Edinburgh has a temperate, maritime climate which is relatively mild considering the city's northern latitude, but may still frustrate new expats with plenty of cold, rain, wind, and fog year-round. Similarly to the rest of the UK, the weather in Edinburgh is unpredictable, with sunny summer days sometimes rapidly changing into damp, showery bleakness or vice versa.
Although days might start out misty, summers can be pleasant, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Winters are long, damp, and frosty. The winter months of December, January, and February are the rainiest (although rain is likely in any season), but snow is infrequent. The average temperatures in summer, between June and August, range between 49°F (9°C) and 66°F (19°C). The average temperatures in winter, between December and February, range between 34°F (1°C) and 45°F (7°C).
Active expats will want to get in as much of their outdoor exploits during spring and summer, between April and August, as the rest of the year may be less conducive to an active lifestyle.
Further reading
►See Lifestyle in Edinburgh for an overview of shopping, nightlife, eating-out options, and where to make friends
Are you an expat living in Edinburgh?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Edinburgh. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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