The Best Times to Visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh is without a doubt one of the liveliest, most charming and picturesque cities going. It’s a great destination for a city break, whether you want to stay for a long weekend or a few weeks. Edinburgh has plenty to do, see and explore. If you are planning a trip but wondering when is best to visit the amazing city, we have all the answers for you here. Here is, The Best Times to Visit Edinburgh.

Along with all the permanent attractions that Edinburgh offers all year round there are many monthly events that might help you make up your mind in deciding when to visit Edinburgh.

Edinburgh in January

January is a great month to visit Edinburgh, you may be put off by the cold, rainy weather, but with limited tourists, it gives visitors an excellent chance to explore the city. The month kicks off with the Loony Dook. On the first day of the year, many locals and tourists alike dress up in the craziest outfits they can find and head to Queensferry – located just north of Edinburgh – and dunk themselves into the Firth of the Forth. Another popular event that happens every January is Burns Night, on the 25th of January many people celebrate the life of Robert Burns, with supper and dances held across Edinburgh this is a great way learn more about the Scottish culture and traditions. To read more about this Scottish celebration check out our blog Burns Night: Where does it come from, what it is, and where to stay. January is without a doubt one of the best times to visit Edinburgh with many iconic Scottish celebrations planning a trip might be the best way to beat the January blues.

Edinburgh in February

The short month of February is a little bit quieter in Edinburgh but with spring just around the corner, it’s still one of the most beautiful times to visit Edinburgh. The Six Nations Rugby kicks off and home games at Murrayfield, Edinburgh attract a lot of tourism to the city, this is a great time to visit Edinburgh as it is buzzing with a great atmosphere. The Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival which occurs on the 8th and 9th of February is another popular festival that presents inspiring films and fantastic photography, so if you are a budding filmmaker this is a great place to visit for inspiration.

Edinburgh in March

One of the biggest events that happen annually in Edinburgh in March is the Meadows Marathon, an event which raises money for many charities across the globe and provides visitors with a great reason to head to the city. The run now incorporates a 5K, 10K and a half marathon, so there is something suitable for everything. After all that running, stick around in Edinburgh and visit the many brilliant attractions, great restaurants and charming pubs.

Edinburgh in April

April is a great time to visit Edinburgh, beautiful bright daffodils line the parks and the city is full of things to do. Edinburgh International Science Festival runs over a few weeks during April and has many things to see and do, an event perfect for the whole family. The festival is the largest science fair in the whole of Europe and aims to inspire everyone to discover the greater world surrounding them. Beltane Fire Festival is another prime reason that April is a great time to visit Edinburgh, this unique event is full of ancient Celtic traditions with a modern twist. On the last night of April, many descend on Calton Hill, in the centre of Edinburgh and celebrate the changing of seasons, with music and dancing this is not an event to miss.

Edinburgh in May

May is the marathon month in Edinburgh, with thousands taking to the streets of the city to run the Edinburgh Marathon. The atmosphere around the city is brilliant so even if you don’t fancy the run it is still one of the best times to visit Edinburgh. Another popular event in May is the Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival, this three-day celebration features the ever best of craft beer, brewing, street food and musical acts.

Edinburgh in June

In the month of June, summer is well underway in Edinburgh. One of the largest events happening in Edinburgh during this month is the International Film Festival, this one-week event celebrates the best in British cinema, and showcases some of the latest releases. If you are lucky enough you might even run into some of the brilliant actors involved. Furthermore, another popular event that happens just on the outskirts of Edinburgh is the Royal Highland Show, this occasion showcases the best of food, farming and rural life in the whole of Scotland and even further afield. This event is not just for those that wear wellies and is a unique experience for the whole family. Watch demonstrations in cooking and crafts, see price-winning livestock, and shop at the thousands of stalls that sell everything and anything.

Edinburgh in July

During the sunny month of July, Edinburgh has much to do as well and is the perfect time to visit iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival run over the course of a week in July, this festival was founded back in 1978 by Mike Hart who wanted to spread his love for jazz and blues music to a wider audience. The festival still has the same goal to this very day and attracts fans and musician from across the world.

Edinburgh in August

August is without a doubt one of the best times to visit Edinburgh! The famous Edinburgh Fridge Festival runs over the course of the month and brings people from all corners of the globe to the city, with a brilliantly unique atmosphere filling the city it is a must visit! The festival has over 53,000 performers in over 3,000 shows in 300 venues across the city from big names in the entertainment world to start-up performers there is something for everyone to enjoy! Another popular event that happens during August in Edinburgh is The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, this ceremony delivers a world-class military performance rooted in Scottish tradition. This is not a performance you want to miss so make sure you get tickets in advance.

Edinburgh in September

After a fun-filled August, September in Edinburgh is a little bit quieter. However, one thing you don’t want to miss out on is on the 15th of September when hundreds of people take to the streets of the capital in their finest kilts for the legendary Kilt Walk – a spectacular affair and not one to be missed.

Edinburgh in October

There are many things do to in Edinburgh in October including heading to the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, this festival celebrates traditional storytelling and with Halloween, just around the corner, there are many gory tales to be told. Another fantastic event happening in Edinburgh at this time of year is Oktoberfest, located in the middle of the city if you are looking for live music, beer and a great atmosphere on your trip, October is the best time to head to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh in November

During November there is an exciting atmosphere in Edinburgh with Christmas just around the corner. The month gets off to a bang on Bonfires Night when there is a range of brilliant firework displays across the whole city. Later in the month, it is St Andrews Day and there is no better place to celebrate than the capital of Scotland.

Edinburgh in December

Another one of the best times to visit Edinburgh is in December. The streets are filled with bright lights and a holiday spirit. There is no shortage of things to do at this time of year, from heading to the famous Christmas Markets, go ice skating or go shopping along Princes or George Street. Furthermore, another popular event in December is Hogmanay. This New Year’s Eve celebration is a one of a kind celebration and Edinburgh’s largest street party! To read more about Hogmanay in Edinburgh read our blog: The Ultimate Guide to Hogmanay.

If you are already planning a visit to Edinburgh, there is only really one question left, where to stay? Citybase Apartments has a large portfolio of luxurious apartments right in the city centre of Edinburgh. See our full collection here.