May · United Kingdom
Best time to visit Edinburgh in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Edinburgh in May
Average temperature 11°C, 71 mm of rain, about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 86% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
7.3/10
Ranked #4 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 11°C
- Rainfall
- 71 mm
- Humidity
- 86%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 16
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
May in Edinburgh scores 7.3/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - an above-average month (#4 of 12). Expect around 11°C, 71 mm of rain, and roughly 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Edinburgh's Old Town climbs a volcanic ridge from the castle down to Holyrood, with the Royal Mile threading closes and courtyards between them.
May holds up well in Edinburgh — 4th best month
May averages 11°C (53°F) — jacket weather. Comfortable for walking and museums, too cool for anything water-based.
Rainfall runs 71 mm, so plan one flexible day in three; you still get about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 16 hours of daylight.
It scores 7.3/10 here, 4th of 12 months, against 8.7/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a packable rain layer.
Plan for mid-season pricing, with crowds are moderate.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Edinburgh in May?
- In May, Edinburgh averages 11°C, 71 mm of rain, and about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 7.3/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Edinburgh?
- May earns a 7.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Edinburgh in May?
- Expect about 71 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 86% and there are about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Edinburgh
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.