Edinburgh weather in November
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 14 rainy days across the month, on average.
November in Edinburgh is decidedly cold and wet. Daytime temperatures average 9°C (48°F), while nights dip to 4.6°C (40°F). Expect around 80mm of rainfall spread across 14 rainy days, making waterproof gear essential. Sunshine is limited to just 4.3 hours per day, so the city spends much of November under grey skies. It's a distinctly autumnal month transitioning toward winter.
This is Edinburgh's quieter season. Summer tourists have departed, and winter holiday crowds haven't arrived yet. The city takes on a moody, atmospheric character perfect for exploring historic streets without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. You'll find locals bundled up, enjoying cosy cafes and warming pubs. The lack of crowds makes this an ideal time for a more authentic experience of Scotland's capital.
If you're considering November 2026 for your visit, expect lower accommodation prices and shorter queues at attractions like Edinburgh Castle. However, pack for persistent rain and cold temperatures. The gloomy weather suits the city's Gothic architecture and mysterious history, but bring patience for limited daylight hours.
The Old Town is a tourist stage set; locals live in Marchmont, Bruntsfield, and Leith. Cranachan and cullen skink are pub food, not fancy. Say 'Embra' not 'Edinburgh'. The Sunday Cramond causeway walk to the island is tide-dependent and people get stranded weekly. Fringe flyer culture: never take one you won't use, comedians remember faces.
What to pack for Edinburgh in November
November in Edinburgh demands layered, waterproof clothing. The combination of cold temperatures, frequent rain, and strong winds means you'll need insulating layers topped with proper rain protection. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for navigating wet cobblestones and steep streets.
- Waterproof rain jacket with taped seams
- Thermal base layers or merino wool leggings
- Insulated winter boots with grip sole
- Wool beanie or fleece-lined hat
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
What to pack for Edinburgh in November
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Where to stay in Edinburgh
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Edinburgh across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated November trip to Edinburgh
Off-season pricing — good value if the weather works for you. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Edinburgh?
Flights to Edinburgh in November can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Explore Edinburgh Castle in quieter conditions, warm up in the National Museum of Scotland, wander the Royal Mile's historic closes, enjoy cosy whisky tastings at local distilleries.
November vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Edinburgh. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Edinburgh
While November has its own character in Edinburgh, the data-backed best months to visit Edinburgh are June, July, August, September. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for EdinburghOther places with a similar climate right now
Edinburgh in November — FAQ
Q01Is November a good month for Edinburgh?
Is November a good month for Edinburgh?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In November, Edinburgh averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 5°C (40°F), with 87mm of rainfall across roughly 14 rainy days. August during the Fringe means 3000+ shows and 19-hour daylight, but book May for Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill without the accommodation gouge.
Q02How warm does Edinburgh get in November?
How warm does Edinburgh get in November?
The average high temperature in Edinburgh during November is 9°C (48°F), with an average low of 5°C (40°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in November?
Does it rain a lot in Edinburgh in November?
Edinburgh averages approximately 14 rainy days in November, with a total monthly rainfall of about 87mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. Haar sea fog rolls off the Forth mid-morning and burns off by noon; actual rain is fine drizzle Scots call 'dreich' and ignore.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Edinburgh in November?
What clothes should I bring to Edinburgh in November?
For Edinburgh in November, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Grippy soled shoes for the Royal Mile's polished setts which turn into an ice rink in any drizzle.
Q05Are there many tourists in Edinburgh in November?
Are there many tourists in Edinburgh in November?
Tourist crowds in Edinburgh during November are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The Old Town is a tourist stage set; locals live in Marchmont, Bruntsfield, and Leith. Cranachan and cullen skink are pub food, not fancy. Say 'Embra' not 'Edinburgh'. The Sunday Cramond causeway walk to the island is tide-dependent and people get stranded weekly. Fringe flyer culture: never take one you won't use, comedians remember faces.