14 Three of Scotland's contemporary folk folk team up for a specially-commissioned collaborative gig, plus the odd bit of solo material from each. Given that it's Valentine's Day, we imagine there'll be a fair flavour of KC's 'From Scotland with Love'.

Django Django , Liquid Room, Sun Feb 15 One of the best new Scottish bands of recent years will sneak-preview new material from their forthcoming, as-yet-untitled second album with a special hometown show. If you count home town as the place they went to uni.

TV on the Radio , The Queen's Hall, Mon Feb 16 The hugely inventive Brooklyn, New York indie/art-rock band play live in Scotland for the first time in four years (their first show here since the passing of bassist Gerard Smith in 2011).

Gruff Rhys , The Caves, Wed Feb 18 The Super Furry man comes to Glasgow off the back of his 'American Interior' project – a sprawling concept album, book, film, app and Power Point-based live performance experience.

The Jesus and Mary Chain , The Corn Exchange, Thu Feb 19 East Kilbride’s finest purveyors of noise and confusion JAMC continue to tour their all-time classic debut album 'Psychocandy' around the country, 30 years on from its release.

Maximo Park , Liquid Room, Fri Feb 20 Paul Smith's group of indie-rockers play tracks from their five-album back catalogue, including 2014's 'Too Much Information'.

Pulse x Substance , Bongo Club, Fri Feb 20 Edinburgh techno heavyweights Pulse and Substance partner up to bring Rødhåd, Berlin-based purveyor of deep, powerful and melancholic electronic sounds, to Edinburgh for a night of dancefloor hedonism.

A Certain Ratio , The Voodoo Rooms, Fri Feb 20 The cult post-punk-funk band, made famous - or at least given exposure - in '24 Hour Party People', return to Scotland for the first time in a long time.

Young Marco at Wasabi Disco , Sneaky Pete's, Sat Feb 21 Amsterdam DJ, producer and Rush Hour staffer Young Marco unpacks his eclectic record bag at Sneaky's resident 'mutant disco' night.

Kate Tempest , Bongo Club, Tue Feb 24 She's a poet, a playwright, a Mercury Award nominated recording artist and much more besides. It's the third one on that list she's showing off at this gig, accompanied by a full band.

Ryan Adams , Usher Hall, Tue Feb 24 With his most recent, self-titled, release leaning far into the rockier end of the musical spectrum, the Usher Hall seems an odd fit for this tour from the American songwriter. Still, we're just happy to see him at all.

Eastern Standard Time Tour , Liquid Room, Tue Feb 24 Cult Boston hip hop artists Edo G, Akrobatik, Termanology and Reks team up to hit the UK in this showcase tour.

Jungle , Liquid Room, Wed Feb 25 Following a meteoric rise since their inception in 2013, the modern soul collective have been busy earnin'. Catch them live if you can - we've heard whispers that this one's sold out.

Placebo , Corn Exchange, Sat Feb 28 Brian Molko and his glam-grunge-pop troupe are still churning out the tunes seven albums and 20 years in. 20 years - can you believe that?

The War on Drugs , Usher Hall, Sat Feb 28 Their latest album ‘Lost In The Dream’ was the runaway best record of 2014 judging by most end-of-year lists – bask in its trippy heartland rock glow as Philadelphians The War on Drugs pack out the Usher Hall.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Things to do in Edinburgh in February

Packed with everything you’d expect from a major city Edinburgh really is a very enjoyable place to visit at any time of the year.  History, famous sports stadiums, shops, restaurants, parks, museums and Cathedrals.  And fantastic architecture from the Georgian New Town to the Medieval Old Town which has a bit of a Gothic feel going on.  There are so many things to do in Edinburgh in February that you do need to spend a fair bit of time here if you are going to attempt to get around them all! 

If you’re planning a visit, hopefully this post will give you a bit of a flavour of Scotland’s capital city.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a great place to take in all the views of Edinburgh.  Very accessible and close to the city centre, you get to see everything at a fairly close range.  The walk is uphill but not too strenuous to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

From here you can see right down the length of Princes Street, the Royal Mile up to the Castle and down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the new Scottish Parliament building.  On the other side is the Firth of Forth and right in the distance the Forth bridge. 

As well as the views there are a number of interesting buildings and monuments on Calton Hill.  The Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson Monument and the National Monument to Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars.  This monument was left unfinished due to lack of funds.

If you time your visit right you may be there to hear the One O’clock Gun firing.  The gun is fired at this time every day (except Sundays, Good Fridays and Christmas Day).

Admission  Free

Opening hours  24hours 365 days of the year

Location  At the end of Princess Street off Regent Road

Arthur's Seat

If you have the time it’s well worth taking the opportunity to climb Arthur’s Seat.  An extinct volcano, make no mistake this is a short but tough hike.  Not a walk for the faint of heart.  Especially if it’s windy or raining.  In fact the final sections are more of a scramble and getting off the summit isn’t any easier.  Especially when the rock is wet.  You have been warned!  But, exhilirating and exciting, it’s definitely worth doing.  Those views!

It takes at least half an hour to get to the top and slightly less to get back down.

Location  Holyrood Park

The Royal Mile

The main street in the Old Town The Royal Mile stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.  And it’s a mile long!  It’s also very atmospheric with a bit of a Gothic feel. 

It’s a hilly walk up to the Castle which would take around 20 minutes without stopping.  But, with an abundance of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars along the way you most certainly will!  At the bottom is the Palace of Holyroodhouse and just before it is the Scottish Parliament Building. 

Location  Old Town

Edinburgh Castle

The Castle itself is magnificent.  Standing proudly, high at the top of the Royal Mile it can be seen from just about anywhere in the city.  But you also get some great views from here.  You can walk right up to it for free but there is a fee payable to enter the Castle.  www.edinburghcastle.scot

Admission  Adult (16-59 years) £19.50 Concessions (60 years + and unemployed) £16 Children (5 – 15 years) £11.50

Opening hours  

Summer (1 April – 30 September ) 9.30am to 6pm (last entry 5pm)    

Winter (1 October – 31 March) 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)

Location  Castle Hill

Victoria Street

Victoria Street sweeps up from the Grassmarket to George IV Bridge.  A striking, colourful street it has two levels and it’s worth taking one of the staircases up to get the full experience.  Full of independent shops there’s a Harry Potter store here and it’s said to be J K Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley.

Opening hours   24 hours 365 days

Location  Between Grassmarket and George IV Bridge, Old Town

National Museum of Scotland

This truly is a great museum.  There is a huge collection of some fantastic exhibits over 3 levels and the architecture inside is simply stunning.  You could probably spend an entire day here.  If you decide to, there’s a restaurant and a cafe and also some areas to picnic, although these are small and can be difficult to get hold of.  It’s one of the best things to do in Edinburgh in February but can be busy, particularly if it’s raining.

Exhibits range from Dinosaurs to Dolly the cloned sheep and Ancient Egypt to Nintendo games consoles.  Something for everyone.  national-museum-of-scotland

Location  Chambers Street

Scottish National Gallery

If you’re a fan of art you will almost certainly enjoy the Scottish National Gallery .  A truly beautiful, quiet, calm and serene interior houses portraits painted by greats such as Botticelli, Raphael and Titian.  It’s also home to the famous Monarch of the Glen by Edwin Landseer.  And, of course, being inside means it can be one of the best things to do in Edinburgh in Winter.

Admission  Free

Opening times   10am to 5pm Thursday until 7pm

Location The Mound

Museum on the Mound

This is a wonderful little Museum and perfect if you’re short of time.  We have to say it was possibly, for us, the most fun of the things to do in Edinburgh as a family.  Home to the head office of Lloyds Bank in Scotland, The Museum has lots of interactive activities.  You can crack a safe, win some (chocolate) money, construct buildings and see what £1 million actually looks like.    museumonthemound.com   

Admission   Free 

Opening times   Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm  Saturday 1pm to 5pm Sunday and Monday Closed     

Location   The Mound

Greyfriars Kirk and Kirkyard

Opened in 1620 Greyfriars Kirk is a church in Edinburgh surrounded by a large cemetery called Greyfriars Kirkyard.  In the heart of the City it’s worth a wander.  Especially for fans of Harry Potter.  This is the home of the tomb of one Thomas Riddell Esq.  Not Lord Voldermort you understand.  As we’re all (or have been) Harry Potter this was towards the top of the list of things to do in Edinburgh as a family.

Also in the graveyard is a headstone dedicated to Greyfriars Bobby.  Legend says that the Skye Terrier, visited the grave of his master every day for 14 years.  A statue stands nearby on Chambers Street.

greyfriarskirk.com

Admission   Free

Opening times   Daily 

Location  Greyfriars

The Writers’ Museum

Honouring Scotland’s rich  and impressive literary history, The Writer’s Museum is small but interesting.  Especially if you’re a reader, writer or historian.  You access the museum through an alleyway off The Royal Mile (Lady Stair’ Close).  Writers honoured here include Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.  edinburghmuseums.org.uk/writers-museum  

Opening times   Monday to Sunday 10am to 5pm

Location  Through Lady Stairs Close off The Royal Mile

Museum of Childhood

One of a number of museums on The Royal Mile, The Museum of Childhood, really does take you back.  Perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh as a family.  Most visitors will have fond memories of having owned or at least played with many of the exhibits on display in this, first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood.

www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/museum-childhood

Admission   Free

Location   The Royal Mile

Dean Village

Dean Village is a picturesque residential area around a 10 minute walk from the end of Princes Street which has some great photographic opportunities.  Do this only if you have time.

Location  Bells Brae   Off Lynedoch Place 

St. Giles Cathedral

The High Kirk of Edinburgh, St. Giles Cathedral was founded in 1124 and is a beautiful example of Gothic architectural design.  St Giles is a working Church and visitors are welcomed but as it’s a working church access may be restricted without notice.   www.st.gilescathedral.org.uk

Admission  Free although donations are encouraged.  Tours £6 per person

Opening Hours   Monday to Saturday 09.00 to 17.00 Sunday 13.00 to 17.00

Location   The Royal Mile

More info on things to do in Edinburgh in February

If you’re thinking of visiting Edinburgh in February check out our Edinburgh page .  It covers how to get there, where to stay, how to get around and food, drink and money.

Thoughts on things to do in Edinburgh in February

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Edinburgh in Winter: Things to Do + Reasons to Visit

Why would you want to visit Edinburgh in winter? Scotland has a reputation for rainy, cold, and gloomy weather, and Edinburgh is no different!

And I won’t deny that sometimes the weather can be exactly like that. But there can also be crisp, sunny, winter days, or something not-so-bad in between.

Regardless, there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh in winter and some real positives to visiting at this time of year too!

I moved to Edinburgh in the month of December, so all my first impressions of the city were in winter, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

Why visit Edinburgh in winter?

As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is definitely not short on visitors. They come to see the Castle, the historic Old Town the locations that inspired Harry Potter , and use it as an entry point and for exploring the rest of Scotland.

So why visit Edinburgh in winter rather than summer?

For starters, the summer is the busiest time in the city, especially in August. Five of Edinburgh’s eleven festivals run during August , and it’s well known as the most popular time to visit the city.

While the Edinburgh festivals are definitely worth experiencing at least once, they also totally transform the city. The population at least doubles during this time and accommodation expenses are through the roof.

There are pop-up bars and eateries everywhere, and while all of these and the events going on make for an exciting trip, they give you a totally different perspective of what Edinburgh is like.

Coming to Edinburgh at a different time of year doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the excitement! There are other festivals on, and always lots of events, as well as things that you can’t do at other times of the year.

Edinburgh in spring is one of my favourite places to be. The beautiful blossom trees are in full bloom, daylight is stretching its wings again, and the weather is generally more settled, and it’s before the full-on summer crowds descend on the city.

Likewise, autumn is a lovely time to visit as the colours of the city change and things quieten down after the summer, although the weather can be a little more unpredictable at this time of year.

So if all the other seasons make great times to visit Edinburgh, why bother to come in the winter?

Because you get to see a whole new side of the city once again and do lots of things you cannot do any other time of year, Including having fun at another of Edinburgh’s biggest celebrations… but I’ll share more specifics below!

What to expect in Edinburgh in the winter months

Edinburgh in december.

“How cold is Edinburgh in December?”

“Does it snow in Edinburgh in December?”

“Is it a good idea to visit Edinburgh in December?”

These are all questions I get asked by people wanting to plan their travels to Scotland in winter, and specifically to Edinburgh in December. Of course, there are no clear-cut answers.

Firstly, the average temperature in Edinburgh in December is a high of 7C (45F) and a low of 1C (34F). This is actually pretty bearable compared to many European destinations in winter, and it rarely falls below -4C(24F).

While you’ll need a good coat, warm boots, and accessories like a hat and scarf, you don’t need any particularly special clothes. (Check out more in my guide to what to wear in Scotland ).

Given those temperatures, it’s actually not that common for it to snow in December, and more likely in January and February when it can be slightly colder. While a white Christmas isn’t impossible, don’t get your hopes up!

Speaking of Christmas though, this is why visiting Edinburgh in December is a good idea. Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are in full swing, complete with lots of fun rides, food and drink stalls, and plenty of gift items to buy.

While the days may be short there are pretty lights and mulled wine stands (or whisky!) to make you want to stay out and about!

December in Edinburgh also means Hogmanay, which is the Scots word for New Year’s Eve and encompasses the celebrations that take place at that time.

In Edinburgh, there’s a torchlight procession you can take part in that winds its way through the city, the huge street party on New Year’s Eve itself, culminating in an epic fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle itself.

Edinburgh in January

You can continue the Hogmanay celebrations with the Loony Dook on New Year’s Day, where brave souls take a dip in the freezing Firth of Forth, often in fancy dress. However, if this isn’t exactly your cup of tea, there are still several reasons to visit Edinburgh in January.

The city will be quiet, as many people tend to stay in after the business of Christmas and New Year. Accommodation prices drop but all the major attractions are still open, as well as the shops which often have sales at this time of year.

If you’re visiting Edinburgh at the end of the month then keep an eye out for a Burn’s Supper to attend on Burn’s Night. These are in celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns, whose birthday was the 25th of January.

A Burns Supper involves a traditional meal of Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties, alongside ceremonial elements like the piping in of the Haggis and reading the “Address to a Haggis” poem by Burns himself. Some places across Edinburgh will have a public Burns Supper where you can buy tickets, and it usually involves a Ceilidh too (dancing to Gaelic music).

Edinburgh in February

Don’t hesitate to plan a visit to Edinburgh in February either!

While the social calendar can be a little quieter in February (apart from Burn’s Night) things seem to bounce back in February. The days are lengthening and the weather has usually warmed ever so slightly.

While the next big Edinburgh Festival isn’t until spring (the Edinburgh Science Festival ) there are often smaller events happening around town including theatre shows and comedy nights.

It’s also Valentine’s Day in February, and while Scotland doesn’t necessarily buy into the commercialism of the day, it can be a good excuse to book a nice dinner or accommodation or check out one of the many romantic things to do in Edinburgh .

Things to Do in Edinburgh in Winter

While I’ve touched on many of the winter in Edinburgh activities and things to do in the monthly breakdown above, here’s a list of everything you can expect.

Enjoy the Christmas Markets

Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets actually open around mid-November and close after the first few days in January.

East Princes Street Gardens are taken over by a plethora of stalls selling crafts, art, and edible delights. They’re open from 10am to 10pm, and I love popping in whenever I’m in town to warm up with a mulled wine or hot toddy and grabbing a chimney cake!

Many of Edinburgh’s beer gardens are closed through the winter, but this is just as good!

View the Christmas Lights

For the past couple of years, George Street has been transformed into a fabulous light show. There’s usually a “switching on of the lights” event, and then you can enjoy them in the lead-up to Christmas. There’s also a Christmas tree on the Mound that’s gifted by Norway.

Climb Arthur’s Seat

If the weather co-operates then going up Arthur’s Seat in the winter can be a great experience. I used to live nearby and if it was a clear day or early enough for the wind not to have got up then I would go for a walk up there.

Sometimes I had it all to myself! Which would never happen in the busier times of the year.

Wrap up warm, put on some sturdy footwear, and then venture up, just be prepared for some possible snow at the top if it’s there’s been a cold snap!

Go shopping

As I mentioned, winter in Edinburgh is a great time for shopping!

Firstly you have the market stalls before Christmas selling unique items, and then many shops run sales throughout January so you can snap up some bargains there too.

Wander around the museums

Edinburgh has no shortage of museums, and they make for a great winter activity and you can stay warm and dry inside!

While there’s the usual National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, check out others like the Museum of Childhood, the Writer’s Museum, and the Surgeon’s Hall Museums as well.

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is only closed on the 25th and 26th of December, so first-time visitors shouldn’t be worried about missing out on this major attraction.

While many people say the Castle is better from the outside, I do think you should visit at least once to appreciate it fully.

My first visit was in December and while it wasn’t at all how I pictured a castle (think traditional large building rather than a fortress) it was something I’m happy to have done and would recommend.

Inside you’ll find the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny (and learn the unique story behind it), Edinburgh’s oldest building (St Margarets Chapel), the Royal Palace, the Great Hall, the Scottish National War Memorial, the Prisons of War, and much more.

Walk down the Royal Mile

If you visit Edinburgh in August then the Royal Mile is packed with street performers, flyer distributors, and a ton of tourists. While it’s an exciting experience it’s also very crowded which makes it hard to really appreciate the actual street itself.

Visit the Royal Mile in winter and it’s a different story. You can take your time wandering along, appreciating the architecture and venturing down some of the many closes that lead to hidden courtyards, restaurants/bars, or even gardens.

Savour an Afternoon Tea

Another fabulous winter activity is Afternoon Tea. SO many restaurants and cafes around the city offer an Afternoon Tea that usually consists of a tiered stand filled with sandwiches, scones, and cakes, as well as all sorts of different teas.

You can enjoy it in more informal settings like Eteaket or Mimi’s Bakehouse in Leith, or try something a little fancier at The Balmoral or The Signet Library. One of my favourite ways to spend a leisurely afternoon!

Visit a Distillery

Edinburgh is home to several gin distilleries, and what better way to spend a chilly day than visiting one or two of them!

Scottish gins are some of the best in the world, and you can grab a cocktail and tour the Edinburgh Gin Distillery within the Heads & Tails Bar in the West End of Edinburgh, or visit Pickerings Gin Distillery at Summerhall. 

Don’t forget the Scotch Whisky Experience too! Not technically a distillery of course, but they run classes about whisky as well as tours and tastings. There’s also the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street.

Celebrate Hogmanay

As mentioned Hogmanay makes winter a really fun time to visit Edinburgh. You don’t have to attend the Street Party however, there are other ways to enjoy it too.

Check out all sorts of Hogmanay events across the city including other Ceilidhs or activities, or find somewhere else to view the fireworks like Calton Hill or even from the Salisbury Crags/Arthur’s Seat. Just remember to bring a torch (flashlight)!

Like many places in Europe, off-season travel to Edinburgh has its perks. The streets are quieter and travel and accommodation are often more affordable (outside of the busy period directly around Christmas and Hogmanay) so it makes for a cheaper visit overall.

Don’t be put off visiting Edinburgh in winter because it might be a little chilly. There are so many things to love about the city at this time of year, and it would be a shame to miss out because of the weather! 

Planning your Edinburgh trip? Check out these posts:

• 50+ Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Itinerary: 2 Days in Scotland’s Capital
• Harry Potter in Edinburgh: Top Locations + Self-Guided Tour Map
• 9 Lesser Known Hidden Gems in Edinburgh
• 25+ Romantic Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples
• Why Edinburgh’s Festivals Have to Be On Your Bucket List
• Haunted Edinburgh: Spooky + Spine-Chilling Attractions
• Scotland Roadtrip: Edinburgh to Glencoe by Car

If you liked it, pin it!

Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

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The Best Time to Visit Edinburgh – An Insider’s Guide

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Edinburgh ‘s northern location ensures that the Scottish capital is always at the mercy of the elements. Even in summer, you can be hit by thunderstorms and high winds, while in winter, the days are short, cold, and blustery.

But brave the weather, and you can hit a sweet spot in the off-season, beating the high summer prices and inevitable crowds. This is a city I’ve seen in the rain and sleet and in the summer sunshine (I was born in Scotland , even if I’ve spent most of my life south of the border in England ), and as long as you’re prepared, you can have a fantastic time all year round. 

In winter, experience the festive cheer at the Christmas markets, before celebrating Hogmanay and Burns Night with the locals. In spring, hike to Arthur’s Seat, and in August, embrace the chaos of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, then keep reading as I break down the best time to go to Edinburgh.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations in the UK – and for good reason – but in my opinion, there’s no single “best time to visit Edinburgh,” as this largely depends on what you’re looking to experience in the city. 

For example, August is one of the busiest months of the year, and if you want to see the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, then you’re going to have to endure large crowds and high accommodation prices (but it’s worth it!). 

Equally, December and January have some of the worst weather of the year, but the city is awash with Christmas markets and festive cheer, which more than account for the dull skies and cold temperatures. 

For an excellent all-round experience, the shoulder seasons are the best times to visit Edinburgh. February and March are quiet compared to Christmas and Easter, while autumn offers a reprieve from the packed summer season. From festivities to hiking, here are my top picks on when to visit Edinburgh!

Festivities – December/January 

December and January are the best times of year to visit Edinburgh if you’re looking to embrace the city’s festive season. Sure, the weather is cold – with temperatures dropping as low as freezing in January – and the days are short, but with Christmas, Hogmanay, and Burns Night on the calendar, it’s a great time to be here. 

From late November onwards, Edinburgh’s Christmas markets fill the city with festive cheer. The Royal Mile is illuminated by light displays and framed by Christmas cheers, while East Princes Street Gardens and Grassmarket are both home to excellent markets. 

Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration marking the end of the old and the start of the New Year. Taking place on December 31, big parties and events spill over onto January 1 and, in some cases, January 2. Edinburgh holds an epic torch-lit parade, which culminates in the burning of a Viking longship that remembers the country’s Norse history.

At the end of the month, Burns Night brings a little cheer and poetry to Edinburgh, as Scotland’s most famous writer, Robert Burns, is celebrated with whisky-drinking abandon on January 25. 

The best time to avoid the crowds – February 

If you’re looking to avoid the peak season crowds, then unfortunately, you’re going to have to brave Edinburgh’s infamously unpredictable weather. When the January festivities are over, the Scottish capital quietens down, and February is my top pick for the best time to visit Edinburgh for a crowd-beating trip. 

Temperatures still reach freezing in February, but towards the end of the month, things can pick up (ever so slightly!), and highs of 9°C (48°F) aren’t uncommon. It will rain, so be prepared with a rain jacket, warm clothes, and an umbrella.

February is the perfect time to visit Edinburgh’s indoor attractions , and on those rainy days, I recommend making a beeline for sights like the National Museum of Scotland , The Scotch Whisky Experience, and the Scottish National Gallery . 

Museum Lovers – March 

March is one of the best times to visit Edinburgh for a shoulder season experience. You’ll miss the winter crowds, enjoy the first sunny days in spring (I hope!), and skip the Easter high season that’s soon to follow. 

The weather in March is also best described as unpredictable, so again, pack plenty of warm clothes and waterproofs. March is the perfect month for museum lovers though, and while the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle are sure to be windy, you can escape those rainy days by exploring the castle’s indoor sections, including the National War Museum .

Learn about Scottish history – from the prehistoric era to the present – at the National Museum of Scotland, or delve into the lives of the royal family at the Palace of Holyroodhouse . 

Then there’s the Scottish Parliament, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and the Museum of Edinburgh . And if it’s still raining, why not pop into one of Edinburgh’s historic pubs – my favorite is The World’s End – for a pint of ale and a spot of haggis and neeps? 

Hiking – May

Edinburgh might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of hiking in Scotland. After all, the country is home to endless lochs and highland peaks like Ben Nevis, but what I love most about the city is how connected it is to nature. 

Take a walk along the Golden Mile and you’ll soon find yourself in Holyrood Park. This large outdoor area is right on the edge of the city, and in the middle, Arthur’s Seat offers an exceptional panorama of Edinburgh. This ancient volcanic plug is an easy day hike from the city, and in my opinion, the perfect time to visit is May.

This is when Scotland’s short summer is getting into full swing, but it’s still not peak season. Temperatures can hit highs of 15°C (59°F) – which is scorching hot for Scotland – while rainy days are few and far between. 

Arthur’s Seat isn’t the only hike in Edinburgh either. You can also tackle the excellent walk to Calton Hill while the coastline around Leith on the Firth of Forth is exceptionally beautiful. 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival – August

August is arguably the best time to go to Edinburgh. It’s also the busiest month of the year, but it’s well worth braving the crowds when the Fringe Festival is in town.

The world’s largest performing arts festival consumes Edinburgh for the entire month of August, as thousands of performers, musicians, comedians, artists, and actors descend on the city to showcase their talents to the world. The scale of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has to be seen to be believed, and every venue, arts center, pub, and bar in the city has a constant stream of events. 

The Edinburgh Fringe is famed for its up-and-coming acts, and many of the UK’s best comedians have made their names here – often giving free shows in pubs across the city. There are ticketed events too, including big-name acts, while the city has a festival-like atmosphere all through August.

Accommodation prices are sky-high during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, so book well in advance for the best deals. 

Distilleries – All Year Round!

You can’t visit Edinburgh without enjoying a wee dram of whiskey , and for those of us who enjoy the finer things in life, you’ll be happy to hear the distilleries are open all year round. In fact, a whiskey tasting or distillery tour is an activity I’d recommend in any season, regardless of whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring. 

In the Old Town, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a classic (if touristy) place to learn about centuries of distilling history. You’ll learn about the processes behind whiskey production, see one of the world’s largest whiskey collections (home to 3,384 bottles), and then enjoy a tasting in the Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar.

Get off the beaten track a little and you can visit the Port of Leith Distillery or the Holyrood Distillery .

The worst times to visit Edinburgh

So what are the best times to avoid visiting Edinburgh? Here’s my quick take on the worst times of the year to be in the Scottish capital:

July is often cited as one of the best times to visit Edinburgh, but I’d disagree. While the weather is often at its best – with temperatures reaching highs of 29°C (68°F) and lots of sunny days – it’s also the start of the summer peak season. 

You’ll be jostling with crowds, especially when the British school holidays officially begin halfway through the month, and you’ll be paying high prices for flights and accommodation before the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has even begun. 

November 

One of my least favorite times of the year to visit Edinburgh is November. It’s cold, dark, inevitably rainy, and you’ve got none of the Christmas cheer that awaits you in December. 

Admittedly, though, this is the low season, and if you don’t mind braving the bad weather, you can score some great deals, especially on accommodation. My advice, though, is to wait until the Christmas markets open at the end of the month!

There you have it! The best time to visit Edinburgh? When will you be planning a trip to the Scottish capital?

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Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

Like most of Scotland, Edinburgh boasts moderate temperatures in the spring and summer and cold, wet weather during the winter months. Known as "Festival City," Edinburgh hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, with most taking place during the summer. Travelers should consider school holidays, winter weather, and potential crowds when planning a trip. Still, Edinburgh has enough to do that it can make for a great experience in any season. Edinburgh's best times are May through August when the weather is good, and the city is lively, and September for fewer crowds.

Weather in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is coldest in January and February, with the average temperature around 35 F. Winter is typically windy and can bring snow, so be prepared with warm weather gear (and non-slick shoes). Spring tends to be mild and dry, with lots of sunshine expected in April and May, while summer is typically warm and pleasant. July is the hottest month, with average temperatures around 68 F (although it can get hotter during the summer).

Bring layers for any visit, but especially in the fall and winter. It's also a good idea to pack rain gear and waterproof shoes, particularly if you plan to hike Arthur's Seat or go anywhere outside the city. Snow boots and a warm jacket are also helpful in January and February.

Peak Season in Edinburgh

The weather tends to dictate how busy things get in Edinburgh, although big crowds come into the city around Christmas and Hogmanay. Late spring and summer are the busiest times of the year, thanks to the nicer weather and the constant festivals and events taking over Edinburgh. Because Edinburgh is such a walkable city with lots to do outdoors, many people opt to come when it's dry and sunny.

The school holidays can mean more crowds, especially around Christmas, but it's not enough that you should be deterred to book a trip. School holidays occur during summer, from July through September, and again at half-term, which takes place at the end of October and in mid-February. There is also a break for Easter and a few bank holiday weekends throughout the year. These breaks don't necessarily mean more crowds since some families may travel to other cities, like London, or head to more remote locales.

Sunnybeach/Getty Images

After the New Years' celebrations die down, January in Edinburgh is fairly quiet, with short days and long nights. It can be a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds, but be prepared for chilly, wet winter weather (January is the coldest month) and plan your visit to include mostly indoor activities.

Events to check out:

• Burns Night is a Scottish tradition that marks a celebration of the poet Robert Burns's life and poetry. The holiday, which takes place on Jan. 25, typically involves a special dinner out, known as a Burns Supper.

Like January, February in Scotland tends to be cold and dark, although it can be a good time to take advantage of empty museums and local attractions. Scotland's schools take their half-term break mid-months, which can be some crowds.

• Valentine's Day is very popular in the U.K., including in Scotland. Many of Edinburgh's restaurants will feature special menus to celebrate with your loved one but book in advance if you want to get into one of the more acclaimed ones.

Edinburgh tends to be fairly quiet in March, with fewer tourists and fewer events. The weather can be a gamble, and it's often still wintery and dark before spring really arrives.

• Edinburgh Competition Festival brings together some of the best musical performers, each an expert in their instrument. The festival runs for 10 days each March and welcomes musicians of all ages.
• Even though it's technically an Irish holiday, Scots love to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a few pints and live music.

Extravagantni/Getty Images

The weather starts to get nicer in April, with less rain and strong wind, although it can still be chilly. To avoid any crowds, plan around the Easter school holiday, which takes place over a long weekend in the spring.

• Register for Edinburgh Comic-Con , which takes place over two days in April, to shop comics exhibitors, watch panels, and experience cosplay. It's not the biggest con in the U.K., but it can be lots of fun. Comic-Con Scotland , held in October, also attracts lots of fans and celebrities.
• Take on the Celtic ritual of Beltane at the annual Beltane Fire Festival , which takes place at Edinburgh's Carlton Hill to welcome spring.

May feels like spring, with blooming trees and flowers, but it's not quite busy in Edinburgh yet since kids are still in school. Take advantage of the shorter lines at attractions and the opportunity to walk around in the sunshine.

• Visit the nine-day Edinburgh International Children's Festival , held from late May to early June, to see the best in family-friendly theater and dance performances.
• Runners hit the streets for the Edinburgh Marathon at the end of May, passing by many of the city's iconic monuments and buildings along the route.

June brings the kick-off of tourist season to Edinburgh, with many international visitors coming into the city. The weather is warm, sunny, and pleasant, and there's a lot to see and do outdoors. June can be a good choice for those who are planning a longer Scotland itinerary beyond Edinburgh.

• The Edinburgh International Science Festival arrives in Edinburgh at the end of every June, celebrating science, math, engineering, and technology.
• Edinburgh International Film Festival is the world's longest-running film festival, bringing in a global selection of shorts, features, and documentaries to showcase cinema's best.
• Scotland's biggest LGBTQIA+ event, Pride Edinburgh, takes over the city's streets and bars every June.

July brings the hottest weather and longest days to the Scottish city, making it an ideal time to explore and take advantage of outdoor activities. Since most of the big festivals are held in August, the crowds can also be less overwhelming.

• The annual Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival takes place in July and is a must-do for jazz music lovers. It features free and ticketed performances, as well as the beloved Princes Street parade.

Not only does August typically boast nice weather, but the late summer in Edinburgh is also the time to visit if you love art. It's known for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival, which take over the city every August and draw in crowds worldwide. It's a lively, exciting time to visit Edinburgh, although it can be jam-packed.

• Edinburgh's most famous festival is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe , a massive art festival that features everything from theater and dance to cabaret and comedy to children's shows and live music.
• The Edinburgh International Festival is held simultaneously to Festival Fringe, showcasing the performing arts over three weeks in many of the city's renowned theaters.
• The month-long Edinburgh Art Festival showcases various exhibitions and events, with most of the festival free to attend.
• At Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a series of performances by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth, and international military bands. It draws a huge audience of adults and kids.
• Princes Street Gardens hosts Edinburgh Summer Sessions over August, with major musical acts taking the outdoor stage for family-friendly concerts.

The temperatures remain pleasant in September, averaging around 60 F, and the crowds have cleared out from August. This is your best bet if you want to experience Edinburgh without the onslaught of events, and it can be a good time to explore the surrounding areas of Scotland as well.

• Book a ticket to a screening at Ocean Film Festival , which features films that showcase the oceans above and below the surface. It's a U.K.-wide event, with Edinburgh's screenings taking place at Festival Theatre.

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October brings fewer crowds once students are back in school, but Edinburgh keeps its festivals going into the fall. The weather starts to dip, so pack layers and rain gear.

• The annual Scottish International Storytelling Festival , held around Halloween, highlights storytelling's art with performances and events throughout the city.
• Edinburgh celebrates Halloween in a similar fashion to American cities, with various haunted houses, events, and costume parties.

The weather starts to turn cold, and days get shorter in November, but the lack of crowds at the various attractions makes it a good time to enjoy the city without lines. Scotland doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, so students will remain in school throughout the month.

• Held every year on November 5, Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is a popular event in the U.K. Expect rowdy outdoor gatherings, fireworks, and, of course, bonfires.
• St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, so his saint's day , Nov. 30, brings a lot of celebration to Edinburgh. Festivals are often held over that weekend, which often has the Monday off for events.
• The Edinburgh neighborhood of Leith hosts EH6 Festival, which features craft beer, food, and music.

Christmas is a busy, festive time in Scotland, and Edinburgh is a great place to experience the holiday magic. There's lots of shopping, holiday street markets and Christmas-related events, like plays and concerts. The weather can be cold and wet, with the potential for snow, but don't let that keep you away.

• December brings numerous Christmas markets to Edinburgh, but one of the best is Castle Street Christmas Market, which looks up at Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Christmas, which includes the markets and several events, usually runs from the end of November through December.
• Hogmanay , the Scottish celebration of the New Year, is a raucous celebration taking place on Dec. 31 all around Edinburgh. It features live music and fireworks, which are also broadcast around Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions

To fully enjoy Edinburgh's outdoor activities, the best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is warm and sunny but doesn't get hot, although this is also the busiest time to visit.

Rain is common throughout the year in Scotland, but Edinburgh sees the most precipitation from October to January. Snow is possible in the cold winter months, but it's a rare occurrence.

For the cheapest prices, visit in winter after the Christmas and New Year holidays. The weather is very cold and gray, but you'll find the lowest rates on hotels and flights.

Related Articles

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A festival for every season: it's always the best time to go to Edinburgh

Sep 27, 2021 • 5 min read

Summer fireworks above Edinburgh during the Royal Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Fringe Festival © Marco Bicci / Shutterstock

Edinburgh ’s atmospheric natural sites and its residents’ distinctly Scottish determination for withstanding terrible weather make it a great year-round destination: Sure, it might be literally freezing, but doesn’t Arthur’s Seat look majestic covered in ice? For the less hardy amongst us, however, summer is the ideal time for visiting Scotland’s capital: not only does it get hotter (please note: we never said hot), but the city’s infamous festival season is in full force.

Here’s when to visit Edinburgh.

Shoulder Season: September to October, April to May

Best for hikes and classic tourist attractions

Edinburgh’s two shoulder seasons fall between its hectic summer and dreary winter. Both are perfect for laidback sightseeing. The city’s many green spaces look stunning, from the cherry blossom-lined paths of The Meadows to the crisp autumnal foliage of Royal Botanic Garden . The big tourist draws, such as the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, are also much quieter.

High Season: June to August

Best for festival vibes and discovering.

Festival season is when Edinburgh comes into its own. From the world’s biggest performing arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival , to more contained programs at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and Edinburgh Jazz Festival, summer is the best time to visit if you're looking for entertainment.

Accommodation costs can be extortionate though – mattresses on floors for £1000 a month are not unheard of – so book early. Very little that can compare to the buzz of the streets in summer: street performers on every pavement, theatre and gigs take place in all the city’s nooks and crannies, and arts venues bustle with street food and excited ticket holders.

Low Season: November to March

Best for festive shenanigans and indoor arts

It’s cold, it’s dark, it’s raining: You’d be forgiven for thinking that winter makes Edinburgh go into hibernation until the spring. But while there are more welcoming times of year to visit, there’s a sort of wintery charm to be found in the windblown streets.

Christmas markets abound, from the impersonal and enormous to the artsy and curated, while Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations are world-renowned. There are innumerable galleries – from the cavernous Scottish National Gallery and National Museum of Scotland to the grassroots Embassy and Arusha  galleries – to while away frosty afternoons.

 For superlative Scottish vibes, stick around the city for Burns Night (25 January), the annual celebration of Scotland’s national poet. For an authentic experience, head to a local pub for haggis and a dram of whiskey.

Key events : Loony Dook, Manipulate Festival , Burns Night

The weather is still dreary but around February is when the light starts to turn: days get perceptively longer and wandering around the city gets a whole lot nicer. There are plenty of indoor activities to piece together: head to the Cowgate for live music or the Scottish National Galleries for the latest exhibitions.

Key events : Edinburgh International Improv Festival

Spring arrives and with it floods of daffodils over The Meadows. Take advantage of the turning weather to head outside of the city: The Pentland Hills are a short bus ride away and afford gorgeous hikes, while the coastal trail that starts in Portobello is perfect for a sunny late-March day, with highs of 60°F (15°C) in a good year.

Key events: Wee Dub Festival, Edinburgh Science Festival , RSA New Contemporaries

April is when the gorse bushes erupt with bright yellow flowers all over Arthur’s Seat. There’s no better time to scale the hill, or better yet, opt for a gentle walk around its base and take in the colors. 

Key events : Edinburgh TradFest , Terminal V , IberoDocs

Edinburgh often has one week of very warm weather early on in spring, with possible highs of 77°F (25°C). Fit in with the locals by grabbing a disposable barbecue and sitting beneath the cherry blossoms in The Meadows.

Key events : Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, Edinburgh Marathon ,  Beltane Fire Festival ,

The city starts gearing up for its summer season: Pub gardens open and the first festivals peek their heads up. Hit up one of the many city center sites before the crowds set in or, better yet, head to Jupiter Artland in the suburbs: A hidden gem of a sculpture garden only open in the summer season.

Key events : Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival , Edinburgh International Film Festival , Meadows Festival , Pride Edinburgh

Tourism stages a temporary, not-so-hostile takeover of the city. Lean into the madness and head up to the castle with the crowds, or opt for a more local experience of summer with a wander around the galleries and a picnic in Leith Links. 

Key events : Edinburgh Art Festival , Edinburgh Food Festival

This is what the city has been gearing up towards all year: The August festivals are in town. Catch free comedy (of variable quality) at one of the many free Fringe venues, see some of the biggest names in literature at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, or opt for something smaller and quirkier at Jupiter Rising, the micro festiva put on by the contemporary sculpture park, Jupiter Artland.

Key events: Edinburgh International Festival , Edinburgh Festival Fringe , Jupiter Rising , Edinburgh International Book Festival , Fringe of Colour , Edinburgh Summer Sessions , Edinburgh Military Tattoo  

And…breathe. After the August madness, a calm descends over the city. Take advantage of the mild ~60°F (16°C) temperatures and wander around the Old Town without the crowds. If you’re not exhausted of festivals, don’t miss smaller gems such as Take One Action Film Festival.

Key events : Take One Action Film Festival , Hidden Door , Art Walk Porty , Edinburgh Doors Open Days

One of the most underrated months to visit, October offers quintessential Edinburgh vibes: the air is crisp and the students have returned, which means a plethora of live music and nightlife on the Cowgate. 

Key events : Africa in Motion , Scotland Loves Anime , Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival , Scottish International Storytelling Festival , Push the Boat Out Festival 

The clocks have just changed and the days are dark, but Bonfire Night lights up the autumnal sky with fireworks. Smaller galleries open new exhibitions as the festival rush dies down.

Key events : St Andrews Day, Bonfire Night, French Film Festival UK

December is Edinburgh’s most crowded month after August as the city becomes a hub for Christmas shopping. The main Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens is quaint in a traditional sort of way, although it has become increasingly commercialised in recent years. For something more authentic, head to one of the smaller fairs in Summerhall or Edinburgh Printmakers.

Key Events: Hogmanay , Edinburgh’s Christmas , Christmas at the Botanics

You might also like:  17 best things to do in Edinburgh - Scotland's lively capital city How best to get around the city of Edinburgh The 9 best day trips from Edinburgh  

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• Scottish Seasons & Months

Scotland in February: Our Complete Guide

When arriving in Scotland in February, romance is in the air! The last of the winter months, February offers plenty of fantastic activities despite the relatively cold weather. As a low season for tourists, you’ll find that many of Scotland’s finest attractions during the month of love are intimate and quiet – the perfect opportunity for a romantic break.

February is the best time to visit Scotland to explore romantic attractions, enjoy winter activities and sports, and even see the Northern Lights! Despite the relatively cold weather that persists from the last dregs of winter, new life is just on the horizon, and that atmosphere is palpable in Scotland during February. If you want to learn more about what you can get up to on your visit, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll be covering everything you need to know about Scotland in February, from how to pack, fun things to do, and the significant events to look forward to. Let’s dive right into it!

Weather in Scotland in February

February is the last of the winter months in Scotland, so you can expect a cold, rainy, and windy reception when you arrive. There may also be the chance of snow during February, but most of the time, snow is limited to the mountain tops and northern parts of the country.

Average temperatures during February in Scotland range from 1 – 6℃ (34 – 42℉), so it’s always best to bundle up before visiting Scotland’s major outdoor attractions. Similarly, February also experiences shorter daylight hours, so you’ll have to manage your activities between 8:00 – 17:00. There’s a lot to fit into 8 hours of daylight, and Scotland’s nightlife is fantastic when the sun dips below the horizon.

How to Pack for Scotland in February

Packing for February in Scotland means bringing a few essentials to combat the cold, winter weather and the potential snow factor. Here are some essentials that you should be bringing along with you on your trip:

Lightweight & Waterproof Layers

Layering is one of the most important ways to stay warm during cold weather conditions. A couple of warm layers, such as a jumper and jacket, will ensure you have a wonderful time without any risk of a cold.

Waterproof clothing is not essential but is a huge boon when tackling Scotland’s occasional rainy days during February.

A Scarf, Hat, and Pair of Warm Socks

To complement your layers of clothing, packing clothing to keep your head and feet nice and warm during the winter months will go a long way to ensure you get the most out of this winter vacation. But they’re an incredibly great choice for keeping warm, and you can also find some genuinely fashionable numbers to elevate your outfit!

A Pair of Walking/Hiking Boots

Even during winter, some of the country’s most popular attractions involve scaling the beautiful country’s forests and mountains. Packing a pair of walking boots or hiking boots is essential to navigating the Scottish Highlands.

Things to Do in Scotland in February

Once you’ve hopped on a plane, with bags packed aplenty with warm clothing, Scotland is filled with amazing things to do, outdoor activities, and so much more! Visiting Scotland can be overwhelming to some, so we’ve outlined some things you should put on your to-do list.

Enjoy Scotland’s Museums and Galleries

Before venturing into the cold February weather, you can explore and learn from several fascinating museums and galleries if you want to see Scotland’s indoor attractions. Museums and galleries are the perfect city break attraction to pair with a whisky distillery tour, festival, or evening at the pub.

Scotland’s historic capital, Edinburgh, has a few notable museums and galleries to see in February, including The Scottish National Galleries: National and Modern, Surgeon’s Hall Museum , and Museum on the Mound . Other excellent museums to add to your list are the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Linlithgow Palace , and Fort George.

Find refuge from Scotland’s winter weather at one of these museums or galleries, and you may even learn a thing or two!

Skii Down Scotland’s Highland Slopes

For many, February means skiing down the Scottish Highlands on the snowy mountains with gorgeous views of the surrounding landscapes. Scotland is home to several amazing resorts that make use of snow-capped peaks of the Scottish mountains, including Glencoe Mountain Resort, Glenshee Ski Centre, and Lecht Ski Centre.

If you’re a skier or a snowboarder, booking a trip to one of Scotland’s famous resorts is well worth it!

Visit the Cairngorms National Park

Even during winter, the Cairngorms National Park is a stunning place to visit in the Highlands. The national park is draped in snow, especially on the towering mountains surrounding the forests. You’ll be able to spot birds and critters throughout the Cairngorms, especially within popular parks like the Handa Wildlife Park and Cairngorms Reindeer Centre .

Out of all the winter months, February is considered the very best because of the events. There are opportunities to go stargazing, learn Scottish culture at OBI, and listen to live music at Margaret Braemar. Explore the Cairngorm National Park, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

Warm Yourself Up with Gin & Whisky

In addition to wearing multiple layers, one of the best ways to warm yourself up this February is to enjoy a dram of whisky or a shot of gin. Scotland is known for its history of whisky, and you can enjoy several unique malts and blends throughout the country. From the Lowlands to the Highlands and Islands, booking a tasting session and tasting at a Scotch whisky distillery is an absolute must.

If whisky isn’t to your fancy, Scotland also has plenty of run and gin distilleries. For both whisky and gin distilleries, ensure that you book early to snag yourself a place.

Book a Romantic Escape for Valentine’s Day

February is the month of love, and Scotland is as romantic of a place to visit in February as the rest of Europe. From fine dining opportunities in the heart of Glasgow to an intimate overnight stay in a Scottish Castle, treat your special someone to a truly heartfelt experience.

There are plenty of options for romantic packages, but we highly recommend choosing one that lets you stay overnight at a castle. Just imagine this: roaring log fires, stunning views out to the Highlands, and utter relaxation in some of Scotland’s most historic castles. Best of all, many of the castles that offer this have modern amenities like Wi-Fi, hot tubs, and more.

Embrace Valentine’s Day in Scotland this winter season with a romantic getaway with your family.

Attend Murrayfield Stadium’s Six Nations

The rugby season is alive and well for you to see throughout the Scottish winter. Rugby is an intensely physical sport, and there’s no better place to see it played at its highest level than at Murrayfield Stadium. The Six Nations Rugby is a spectacle that draws Scottish, English, Irish, and Welsh fans – all keen to see their nations clash (literally).

If you’ve never seen a rugby match but are a huge sports fan, consider adding a couple of Six Nations tickets to your Scotland tours. You may pick up a new favourite sport to watch.

Look for the Northern Lights

Although the daylight hours during February are much shorter compared to the rest of the year, the month offers the chance to see the fabled ‘Mirrie Dancers’. More commonly known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, Scotland sits on a latitude that allows you to see these mystical lights without travelling far.

The Scottish Highlands and Islands are the best chance to see the Northern Lights. Although these more remote locations take longer to reach, you’ll want any excuse to take a road trip up the west coast of Scotland to beautiful locations like the Isle of Skye – which don’t only serve as a great spot to see the Aurora Borealis, but also are worth attractions in their own right.

If you want to see the Northern Lights without travelling too far, keep an eye out for Dark Skies Paths like the Galloway Dark Forest Park . They offer viewing points with minimal light pollution, allowing you to see more stars and planets than you ever have.

Explore Scotland’s Cities

During February weather, Scotland tends to retreat indoors on frigid days and nights. One way to make the most of a cold or rainy day is by exploring the attractions offered by Scotland’s cities. In most cases, you don’t have to walk far to hop from attraction to attraction.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s largest city, is filled with things to do, like the famous Edinburgh Castle, the shops of the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions . Other cities like Glasgow, Inverness , and Aberdeen offer unique events to plan a day trip around, and we’ve written about things to do for you to check out at your leisure.

Events in Scotland in February

February offers a whole host of unique winter festivals and events for you to enjoy during your stay. From cultural festivals that celebrate the best of Scotland’s history to hiking festivals where you can scale Scotland’s Munros, there’s a little something for everyone. Let’s dive into the events you should add to your agenda.

Celtic Connections ( 18th January – 4th February 2024, Glasgow)

Celtic Connections is the UK’s most established celebration of Celtic music. Spanning from the end of January to the start of February, the festival brings over 2,100 musicians worldwide to enlighten crowds with talks, events, modern art, exhibits, and Celtic music.

Fort William Mountain Festival ( 15th – 18th February 2024, Fort William)

From indoor music festivals to outdoor activities, the Fort William Mountain Festival is 3 days of mountain climbing, hiking, and walking through the grand wilderness of Scotland. Fort William is known as the Outdoor Capital of the World, so it makes sense that the Mountain Festival and other events take place in this nature lover’s haven.

From famous mountaineers to amateur hikers, the Fort William Mountain Festival is an outdoor activity to attend.

FebruaryFest ( 2nd February – 2nd March 2024, Glencoe)

For laidback visitors to Scotland FebruaryFest is the place to be. Taking place throughout February in Glencoe, FebruaryFest offers whisky tasting, great beer, pub quizzes, music, and one of the best atmospheres to sit and soak it in.

The Glen is well known as a beautiful attraction during the summer months, and it’s no less attractive during winter.

Scottish Snowdrop Festival ( 25 January to 11 March, Scotland)

After a brief hiatus, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival is back in action! This winter festival brings the first inklings of spring in Scotland with the emergence of the snowdrop flowers. These royal white flowers can be found throughout Scotland’s landscapes, but also you can see them in the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh .

After the Christmas Markets and winter festivities, February heralds the turn of the season to the colourful springtime. Take advantage of one of the prettiest natural blooms during winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in coming to Scotland in February but still have a few questions? Don’t worry! We’ve outlined the answers to some frequently asked questions we receive about where to go in February, Scotland’s weather in February, and more.

If you’re interested in learning about other major events in Scotland, like National Poet Robert Burns Night or Scotland’s Patron Saint, St Andrew’s Day – read our articles about Scotland in November and Scotland in January.

Is it worth going to Edinburgh in February?

Coming to Scotland in February is well worth the trip if you have a planned itinerary for your visit. The month is usually not a popular time of year for visitors to the country, as the cold weather (with average temperatures of 5℃) deters many tourists, but there are still plenty of things to do in Scotland in February.

It’s best to pack and plan in advance during a visit to Scotland in February, as the temperamental weather can quickly curb any plans you may have had.

Is Scotland snowy in February?

February in Scotland does mean snowfall, although the snow usually falls on the tallest peaks of Scotland’s mountainous areas like the Cairngorms, Torriden, and Glencoe. In regions like the Highlands and the Scottish Isles, you may also find snow at lower elevations, which creates a striking winter wonderland to explore.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Scotland?

Absolutely! If you visit Scotland in February, you’ll be able to see the stunning Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis). While seeing this magical phenomenon isn’t guaranteed and requires extensive patience, Scotland’s long winter nights provide the perfect chance.

Graham Grieve

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Top 14 Things to Do in Edinburgh

There are plenty of exciting things to do in Edinburgh, from stunning architecture and endless winding streets to an awe-inspiring castle perched on a dormant volcano. By day you can admire artworks in galleries and treasured wonders in museums, and by night you can enjoy tours, musical and theatre performances, or find your favourite dram in a charming whisky pub.

Explore Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle and city

Perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, this should be a must-see on your list of places to visit in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle houses important Scottish artefacts, such as the Honours of Scotland -  which are the oldest crown jewels in the UK - and The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy. Explore the vast castle grounds, take a guided tour with a castle steward, or listen to the audio guide, which is available in eight languages.

Top tip: Tickets often sell out quickly, especially during the summer months. Make sure to book early to avoid disappointment! Listen out for the firing of the One O'Clock Gun from the castle grounds, which can be heard daily (except on Sundays). Ships in the Firth of Forth once set their maritime clocks according to the sound of the shot.

• On Public Transport Route
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Level Access
• Cafe or Restaurant

Discover the treasures of the National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh

The National Museum of Scotland

© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

Scotland is known for having unpredictable weather, and if you happen to get caught in the rain you might be wondering what to do in Edinburgh. Visit the National Museum of Scotland, one of the best indoor attractions in Edinburgh - and entry is free! With over 20,000 unique artefacts to see, there's something for everyone and fun for all the family. Spend the day learning about the catacombs of Egypt, the wonders of nature and even modern-day technology.

Top tip: If the sun makes an appearance, head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy amazing views of Edinburgh.

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible toilets

Climb Arthur's Seat and stroll through Holyrood Park Edinburgh

Friends on Salisbury Crags in Edinburgh

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Perhaps one of the most iconic places to go in Edinburgh is Arthur's Seat, located within Holyrood Park. This ancient volcano sits 251m above sea level and offers 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. You can see the medieval remains of St Anthony's Chapel or feed the ducks and swans on Duddingston Loch. There's an array of paths and trails to follow, suitable for all, including the trail to St Margaret's Loch which is both wheelchair and buggy accessible.

Top tip: Climbing up to the top of this dormant volcano is hungry work! Why not pack a picnic and enjoy it from the best 'seat' in Edinburgh?

Be amazed at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

This top attraction in Edinburgh is fun for all the family - we dare you not to be amazed, whatever your age. There are five floors of interactive curiosities and illusions to explore, so lose yourself in the puzzling mirror maze or try to keep your balance in the exhilarating Vortex Tunnel.

Top tip: Be sure to get an allocated show time so you don't miss out on seeing the 169-year-old Camera Obscura in action. This Victorian spectacle is a truly unique way to see Edinburgh and takes sightseeing to the next level. 

• Pets Welcome

Ascend Calton Hill to the National Monument Edinburgh

The Edinburgh skyline viewed from Calton Hill

For outstanding views, get up early and climb to the top of Calton Hill to enjoy the sunrise over the city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a collection of historic monuments, most notably the National Monument, which was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.

Top tip: Thinking of staying in Scotland this New Year's Eve? One of the best things to do in Edinburgh at night on Hogmanay is to climb Calton Hill and enjoy the annual firework display above the castle. Many festivals in Edinburgh, such as the Celtic Beltane Fire Festival, are also celebrated here.

Explore the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Edinburgh

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

A trip to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art won't leave you disappointed - whether you're an art lover or not. Comprising two impressive buildings, this top Edinburgh attraction contains masterpieces from the 1900s to present day. Admire art by Matisse, Picasso and Emin, as well as Scottish contemporaries. The landscaped grounds of the galleries feature sculptures by Tony Cragg and Barbara Hepworth, amongst others.

Top tip: After enjoying coffee and a slice of cake in the gallery's cafe, don't miss the recreation of Scottish artist Eduardo Paolozzi's original studio in Modern Two.

Taste the finest drams at Johnnie Walker Princes Street Edinburgh

Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

The flagship Johnnie Walker Princes Street is spread across eight floors and is the capital's newest hotspot, perfect for whisky lovers and novices alike. Complete with dining experiences, bars and a whisky retail area, book your personalised whisky experience where you can explore the flavours of Scotland. 

Top tip: Enjoy world-class cocktails and incredible views of the Edinburgh skyline at the 1820 rooftop bar.

Stroll through Lauriston Castle and Gardens Edinburgh & The Lothians

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

There are plenty of attractions around Edinburgh away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Lauriston Castle and Gardens is the perfect place to go for anyone visiting Edinburgh looking for a piece of Scottish history, as well as peace and quiet. Step back in time as you explore the castle's impressive Edwardian interiors, and don't miss the daily guided tour to learn more about its fascinating history.

Top tip: Enjoy the woodland walk that surrounds the castle, then retreat to the tranquil Japanese Garden, a true hidden gem in Edinburgh.

Brave the Edinburgh Dungeon Edinburgh - City Centre

Edinburgh Dungeon 2021

© Edinburgh Dungeon 2021

Looking for things to do in Edinburgh that are a little unusual? For a thrilling alternative adventure, visit The Edinburgh Dungeons, where you'll learn about the city's gruesome history. Walk the plague-ridden streets of 1645, evade the murderous duo Burke and Hare, and even face trial - good luck! With live actors, underground rides and special effects, you're guaranteed a 'spooktacular' time.

Top tip: The Edinburgh Dungeon often holds Dungeon Late events for adults, so if you're looking for things to do in Edinburgh at night, this could be it.

Launch into space at Dynamic Earth Edinburgh

Dynamic Earth

Looking for somewhere fun to take the kids that's also educational? Dynamic Earth is a fantastic attraction for the whole family to enjoy. The interactive adventure takes brave young explorers on a journey through space and time to learn how the forces of nature shaped Earth over millions of years. 

Top tip: Dynamic Earth is part of the National STEM Engagement Campaign and has a whole host of events for kids to enjoy; check out their website to find out what's on in Edinburgh.

See a show at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Festival Theatre

Edinburgh's Festival Theatre is one of the largest stages in the UK, hosting show-stopping opera, ballet and musical events all year round. Many famous performers have graced its stage, including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy and David Bowie.

Top tip: Legend has it that the Festival Theatre is haunted by famous illusionist 'The Great Lafayette'. Lafayette lost his life in a fire at the theatre in 1911 and is said to roam the stage to this day.

Enjoy a wee dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh - City Centre

The stunning Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection

No trip to the Royal Mile is complete without a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a dram of fine Scottish whisky. The attraction offers a range of tour experiences that will suit first timers and whisky lovers alike. Take a tour of the virtual distillery and learn about the distilling process, then discover the art of whisky blending in a guided sensory presentation.

Top tip: After you become somewhat of a whisky connoisseur, why not continue into the attraction's Amber Restaurant, where you can enjoy modern Scottish cuisine with another dram.

Go sightseeing from the Scott Monument Edinburgh

The Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens

The Scott Monument was built in 1832 to commemorate the death of one of Scotland's best loved writers, Sir Walter Scott, and is decorated with carvings of characters from his novels. The Gothic spire stands at the eastern end of Princes Street Gardens and is the largest memorial to a writer in the world, standing at just over 200 feet high. Climb the 287 steps to the top for beautiful views of the city and visit the Museum Room inside the monument, which holds an exhibition on Scott's life and work.

Top tip: Not a fan of heights? Not to worry, you can get a great view of the monument with your feet firmly on the ground from the bottom of the Playfair Steps on The Mound. At the base of the monument, you'll also find a statue of Scott himself with his beloved dog.

Indulge in sweet treats at The Chocolatarium Edinburgh

Chocolatarium visitors with their finished chocolate bars

Looking to add a bit more sweetness to your trip? Just off the Royal Mile you’ll find The Edinburgh Chocolatarium, a place dedicated to all things chocolate. Enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the chocolate-making process before making your very own chocolate bar where you’ll have lots of toppings to choose from. To finish off, head to the chocolate Tasting Room where you’ll taste a variety of Scottish and international chocolates. Now that sounds like chocolate heaven!

Top tip: Make sure to stock up on your favourite chocolate bars at the gift shop. You'll find all the classics including some interesting flavours such as gin and tonic dark chocolate and haggis.

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Best Time to Visit Edinburgh: Weather, Festivals & Costs

Some of the links may be affiliate links , and at no cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend stuff I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!

So, when is the best time to visit Edinburgh, and most importantly, why?!

I visited in early June for about a week before heading to the rest of my UK tour, and while the rain dampened a few of my plans, it was still one of the prettier (and fun-forward) cities I’ve been to. 

The capital city of Scotland is popular for a ton of reasons, weather not being one of them! 😀

The city is famous for its rich history and well-preserved historic sites, like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Palace, to name a few. It is also popular for its festivals, with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August being the largest arts festival in the world. 

I also love the Scottish cultural heritage you get to see in Edinburgh (beyond the pubs and the kilts), the friendly atmosphere, and, oddly enough, their obsession with ghosts and haunted things. Yea… it’s a thing!

So let’s deep dive into the best time to visit Edinburgh, the weather by season, the festivals by month, where to stay in the city, and what to do throughout the year!

Table of Contents

Overall Best Time To Visit Edinburgh

The best time to visit Edinburgh depends on what you want to do, but my recommendation is to go in the summer season when the weather is decent and the festivals make the city come alive.

If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, autumn is a great option too. That said, even winter has its moment with the Edinburgh Christmas Markets and New Year’s Eve parties. 

What is the best month to vacation in Scotland?

I think July and August are the best times to visit Scotland due to the warmer weather.

Temperatures are normally in the 60s Fahrenheit, and the usual rains are holding back. The days are longer than you’d imagine, flowers are in bloom, and everyone is out and about in nature.

This is also the peak tourist season, and accommodation prices will be at their highest, so book and plan ahead.

What is the cheapest time to go to Scotland?

The cheapest month to visit Scotland in terms of accommodation and tourism expenses is typically during the winter months, specifically from November to February. 

Winter experiences lower tourist numbers due to colder weather and shorter daylight hours. As a result, you may find more affordable prices for accommodations and flights. 

However, while you might save on accommodation and certain expenses, you should be prepared for the colder weather and the rain. You will need a heavy winter jacket, gloves, and a shot of strong Scottish whiskey to keep the blood pumping every morning . 

Best Time To Visit Edinburgh [By Season & Festival]

I recommend visiting Edinburgh in the summer or early fall, specifically in July and August. Here is a breakdown of what the weather looks like and things to do, season to season.

Edinburgh In The Summer (June to August)

⭐️ Best For: Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August), outdoor activities, and generally the best time to visit.

Summer is the peak tourist season in Edinburgh, and it’s also when the city comes alive with various festivals. During this time, the city is filled with performances, shows, exhibitions, and street entertainment.

Festivals in July and August :

• Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (July)
• Edinburgh Art Festival (July-August)
• Edinburgh International Festival (August)
• Edinburgh International Books Festival (August)
• Edinburgh International Film Festival (August)
• ⭐️ Edinburgh Fringe Festival ⭐️(August)
• Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August)

The summer months in Edinburgh typically bring milder temperatures and longer daylight hours . While the weather can still be unpredictable in terms of rain and clouds, it’s generally more pleasant. 

Summer is also the busiest time for tourism in Edinburgh , which means that popular attractions, restaurants, and accommodations can be quite crowded. It’s advisable to book lodging well in advance and be prepared for lines at popular spots.

With the improved weather, summer is a great time to explore Edinburgh’s outdoor attractions. You can hike up Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city (which I loved!), or take leisurely walks along the Water of Leith Walkway or Princes Street Gardens.

Lastly, the city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom during the summer, making it a perfect time for picnics or simply relaxing amidst greenery. The Royal Botanic Garden and Princes Street Gardens are especially beautiful this time of year.

👉 Did You Know: With the sun setting later in the evening, you have more time to explore and enjoy the city.

In summary, Edinburgh in the summer is amazing. Just be prepared for crowds and definitely book accommodations and tickets to things in advance.

Edinburgh In The Fall (September to November)

⭐️ Best For: International Storytelling Festival (October), Pretty Changing of the Leaves

Edinburgh in the fall, offers a different but equally charming experience compared to summer. 

One of the highlights of visiting Edinburgh in the fall is the beautiful transformation of the city’s foliage. The trees in parks, gardens, and along the streets turn shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a picturesque and colorful backdrop for your visit.

The weather in the fall is generally mild and cooler compared to the summer months. It’s a comfortable time to explore the city without facing the extreme cold of winter.

As the peak tourist season tapers off after the summer festivals, you’ll encounter fewer crowds , which means you can enjoy popular attractions and historic landmarks with more space and less wait time.

While not as heavily festival-focused as the summer, Edinburgh still hosts various events and festivals during the fall months, most notably the International Storytelling Festival (October). 

Edinburgh’s food scene often incorporates seasonal ingredients, and in the fall, you might find dishes featuring locally sourced produce. It’s a good time to try heartier, warming meals and traditional Scottish cuisine. 

The stunning foliage, comfortable weather, and fewer crowds make it a great time to explore the city’s attractions and enjoy its cozy ambiance. Just be prepared for shorter days and potentially rainier weather.

Edinburgh In The Winter (December to February)

⭐️ Best For: Christmas Markets, Hogmanay New Years Celebration (December), Burns Night (January)

Edinburgh in the winter is a festive experience, despite the colder temperatures. And when I say cold, I mean pack a winter jacket!

Edinburgh gets decked out in beautiful holiday decorations, especially in the city center. The streets and shops are adorned with festive lights, Christmas trees, and decorations, really ringing in the holiday spirit.

The city hosts several Christmas markets, the most prominent being the Edinburgh Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens – think handcrafted gifts and mulled wine, caroling and little holiday gifts waiting to be purchased. 

Despite the colder weather, the city takes on a cozy and warm ambiance . Cafes, pubs, and restaurants often have fireplaces and offer hearty comfort foods to help you stay warm and comfortable.

Winter is a great time to explore indoor attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Edinburgh Castle and the many museums provide educational experiences without having to brave the cold.

Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration , and Edinburgh is renowned for its spectacular Hogmanay festivities. The city hosts a series of events, including a massive street party, fireworks display, and live music performances, making it a great way to ring in the new year.

👉 Keep In Mind: Dress warmly with layers, a good coat, and waterproof gear to stay comfortable while exploring.

In summary, Edinburgh in the winter offers a festive and cozy atmosphere with holiday decorations, events, and a unique charm. While the weather is colder and the days are shorter, the city’s winter offerings make it a special destination for those who enjoy holiday festivities and a cozy ambiance.

Edinburgh In The Spring (March to May)

⭐️ Best For: Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (May) and relaxed sightseeing.

Edinburgh in the spring is an OK time to visit. You’ll still need a winter jacket in my opinion, as the weather will be in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit. 

One of the highlights of spring in Edinburgh is the burst of color as flowers start to bloom in the city’s parks and gardens. The Royal Botanic Garden, Princes Street Gardens, and other green spaces come to life with vibrant blossoms, making it a perfect time for leisurely walks. 

Spring is considered a shoulder season, meaning there are fewer tourists compared to the busy summer months. This provides a more relaxed atmosphere for sightseeing and exploring popular landmarks.

If your visit coincides with the Easter holiday, you can expect various Easter-themed events, egg hunts, and special menus at cafes and restaurants.

In summary, Edinburgh in the spring is a time of blooming gardens, longer days than winter, milder weather (but still cold), and a quieter atmosphere compared to the busy summer season.

What Is The Worst Time to Visit Edinburgh?

The worst time to visit Edinburgh largely depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Here are my thoughts on the two worst times to visit Edinburgh.

❌ Winter (December to February)

Edinburgh can experience cold, damp, and often rainy weather during the winter months.

Additionally, the days are quite short, with limited daylight hours. While the city can still be charming with its festive decorations during the Christmas season, the weather might not be ideal for outdoor activities.

Surprisingly, while August is a great time to visit due to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it can also be the worst.

Its popularity also means that the city will become extremely crowded and accommodations will be more expensive. If you’re not a fan of large crowds and higher prices, you might want to avoid this time.

Is Edinburgh good in October?

It’s not my cup of tea because the weather has turned for the rainy and cold variety, but there are both advantages and “think again” moments you should be aware of before planning your trip to Edinburgh in October:

Advantages of Visiting Edinburgh in October

✅ fall foliage.

October is a time to see the changing colors of the foliage in and around Edinburgh. The city’s parks and gardens take on a picturesque look as the leaves turn various shades of red, orange, and yellow.

✅ Fewer Crowds

While October is still a popular month for tourists, it tends to be less crowded than the peak summer months. This can mean shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.

✅ Fun Festivals

Edinburgh often hosts various events and festivals. Here is one of my favorites in October: International Storytelling Festival . 

“Think Twice” Before Visiting Edinburgh in October

❌ weather sucks.

While the weather might be milder compared to winter, it can still be quite changeable. Expect rain and pack layers – temperatures are in the 40s Fahrenheit.

❌ Shorter Days

As you move into autumn, the days start getting shorter, with fewer daylight hours for sightseeing and exploring.

❌ Operating Hours

Some attractions and tours might have reduced operating hours or even closures as they transition from the peak tourist season to the off-peak period.

In summary, visiting Edinburgh in October can be a great option if you enjoy autumnal prettiness, staying on a budget, and having fewer crowds. Just be prepared for cold, rainy weather and shorter daylight hours.

Best Places To Stay In Edinburgh

The best area to stay in Edinburgh can depend on your preferences, budget, and the purpose of your visit. Here are some popular neighborhoods to consider:

➡️ Old Town: The historic heart of Edinburgh, known for its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and iconic landmarks like the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Staying in the Old Town provides easy access to many of the city’s top attractions.

➡️ New Town: Despite its name, New Town was built in the 18th century and is characterized by its Georgian architecture, wide streets, and elegant squares. It’s a more upscale area with a range of boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Princes Street is a major shopping and dining street in this area.

➡️ Stockbridge: A charming and trendy neighborhood known for its independent boutiques and artisanal food shops. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still being within walking distance of the city center.

➡️ Leith: This once-industrial area has transformed into a vibrant hub with a creative arts scene, trendy bars, and a variety of eateries. The Royal Yacht Britannia and the Shore area are notable attractions in Leith.

Keep in mind that Edinburgh is a fairly compact city, so many areas are easily accessible on foot or by using public transportation.

How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

When I went in early June, I spent about a week and was really able to see all the sites of Edinburgh, get a bit tipsy in the pubs with the locals for a few nights, and even sneak in a day trip to the Highlands to see the famous Scottish coos. 

Here’s a rough guideline for you to gauge how you want to plan your trip:

✅ 2 – 3 Days : If you’re short on time, you can cover the main highlights in a couple of days. This would include visiting the Edinburgh Castle, exploring the Royal Mile, walking up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city, and visiting some of the major museums like the National Museum of Scotland.

✅ 4 – 5 Days : With a bit more time, you can delve deeper into the city’s attractions. In addition to the above, you can explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, take a stroll through the Dean Village, visit the Scottish National Gallery, and take a ghost tour or a literary tour to learn about Edinburgh’s rich history and literary connections.

✅ 6+ Days : If you want to truly immerse yourself and perhaps take day trips from Edinburgh, you can spend more time exploring the city’s neighborhoods like Stockbridge and Leith. You can also consider day trips to the Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle, or even a trip to the Highlands.

Conclusion: Best Time To Visit Edinburgh is Summer!

Overall, the combination of history, festivals, natural beauty, and warm hospitality makes Edinburgh a popular city to visit, especially so if you choose your timing carefully.

My favorite time to visit would be in August because, despite the crowds and higher costs, I love the sun and the festival ambiance!

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in February

Scotland's capital is the second most visited city in the UK, and with good reason. Here's a list of all the things to do in February

Ana Caballero

Winter in Edinburgh | ©Edinburgh

With its famous castle and cobbled lanes, Scotland's capital is one of the most visited cities on the island and both the city and its surroundings have breathtaking scenery.

If you decide to travel out of season and come on holiday during February , there are plenty of things to do to get to know Edinburgh better . The cold weather this month doesn't slow down the pace: festivals, tournaments, Chinese New Year and beautiful snowy landscapes are just some of the things that await you, shall we start?

1. Make the most of the dark to take a ghost tour

Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most legendary and mysterious cities on the continent. It has come to be known as the haunted city because of all the tales of ghosts and witches that are told about its streets. If you like all this atmosphere and you come in February, you'll be in luck.

During the winter months it tends to get dark much earlier in the evening, and by 6pm it's completely dark. The whole atmosphere is conducive to taking one of Edinburgh' s ghost and mystery tours or booking the Edinburgh Ghost Bus . You'll get to know the most macabre stories in cold, dark and cloudy weather.

Without a doubt, the best weather to get inside all those stories that will give you goosebumps.

Book the Edinburgh Ghost Bus

2. Try a whisky tasting to warm you up

I'm not going to kid you. It can get pretty chilly in Edinburgh in February. However, the locals have one product that can quickly warm you up: whisky . Originally from Scotland , this liquor has been its standard bearer for generations and, if you're visiting the capital in February, you should know that one of the best plans is to book a guided tour of The Scotch Whisky Experience .

With the cold weather, trying different samples of these liquors will quickly warm you up, but also allow you to get to know a bit more about the culture of this beautiful and bucolic country. Whether it's a whisky tour or tasting, a beer tour or a trip to one of the country's iconic pubs , it's an experience that's sure to keep you entertained and keep out the cold.

Book a tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience

3. Shelter from the cold on a tour bus

Edinburgh is a city that, just by walking through its streets and seeing its spectacular architecture , you will fall in love with and be impressed by. Of course, if you're coming for a few days and you're well wrapped up, you'll want to be able to get into all of Edinburgh's tourist attractions.

However, if you feel that February is too cold to walk around outside all day, one of the best plans is to book a sightseeing bus tour .

This type of transport easily adapts to the weather. While in summer the roof becomes convertible to cope with the heat, in months like February, when temperatures hover around 7-8 degrees Celsius , the bus is covered and becomes a shelter with large windows from which to tour the main sights and stop for photos. In addition, these tours of Edinburgh usually last 24 hours . They have free stops and you can hop on and off as often as you like with your ticket.

Book a place on the Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus

4. Make the most of the low season to get a good view of Edinburgh Castle

If you come to Edinburgh in February, you'll notice straight away that it's not a time when many tourists want to take a holiday. This, far from being a deterrent, is one of Edinburgh's great strengths. You can beat the cold by wearing warm clothes and, with this issue resolved, you can enjoy a city practically to yourself .

During the winter season, many museums and landmarks are virtually empty and you can enjoy them without queues. It's a real treat to be able to visit Edinburgh Castle without the crowds and in a season that makes it look even spookier.

Plus, many of the museums in the centre are free , such as the National Museum , so there's no excuse for a culture and history marathon.

Book a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle

5. Take a hike to see the wintry countryside

If there's one thing Scotland has, it's an unsurpassed natural environment . Its vast green moors and valleys have made it a film set for decades. What's more, from Edinburgh, you're only a day's journey there and back.

Booking a trip to the Highlands or Loch Ness , for example, can be done all year round, but I can assure you that in February you'll be blown away. Seeing the snowy landscapes with your own eyes will make you feel like you're on another planet. Some of the destinations are completely covered in a blanket of snow that will transport you to a Game of Thrones or Outlander location

There are numerous tours that take you around these spectacular landscapes in one day, such as the Outlander location tour . They also have a local guide and a vehicle that can traverse the icy surfaces, getting you to the best places to fall in love with the charm of this land.

Book your Loch Ness and Highlands Tour

6. Celebrate a romantic Valentine's Day

You can't forget that February is the month of love and as in many parts of the world, in Edinburgh it's celebrated in style. If you've come to spend a few days in February with your partner in this beautiful city, you should make the most of it to make some of the most romantic plans .

As well as buying flowers and giving greeting cards, Edinburgh has several things you can do to make your partner fall in love with you:

• Watch the sunset from one of its viewpoints : Edinburgh has some of the most striking architecture in the whole country . Many people travel here just to be able to stroll through its streets and feel like they're in another era. What could be more romantic than climbing to the heights and seeing it all from above? The city has two beautiful viewpoints , Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat, both of which are easily accessible and will make for an unforgettable date.
• Take an intimate stroll : Edinburgh's landscapes and surroundings have inspired many authors to write their fantastic and romantic works. The green and leafy nature of this land is ideal if you want to have a special date with your partner. That's why one of the best things to do on Valentine's Day is to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and take an intimate walk in the suburbs , in areas such as the beautiful Dr Neil's Garden Park in Duddingston or the Water of Leith trail .
• Enjoy a romantic dinner : There is nothing more romantic than dinner in a good restaurant. Edinburgh has a number of venues for the occasion, and on February 14 you can find special menus for couples to make the night a perfect end to the evening. One of the best restaurants in the city is The Witchery by The Castle , which has a spectacular décor and great food on offer. Another place where you can book is the Hard Rock Cafe in Edinburgh . It is very close to Princess Street.

7. Attend Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival

Are you a nature and mountain enthusiast? If you're coming to Edinburgh in February , it's probably too cold to take a hike in its stunning countryside. However, there is an option that embraces art and the great outdoors and will keep you under cover for a few hours: the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival .

Every year, during the first few days of February, this festival is held to reward and showcase all documentary films with a mountain, nature and outdoor theme. Sometimes you can find fiction films and, on other occasions, real documentaries about overcoming challenges and effort.

The films are in English, but if you don't speak English, don't worry! The most impressive thing is what you see on the screen. It's definitely an ideal plan if you want to get a closer look at Scotland's beautiful natural environment from the comfort of an armchair. Just check the dates each year and buy tickets for around €15 for the day you want to attend. It's usually held each year at the George Square Lecture Theatre .

8. Experience the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, the early announcement of spring

February is one of the most eagerly awaited moments in nature for all Scots. During this month, the first stems of snowdrops begin to sprout, beautiful and delicate white flowers that announce the coming of spring, as they are the first to grow of the season.

If you come to Edinburgh in February , you can't miss this natural spectacle by taking a walk through the Botanic Gardens. During the whole month and part of March, when there are the greatest number of bluebells, there are programmed walks of around 3 hours around the garden, explaining the characteristics of this flower and being able to see the large plantations at close quarters.

In addition, thanks to a specialised guide, you will be able to discover the different species and the strategic points of the place where you can find them. If you want to sign up to see this type of show, you can do so any morning for approximately €10.

9. Treat yourself to a comforting meal

Scottish cuisine boasts some of the most hearty and comforting food in the whole archipelago. Although it has many overlaps with English food, Scotland doesn't like to go hungry, and it shows in the dishes . Most of the star recipes have to do with game, marinated fish and all kinds of stews that keep you warm.

I can't think of a better plan for a cold day during your visit to Edinburgh in February than to pop into one of the local pubs and try some of the most characteristic dishes.

There's something to suit all tastes and flavours, but some of the ones you might find most comforting during your February visit are:

• Haggis : a traditional dish based on game entrails and game meat.
• Scotch broth : a lamb soup with seasonal vegetables.
• Partan bree : a tasty seafood stew.
• Cullen Skink : a potent smoked fish stew with onion and potato.
• Haddock : a hake dish.

10. Celebrate Chinese New Year

On 1 January, Edinburgh celebrates the arrival of the new year with a spectacular party, just like every other country on the continent. However, in February there is another celebration that you will be able to witness if you come during this month: the Chinese New Year celebration.

The whole city dresses up from the end of January to the end of February to welcome the new oriental year, organising numerous activities, parades, exhibitions and events.

Without doubt, one of the most important ones takes place in Edinburgh Castle Square , which dresses up in red to witness one of the biggest parades of the festivity with dragons, original costumes and lots of music. You'll also get to hear the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra itself perform live in the company of oriental performers. Just keep an eye out for the date of Chinese New Year next time you're in Edinburgh in February to enjoy this display of magic and tradition .

Edinburgh weather in February

Edinburgh has plenty to see and do but as you might have guessed, due to its location, it's a city where winter hits hard. While summer temperatures can reach 20 degrees Celsius, in winter it's usually between 2 and 5 degrees C elsius all day. This is one of the reasons why many people decide not to travel during this month to see the city.

However, every cloud has a silver lining and, with warm clothes and waterproof footwear, you can enjoy the beautiful winter atmosphere and a city that is much less crowded than the 'warmer' months.

Book the Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus

The Best Travel Guide to Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Ghosts and Mystery Tours
• Castle of Edinburgh Tickets
• Loch Ness and other Loch Day Trips from Edinburgh
• 10 Best Things To Do in Edinburgh
• 10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in December
• Edinburgh in 5 Days: tips, what to see, and much more
• 10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in July
• Edinburgh in 3 Days: tips, what to see, and much more
• 10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in September
• 10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in March
• Edinburgh in 4 Days: everything you need to know
• Edinburgh in 1 Day: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

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2 Days In Edinburgh: The Perfect Edinburgh Itinerary

Last updated: February 23, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 14 Comments

Edinburgh is one of our favourite cities in the UK , and we actually called it home for four happy years.

Based on our experiences living in the city, I wanted to share our tips and ideas for what to get up to with 2 days in Edinburgh.

We think two days is a great amount of time to spend in Edinburgh – perhaps as a weekend break in Scotland. It’s also a great addition to a longer trip exploring the UK and Scotland, such as that outlined in our 2 week UK itinerary .

Of course, you could spend much more time getting to know the city, but two days will certainly let you see many of the highlights of Edinburgh.

In this guide we’re going to go over a step-by-step itinerary for Edinburgh, after which we’re going to share some practical information for your visit.

This includes tips on where to stay, when to visit, how to get around, and how to save money when you’re in Edinburgh.

Let’s get started with our 2-day Edinburgh itinerary.

Table of Contents:

2 Days in Edinburgh: An Itinerary

This itinerary is laid out to be fairly logical in progression, with two full days of exploration in the city, covering the main attractions in the city.

There’s lots more to see and do in the city of course, meaning you could easily extend your trip to spend more time here. Edinburgh also makes a great base for exploring Scotland, see our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh for some suggestions.

We also have lots more resources at the end of the post for more ideas and to help you plan your perfect trip to Edinburgh and Scotland in general!

Edinburgh Itinerary: Day 1

Edinburgh castle.

We’re going to start our two-day Edinburgh itinerary with a visit to the stunning Edinburgh Castle , which perches fantastically above the city, and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city and surrounds.

The castle is home to a variety of exhibitions and artefacts from Scottish history, including the Scottish crown jewels. The castle is also where the 1pm gun is fired every day, so if you do have a chance to be there for this then do, as it’s quite an experience.

You can save money and skip the line by buying your tickets for Edinburgh Castle in advance here. With your advance purchase tickets, which you can buy on the day, you both save money, and can walk straight to the ticket check where they will scan your QR code for entry.

Alternatively, you can book a tour which includes Edinburgh Castle, like this one . Edinburgh Castle is also included on the Royal Edinburgh ticket .

Whisky Tasting

Scotland and Whisky are intractably linked. Don’t make the mistake of referring to the Scottish version as “Whiskey” though, that’s from the folks across the Irish Sea.

Scottish whisky is my favourite spirit, and whenever I’m in Edinburgh I’ll always find time for a drop. You can do this of course just by popping into pretty much any pub in the city, but if you want to learn about the process of making whisky, as well as the various regions of Scotland and the flavours available, then the Scotch Whisky Experience is where you need to head.

Here you’ll journey through the Whisky creation process, as well as learn about why Whisky from different parts of Scotland tastes different.

Finally, you’ll be given the opportunity to taste one of four whisky flavours, before taking a look at the largest Scotch Whisky collection in the world. You can book your tickets in advance here .

Another more recent whisky experience that you can do in Edinburgh is the Johnnie Walker experience. This is also a very informative tour which we really enjoyed doing, but obviously it focuses more on the Johnnie Walker brands. You can book that in advance here .

Find out more about Scotch whisky with our definitive guide to whisky in Scotland .

If you’re not into whisky, or want more food and drink-based activities, you might want to head a bit further down the Royal Mile and visit the Edinburgh Chocolatarium .

Here you’ll learn all about the history of chocolate, make some chocolate of your own, and go on a chocolate tasting adventure. This opened in 2019, and we really enjoyed our visit.

Advance booking is recommended, which you can do here . You can also read our experience visiting the Chocolatarium here .

Camera Obscura

Almost opposite the Scotch Whisky experience is Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura , also home to the World of Illusions attraction. Being a photographer I was particularly interested in the Camera Obscura at the top of the building, but I have to admit to finding the World of Illusions a lot of fun.

These take up the first four floors of the building, and are a series of interactive exhibits which focus on optical illusions. There are holograms, a mirror maze, a vertigo inducing tunnel, and all sorts of other optical illusions to entertain and amuse. We spent a lot longer in here that I thought we would!

The Camera Obscura right at the top of the building is also interesting, although as it was a cloudy day when we visited, the effect was not as pronounced – you need a sunny day with lots of light to get the most out of the experience.

Still, it was an interesting look into how light and prisms work, and the view from the top of the Castle and the Royal Mile is excellent.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Also on the Royal Mile, about a third of the way down from the castle, is St Giles’ Cathedral . Both the interior and exterior of the cathedral are stunning, but the highlight in my mind is the little Thistle Chapel, home to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle .

These were essentially a group of sixteen Knights and Ladies, plus the British Royal Family, set up by James II of England in 1687, who was the Sovereign of the Order.

The Order still exists today, and is overseen by the current British monarch.

All that aside, the Thistle Chapel is just gorgeous, stuffed full of lovely wooden paneling, and very much worth taking a little bit of time to see, as is the rest of the Cathedral.

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

All the recommendations so far have been along the Royal Mile , the lovely stretch of interconnecting streets which run from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace.

It’s not exactly a mile long, but it’s near enough, and is filled with a variety of attractions, from the above-mentioned, through to souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs.

There are also a number of gorgeous buildings, churches and monuments along the length of the street, all of which contribute to making this a worthy way to spend half an hour or so of your day.

Free Museums in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile

Since you’re on the Royal Mile, you should definitely take advantage of the many free museums that you can find along its length.

Some of our favorites include the Museum of Edinburgh , the Writers Museum , the People’s Story Museum , and the Museum of Childhood .

You can read much more about what is in each of these museums and why you might want to visit them in Jess’s excellent post on the highlights of Edinburgh .

Calton Hill

Towards the end of the day, I’d suggest you head up Calton Hill . This is a wonderful spot for a view of the city, and is one of our favorite photography locations in Edinburgh . It can be found at the east end of Princes Street.

This hill is home to a series of monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland , which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Parthenon in Greece. Which makes sense, because that’s what it was modelled on.

Up on the hill you will also find Nelson’s Monument and the Royal Observatory, amongst other things, but the highlight for me, really, is the view up here at sunset.

From here you can watch the sun set across the city, with the mountains in the background, which is ample reward for the effort required to climb up.

Traditional Scottish Show

If you want to take in a number of traditional Scottish experiences as part of your visit to Edinburgh, we highly recommend the Spirit of Scotland show . Here you’ll be entertained by local performers, who will do everything from the Highland Fling through to playing the Bagpipes.

All whilst you sit back and enjoy an excellent four course Scottish meal which, of course, includes the opportunity to try haggis!

Jess and I had a really fun time when we visited the show, and it’s both central and good value for what you get. If you have the time and budget, we think it’s an excellent way to finish off your first day in the city!

Tickets need to be booked in advance, and you can do that here .

Edinburgh Itinerary: Day 2

Holyrood palace.

At the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle is Holyrood Palace , which is where we’re going to start the second day of our two-day Edinburgh itinerary.

Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. although the Queen herself only spends a week a year here – most of her time in Scotland is spent up at Balmoral.

When the Queen isn’t here, the Palace is used for visiting dignitaries, other members of the royal family, and of course, as a tourist attraction, being open daily.

It’s worth checking however that there isn’t someone of importance staying, as the palace closes to visitors when fulfilling its main role as an official residence. Check the official website for information.

You can buy tickets in advance here , and it’s also included on the Royal Edinburgh ticket .

Scottish Parliament

Right over the road from Holyrood Palace is the Scottish Parliament building, a relatively new addition to the city, from where the governing of Scotland takes place.

It’s possible to visit the Scottish Parliament, either as part of a guided tour, or you can pop in yourself and see government at work. It’s free to visit, both on a guided tour or self-guided, although you need a ticket (free) if you want to watch a debate in the chamber.

Dynamic Earth

If you like fun, interactive science museums, then Dynamic Earth is a must-visit. Right next to the Scottish Parliament building and underneath the stunning backdrop of the Crags and Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth tells the story of the history of the Earth.

This is a really fun museum, with an emphasis on interactive and entertaining rides – although the science is certainly not dumbed down.

We really feel it has something for everyone. From a time machine ride into the past, to a spaceship simulation that takes you right to the Big Bang itself, this is an educational and fun experience that we think is fun for the whole family.

Definitely worth checking out when you’re in Edinburgh, especially if you are visiting with kids.

Arthur’s Seat

One of my favorite things about Edinburgh, other than how magnificently walk-able the city center is, is that just a stone’s throw from Holyrood Palace, the Parliament Building and Dynamic Earth is the ancient volcano of Arthur’s Seat , part of the 640-acre Holyrood Park.

This 251 meter high peak offers spectacular views of the city and surrounds, as well as nice hiking, sunset and sunrise views, and the walk is easily manageable right from the city center.

HMY Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia was, for over forty years and a million miles of sailing, the floating residence of the Royal Family. She shuttled them to formal events, retreats and even honeymoons in luxurious style over many years of service, and was the only ship in the world to demand no less than an Admiral as her Captain.

After all that service, she was retired, and never replaced, ending the line of six Royal yachts to bear the name Britannia.

The good news is that she is now a permanent visitor attraction, and you can visit and tour every part of her, from the sumptuous royal quarters through to the Admiral’s cabin, and the rather less upholstered bunks of the crew. It’s a fascinating insight into life as a Royal, and if you have even the slightest interest in boats or the British monarchy, is worth a visit.

Money saving tip: If you plan on visiting the Royal Yacht and the other Royal sights in Edinburgh, including the Castle and Holyrood Palace, you can save money by picking up a Royal Edinburgh ticket , which gets you into all the aforementioned attractions and also includes a Hop on Hop off bus ticket.  Using our link also gives you a special discount on the Royal Edinburgh ticket. See our full review of the Royal Edinburgh ticket here .

Learn about Harry Potter

If you are visiting Edinburgh with Harry Potter fans, then instead of heading out to the Royal Yacht you might prefer to learn about Edinburgh’s connection with Harry Potter.

Whilst none of the books or films actually take place or were filmed in the city, Edinburgh has a strong connection to the series as it is where J. K. Rowling lives, and also where she wrote many of the books.

So there are many locations in Edinburgh that are said to have served as inspiration for characters and locations in the books. You can read all about those in our guide to Harry Potter in Edinburgh .

You can also take a guided walking tour like this of Edinburgh Harry Potter locations, which can be a fun way to see the city in a different way. There are multiple Harry Potter tours to choose from, including this one which has whisky tasting included!

Take in a festival

If you have time on your second day, and you are lucky enough to be in town for one of Edinburgh’s twelve official festivals, then I’d highly recommend finding time to take some of it in.

Edinburgh is an incredible city for festivals, with the most famous likely being the Edinburgh Fringe Festival .

Held for three weeks in August, this is the world’s largest performing arts festivals, with a firm focus on comedy. Over the three week period the festival runs there are thousands of acts and performances, ranging from unknowns looking for their big breakthrough through to international comedy stars.

At the other end of the festival season, Edinburgh plays host to one of the world’s most celebrated New Year’s Eve parties – Hogmanay .

We have attended four times, and can honestly say it’s the best New Year’s Eve festival we’ve ever attended, with everything from Torchlight Processions through to international singers and incredible fireworks.

Definitely one to add to your list. Read more about some of Edinburgh’s fantastic festivals and how to plan your visit in this comprehensive guide to the Edinburgh Festivals .

And that sums up my two day Edinburgh itinerary! Now, let’s get on to some practicalities for your visit.

Map of 2 Day Edinburgh Itinerary

To help you visualise our 2 day Edinburgh itinerary we’ve put together the below map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

2 Day Edinburgh Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Edinburgh Castle, Scotch Whisky Experience, The Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Museum of Edinburgh, The Writers’ Museum, Calton Hill, Spirit of Scotland Show
• Day 2: Palace of Holyrood, Scottish Parliament Building, Dynamic Earth, Arthur’s Seat, Royal Yacht Britannia

When to Visit Edinburgh

Like much of the UK, Edinburgh has variable weather, so you need to be prepared for everything from rain to sunshine. Layered clothing is the key to a successful trip.

Be aware that being fairly northerly, Edinburgh has generally cooler weather than the southern cities in England, although it does rain less than Glasgow.

There’s not really a bad time to visit Edinburgh as there is so much going on throughout the year, but if you prefer better weather and longer days to explore by daylight, then visiting in the summer months is preferable.

Of course, visiting outside of these months will mean it’s quieter, and if you’re not interested in the fringe festival , avoid August as accommodation can be harder to get and more pricey.

If you’re visiting in winter, and you should check out out guide to what to pack for Edinburgh and Hogmanay , which will give you ideas for what to bring. We also have a full guide to visiting Edinburgh in winter  and visiting Scotland in winter .

Getting to and from Edinburgh

Edinburgh is very easy to get to. Flights operate to Edinburgh airport, both nationally and internationally, and the airport itself is around six miles outside the city centre.

Getting from Edinburgh to and from the airport is easy. There’s an airport bus ( buy your tickets in advance here ) as well as a tram service. There are also taxis, and ride sharing service Uber does pickups from the airport.

The best option for you will vary of course. If we’re travelling with luggage we generally use Uber as it’s cost effective and takes us door to door. If you’ve not used them before, you can save on your first ride with this link !

The train station in Edinburgh has fast rail services to London (around four and a half hours), and is magnificently located below the castle. Emerging from the rail station and being confronted by the beauty of Edinburgh for the first time is something you’ll never forget.

You can also drive to Edinburgh, which is how you’d get here if you are following my suggested 2 week UK itinerary . Parking is possible in the city centre, and a car will let you get to attractions outside of the city, but isn’t generally needed for day to day sight seeing as Edinburgh is very compact.

If you’re coming from London, see our guide to getting from London to Edinburgh , which covers multiple transport options. It also works from Edinburgh to London of course!

How to Get Around Edinburgh

As you will see from our attractions map, the majority of Edinburgh is easy enough to get around on foot. You will want good sensible footwear though, as many of the streets are steep and uneven, and there are lots of hills and steps to navigate.

The furthest attraction is the Royal Yacht Britannia. You can reach this either by taxi or public transport. Alternatively, if you get the   Royal Edinburgh Ticket , this includes a Hop on Hop off bus pass which will take you from the city centre to the yacht.

Day Tours from Edinburgh

If you have a bit more time in Edinburgh, or just want to get out into the surrounding Scottish landscapes during your time here, there are a great many day tours that you can take.

In fact, Edinburgh makes for a pretty good base for exploring much of Scotland and even northern England.

Here are some of the more popular tours that we’d suggest you look at.

• A day trip to Alnwick Castle (one of our favourite Harry Potter filming locations in the UK ), which also includes time in the beautiful Scottish borders region
• A day trip to St. Andrews , home of golf, and the cute fishing villages of Fife
• A day tour of Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle , as well as other highlights including the Trossachs and the Kelpies
• A full day tour that includes Loch Ness, Glencoe and Whisky tasting . A long day, but a good way to see a lot.
• Another full day tour of Loch Ness and the Highlands , including Glencoe, but without the whisky tasting

As you can see, there are plenty of options for tours from Edinburgh, so you won’t have a shortage of options for your trip if this is something you want to do! See a full guide to our favourite day trips from Edinburgh here .

Save Money On Edinburgh Attractions

Whilst Edinburgh unfortunately doesn’t have a comprehensive attraction pass like the London Pass , there is still a way to save on some of the attractions in this post. These are:

• The Royal Edinburgh Ticket . This gets you into the key Royal attractions in Edinburgh – Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia. It also includes a Hop-on Hop-off bus pass, which is perfect for getting around all the sights in this post. This pass will save you up to 25% on admission fees, so is definitely worth getting if you plan on visiting at least two of these attractions. Jess wrote a full post about the Royal Edinburgh Ticket here . You can get yours in advance here .
• If you only want to visit Edinburgh Castle, buying your ticket online here will save you a bit of money and also let you skip the line. Tickets are mobile, so you don’t need a printer.
• The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass . This pass is a good investment, but only if you’re planning on exploring Scotland beyond Edinburgh. It gives access to 77 attractions across Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle. However, if you’re only going to be in Edinburgh, the Royal Edinburgh Ticket is going to be more useful.

Hopefully these two options will help you save a bit of money on your trip to Edinburgh. If you choose not to pick either of these up, then we still recommend buying your Edinburgh Castle ticket in advance as this will save you a bit of money on the gate price, and allows you to skip the entry line.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a wide range of accommodation options from hostels to mid-range hotels to luxury properties. We’d advise finding a city centre hotel, that way you’ll be able to walk to all the attractions in this list and save on taxis or public transport fares.

If you’re travelling in the busier time of year, such as during the August Festivals or around New Years Eve, you’ll definitely want to book as far in advance of your trip as possible to be sure you find somewhere that suits.

There are lots of options in Edinburgh to suit all budgets. For some inspiration:

• The Haystack Hostel – this has a fantastic location and great reviews
• Castle Rock Hostel – a large and well-rated hostel with a castle theme, offering both dormitory and private rooms. It’s adults only, and has one of the best views of the castle of any hotel in the city. Five minutes walk from the Royal Mile. Also check out the  Royal Mile Backpackers
• Elder York Guest House – If you’re looking for a budget – midrange B&B option, this is one of our favourites. Rooms are small but comfortable, and the breakfast is good. Note there are quite a lot of stairs and no elevator.
• 24 Royal Terrace – just round the back of Calton Hill this has excellent reviews and is a great value option
• Holiday Inn Express – A 3-star hotel offering well-priced rooms in the Old Town
• The Grassmarket Hotel – A well reviewed 3-star hotel  found in the Grassmarket area
• Leonardo Royal Hotel – A business focused 4* hotel in the Haymarket, about a 20 minute walk from the Royal Mile. We have stayed here and found rooms to be comfortable and the food was good.
• The Kimpton on Charlotte Square – a lovely, well located hotel – perfect for a couples getaway
• The Witchery – One of our favourite hotels in Edinburgh, and just next door to Edinburgh Castle. It has an incredible restaurant too. If you’re in Edinburgh for a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself, this is an excellent option.

Our favourite way to find the best deals on accommodation when we travel is booking.com. We find they usually have the best deals across a wide range of properties, including hotels and apartments, and are really easy to use. Check out their Edinburgh listings here .

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend either Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide doesn’t have quite so many choices, but they carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. See their listings for Edinburgh here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB as well as a guide to our favourite holiday cottage accommodation in the UK , which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find here .

Further Reading for your Edinburgh Trip

As you’d expect, we’ve written a lot of content about visiting Edinburgh and the UK in general, plus we have other resources we think you’ll find helpful. Here they are:

• Want to see more of Edinburgh? Check out our guide to things to do in Edinburgh , as well as our tips for  getting off the beaten path in Edinburgh
• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ve got to check out Jess’s Guide to the Best Edinburgh Harry Potter locations , plus our guide to the best Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland . If you’re with kids, you might also like to check the Context Travel tour that explores literary Edinburgh as well as some of the major Harry Potter sights in the city. Plus you get 10% off with this link .
• If you’re in Edinburgh in December, there are loads of Christmas activities to choose from. See our favourites in Jess’s guide to spending Christmas in Edinburgh , as well as our guide to visiting Edinburgh in winter .
• Coming to Edinburgh for the festivals? Check out our guide to visiting Edinburgh for the August Festivals , as well as our guide to the Edinburgh Fringe .
• If you want to see puffins, or other seabirds, you might want to pop along to the Scottish Seabird Centre , a short way outside Edinburgh
• If you were thinking of taking a trip around the UK and want to include Edinburgh as part of that itinerary, we have both a one week itinerary of the UK and a two week itinerary of the UK for you.
• Heading out of the capital? How about a trip to the Scottish Borders , a tour of some Whisky distilleries or a visit to Islay ? Get more ideas in our complete guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh .
• We also have guides to what to do in Aberdeen , what to do in Glasgow , a guide to the Black Isle , suggested day trips from Inverness , things to do in Inverness , our guide to the best day trips from Glasgow and lots more Scotland content to keep you going for a while!
• Want to see some of Scotland’s most remote and stunning scenery? Check out our guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as all the accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• For budget planning, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• And finally, if you want a guidebook to bring along with you, check out the Lonely Planet Pocket Edinburgh Guide or the Rick Steves Snapshot Edinburgh Guide .

Hopefully these resources will help you plan your trip to Scotland’s capital Have a great time, and as always, if you’ve got any questions or comments, just get in touch!

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There are 14 comments on this post

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AlbertDavid says

16th September 2019 at 11:26 am

Master piece with great pictures!

Laurence Norah says

16th September 2019 at 12:17 pm

9th July 2019 at 6:05 pm

Thank you so much for the helpful information. How thoughtful of you both!

In your delightful two-day itinerary, what pace are you getting all these sights? Are you rushed, structured, or more relaxed types of travelers? I tend to be unstructured and get distracted by interesting things. I may need three days+ day trips, is why I’m asking. 🙂

10th July 2019 at 5:25 am

So our itineraries tend to try to fit more in and are definitely not relaxed – we generally find that folks want to see as much as possible in the time allocated when we’ve asked for itinerary feedback. Our goal is to show what you can see in a day, but you are of course welcome to adjust them to suit your personal preference. When we travel, we usually see a great deal, but that’s because we’re researching the locations. Our personal travel style is often a bit more relaxed 😉

Anyway, I hope this helps, it does sound like three days would probably suit you better!

Have a great time in Edinburgh!

Shireen | The Happy Days Travels says

21st November 2018 at 11:13 am

Thanks for the tip about the bus from the airport to the city! This is the part of travel I always think about is how to get out of the airport! 🙂

21st November 2018 at 8:59 pm

My pleasure Shireen, pleased you found it useful 🙂

mrs govil says

19th August 2018 at 7:06 pm

I want to visit Edinburg for two days in sept what should be my itienary and how to reach Edinburg from Dublin

19th August 2018 at 7:08 pm

Hi there – my suggestion for two days in Edinburgh would be to follow the itinerary in the post 🙂

For getting from Dublin to Edinburgh the easiest way is to fly, there are a number of airlines offering direct flights including Ryanair, Aer Lingus and British Airways. It’s about an hours flight, and the budget airlines make it quite cost effective.

16th August 2018 at 1:45 pm

laurence, my wife and I are visiting our daughter in St. Andrew’s this fall. We are only going to have 1 day in Edinburgh before we go to London for 2 (I read your blog on that). What would you do if you have 1 day in Edinburgh?

16th August 2018 at 6:55 pm

This is an excellent question and reminds me I need to write some more guides for Edinburgh for more variety of days! In the meantime, I would suggest:

The Castle Whisky tasting (if you like Whisky!) St Giles Cathedral The Museum of Edinburgh / The People’s Story Holyrood Palace Calton Hill

That should just about see you through a good day of sight-seeing and cover many of the central highlights!

17th August 2018 at 12:27 am

17th August 2018 at 8:36 am

My pleasure 🙂

Jonathon Thomson says

18th February 2018 at 12:25 pm

Great post!

I love that firework photo! One of the best places I like to go is the museum, so much history!

19th February 2018 at 6:12 pm

Thanks very much Jonathon!

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Scotland Tours in February

Visit Scotland in February to experience warm Scottish hospitality and the wintry beauty of the Highlands during the calm low travel season. Come explore the beautiful castles and old cobbled streets on a tour package crafted by the local travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

VISITING SCOTLAND IN FEBRUARY

Curious about Scotland tours in February? We’ve got you covered!

February is one of Scotland’s winter months, so it’s a great time to visit if you want peace and quiet. There are fewer visitors at this time of year compared to the summer, but the scenery is as dramatic and awe-inspiring as ever.

Since we are a Scottish tour operator based in Edinburgh, our travel experts live and breathe Scotland. You’ll be assigned a personal travel consultant for your Scotland tour in February, who will do all the planning for your self-drive adventure or privately guided vacation .

They’ll advise you on what to do and where to go depending on your interests. Plus, you get hand-picked accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline included in your itinerary package.

Get in touch via our live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll happily plan your Scotland tour.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts
• 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

Experience Scotland on a road trip

Explore the stunning Highlands and beyond on a self-drive tour. Take the wheel on a seamless getaway where we book your accommodation, rental car and any optional activities. You’ll get personal recommendations, a hand-marked map, an attractions guide and more.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Winter

Express scotland - winter, travel on a private tour in scotland.

Delve even deeper into Scottish culture on a private tour. With your own guide sharing their local insights and driving you between attractions, you can relax and soak up the scenery.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

Scenic scotland express - private, classic scotland - private, complete scotland - private, experience scotland your way.

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Privately guided, best sellers, culinary experience, scottish heritage tours, the scottish highlands, all travel styles, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

A great adventure!

This was such a great adventure for us on our 20th! Amazing tours and time to roam around the city on our own! We fell in love with the people and cannot wait to go back!

I can't thank Nordic Visitor enough

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

We went on the Scotland Winter World tour for 8 days, and overall it was great. We experienced so much and travelled all over Scotland. The detailed information that was provided upon arrival was amazing. Magda was wonderful and knowledgeable and responded quickly to emails and phone calls.

Everything was taken care of!

Made my trip so much easier! Everything was taken care of and I did not have to worry about a thing! Very professional service!

Absolutely wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Our travel consultant was great!

We worked with Rebecca in planning our tour. She was very prompt in answering our questions. Her hotel recommendations were very worthwhile. Our documents arrived in a very timely manner. She also left extra tour information at the hotel for when we checked in.

Our travel consultant went above and beyond

Our tour representative in Scotland was Duncan and he was excellent, going above and beyond to make sure that we had a wonderful holiday even before we stepped foot in Scotland. We did the whisky tour, we had afternoon tea at the Astoria Caledonian, we did a Highland tour and a walking tour of the Royal Mile. All were excellent and along with our accommodation made for a fabulous holiday!

We booked our tour with Rebecca at short notice (week prior). She was most helpful with arranging our hotel, tours and airport transfer booking, and was quick to respond to our questions and booking requests. Thank you!

Excellent service from Nordic Visitor

I want to thank everyone that helped with the trip because it was an excellent service. I will recommend you to people I know, because all of Nordic Visitor's recommendations were great and the hotels and B&Bs were amazing. I will probably do another trip with you guys. I hope you expand your services to more countries.

So convenient

It was so convenient to have the logistics already planned for us. The accommodation was all nice and the suggested outings were perfect.

Beyond our expectations

Everything was beyond our expectations. We had no worries, Nordic Visitor took care of all the small details I didn't even begin to think about.

Scotland Travel Guide

Start preparing for your trip by doing some research before your Scottish adventure.

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Flights to Scotland

The two biggest international airports in Scotland are in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and in Edinburgh, the capital city and usual starting point for Nordic Visitor tours. Flight times to Scotland are, for example, 6.5 hours from New York City and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Scotland include (but are not limited to) British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta and KLM.

Scotland and the rest of the UK is on GMT time. If your journey to Scotland involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Edinburgh to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that flights to Scotland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCOTLAND IN FEBRUARY

If you want to know more about Scotland tours in February, read on for our expert advice. We’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions to help you with your Scotland travel plans.

What are the best things to do in Scotland in February?

Thankfully, many of Scotland’s amazing attractions are accessible all year long. What’s more, even with short daylight hours and cooler weather, if you’re going to travel to Scotland in February, you’ll find plenty of things to do.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Scotland in February:

• Drive around the beautiful Scottish Highlands
• Admire the natural scenery
• Attend winter festivals and music concerts
• Visit the buzzing cities, charming towns and fishing villages
• Explore picturesque, ancient ruins and castles
• Discover stunning Scottish islands
• Learn about Scotland’s Viking heritage
• Taste exquisite food and drink, including Scotch whisky
• Walk along the lochs and glens
• Meet the local wildlife
• Explore Scotland winter tours to find your perfect match
• Discover what to visit and where to go in Scotland during winter

What are the best places to visit in Scotland in February?

With fewer visitors compared to the summer, you’ll have more of Scotland’s top places to yourself in February. Take advantage of this to get to know its towns, historic sites and natural highlights at a relaxed pace.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Scotland in February:

• Explore the historic capital, Edinburgh , and end the day wirh a hearty meal.
• Walk in the forests of Highland Perthshire and the Cairngorm National Park
• Admire the dramatic scenery of Glen Coe
• Discover the Isle of Skye’s striking rock formations, like the Old Man of Storr
• Visit popular historic sites such as Stirling Castle , Edinburgh Castle and Eilean Donan Castle
• Soak up the stunning views of Loch Lomond or Loch Ness
• Pop by St Andrews to visit Scotland’s oldest university and the home of golf
• Roam around the standing stones of Clava Cairns
• Visit the picturesque towns of Pitlochry and Dunkeld

What is the weather like in Scotland in February?

It’s winter in February in Scotland, so expect cold weather, wind and rain. It gets particularly wet on the west coast. There is also a chance of snow at this time of year. On average, there are highs of 6°C (42°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F).

These weather conditions needn’t put you off though. One of the great things about a Scotland winter tour is warming up at a cosy guesthouse or pub at the end of a day exploring. There’s nothing like experiencing warm Scottish hospitality with some local food and a glass of whisky.

What are February temperatures in Scotland?

February is one of the coldest months of the year in Scotland, so expect average high temperatures of 6°C (42°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F).

• Check out these classic Scotland holidays  to see the iconic castles, cities and mountains
• Read about the best times to visit Scotland depending on what you want to see or do

What to wear in Scotland in February?

Like in many of the Nordic countries, Scots have the saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.

Since the weather is changeable in Scotland, we recommend you wear layers. That way you can remove or add clothes depending on the day’s weather. Make sure to bring some lightweight and warm under layers, as well as a waterproof and insulated jacket.

Here is an essential packing list for your Scotland in February:

• Lightweight layers
• Warm jumper or fleece
• Jeans or warm trousers
• Waterproof and insulated jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Wool socks for hiking
• Scarf, gloves and a warm hat
• Sturdy boots for forest and hill walks

What are the daylight hours in February in Scotland?

The days are quite short in February in Scotland, although they are gradually growing longer as we approach spring. Depending on where in the country you go and the time of month you visit, you’ll have between 8 and 11 daylight hours per day.

At the start of February, the sun rises at 8:10 AM and sets at 4:45 PM in Edinburgh. At the end of the month, the sunrise takes place at 7:10 AM and the sunset at 5:45 PM.

Does it snow in Scotland in February?

It can snow in Scotland in February, although in the towns and cities it is more likely to rain. If you visit the mountains and rural areas with higher ground, you will have more chance of experiencing snow in Scotland.

• Would you rather visit during the summer? Check out these summer tours of Scotland
• Read about the best places to visit in Scotland for more expert advice

Can I see the northern lights in Scotland in February?

It is possible that you could see the northern lights in Scotland in February, particularly if you visit the northern regions. That said, it’s still a rare occurrence. Scotland lies too far south of the North Pole for the aurora borealis to put on a regular display.

To increase your chances of spotting the auroras, we recommend heading further north, towards the Arctic Circle, between October and March. You could pick a northern lights tour in Iceland , Lapland or Northern Norway .

What are the most popular events in Scotland in February?

Although the weather may be cold in February, there are some great events on to liven things up. During your visit to cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, you can always find a music concert, play, comedy or other show to entertain you.

Here are some of the best events taking place in Scotland in February each year:

• Celtic Connections, Glasgow
• February Fest, Glencoe
• Bute Gin Festival
• Fort William Mountain Festival
• Glasgow Film Festival
• Inverness Music Festival
• Braemar Mountain Festival

If you’ve heard about the traditional Burns Night and want to experience it yourself, time your Scotland trip for January instead.

On 25 January, Scotland celebrates the national poet Robert Burns. Typically you’ll get to join the locals in their traditional dancing (ceilidh), haggis dinner, poem readings and whisky drinking.

• Check out these Scotland best-selling tours
• Read about the best lochs and castles to visit during your Scotland tour

How to tour Scotland in February?

There are various ways to travel on your Scotland tour in February. Depending on your personal tastes and requirements, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.

Road trip around Scotland February is a good time to visit Scotland on a self-drive tour. As it’s not the peak season, there are fewer visitors and less traffic. The road conditions are usually fine, although you should take care on mountain roads and look out for ice in rural areas.

Pick up your rental car from Edinburgh or Glasgow and drive to iconic locations. You could visit St Andrews, Cairngorm National Park, the Isle of Skye and Fort William, amongst many more.

Driving in Scotland is an adventure that you won’t regret! Especially if you book with Nordic Visitor, as we offer collision damage waiver and a 24/7 helpline for emergencies.

Good to note: In Scotland, and the wider UK, motorists drive on the left. If you are not used to this, we recommend hiring an automatic car. Alternatively, you could choose a guided tour instead and have a local expert do all the driving.

• Love the sound of a self-drive adventure? Find out more about Scotland self-drive tours
• Or visit between April and October instead to enjoy a self-drive tour of Scotland and Ireland

Learn about Scottish history and culture with a private guide On the other hand, you might prefer to be accompanied by your very own local expert throughout your Scotland experience.

A privately guided tour is one of the most exclusive ways to see Scotland and learn all about this beautiful country. You’ll have your own personal guide to show you the best locations and teach you about the local history.

• Book a privately guided tour package of Scotland
• Alternatively, our Scottish small group tours run from May to September if you fancy meeting like-minded travellers

Whatever tour you pick, you’ll take advantage of all our signature benefits. These include charming accommodation, daily breakfast, transportation, such as car rental and ferries, our Nordic Visitor Scotland Travel Guide, and a hand-marked map with your route and highlights.

In addition, all our winter tours include a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass so you can pick the attractions you want to visit.

Good to know:  Our Scotland itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our Edinburgh-based Scotland experts know the country inside out. They’ll help you see the country your way, tailoring your itinerary and adding all the best excursions to suit you.

• Find out more about visiting Scotland earlier, in November , December or January
• Or visit Scotland later, in March , April or May

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of northern europe.

• Like combining culture with nature? Discover Scandinavia
• Want more stunning road trip ideas? Venture to Iceland
• Want to meet Santa Claus or try dog sledding? Head to Lapland
• Keen to go off the beaten track? Explore wild Svalbard

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to add a night in Edinburgh, want restaurant recommendations or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help so get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Scotland

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