How crowded are Edinburgh and the Highlands in mid-June?
I assume July and more so August are very crowded. How does June compare (I assume less crowded, but how much less)?
Are April and October noticeably less crowded than June?
As an aside, how hot does it get in June? I've searched a bit and 75 F seems to be the daily high.
I imagine it's great for visiting in mid-June, as that is approaching the summer solstice for potentially long days of sun (when not raining).
Thank you!
Regarding the weather-
I've been to Edinburg in the summer and worn a down packable jacket. You are pretty far north. And-
Don't forget the raincoat and waterproof shoes.
In August , The Fringe Festival takes over the town for most of the month, so there are crowds, but it's a wonderful performing arts event. I've been a few times, and plan to return, so highly recommend the experience. However, lodging prices do jump accordingly.
Have a great trip!
I was up the road from Edinburgh this past June. I needed a light jacket most days.
Edinburgh has become a very popular destination. Expect crowds. Perhaps not like August, but it will be crowded.
I was there in late June last year. I stayed in Edinburgh and took day trips to St. Andrews and to Glencoe and Glenfinnan.
The daytime temperature in town on the warmest, sunniest day was ~75 F, which is hot by local standards. I actually did feel quite warm as I was out on a two-hour walking tour in the middle of the day. But most days were cooler (60s) and rainy, so I needed my waterproof jacket with zip-out quilted vest and my waterproof shoes. On the wettest, chilliest days I also layered a fleece under my jacket.
The city center was busy in June, but not unbearably so. I really can’t stand crowds and thus would not choose to visit during the Festival and Fringe in August. But that’s just me; some folks love it. As was mentioned, lodging in August is scarce and the prices are jacked up accordingly, so book as early as possible.
Thank you Pat, Frank, and Randy! Your prompt responses are greatly appreciated...and made me realize I needed to edit my question.
I was on the Rick Steves tour in late June-early July this year. Temperatures were delightful in Glasgow (mostly sunny, low 70s). Once we got to the Highlands, temperatures dipped into low 60s with some clouds and wind. We barely had any rain and when it rained, it only lasted only a short time. Once we got to Edinburgh (at the end of the tour), temperatures were in the high 60s/low 70s. I wore a light raincoat if it looked like it may rain; otherwise a cardigan sweater. Edinburgh was crowded but nothing like Rome crowds. And it did not start to get dark until closer to midnight.
Steve, to speak to your edited question, I haven’t yet visited in April or October, but this year I stayed in Edinburgh (and Glasgow) in mid-to-late May. It was a bit less crowded, and the weather was mostly sunny and dry, though that might have been the luck of the draw.
If I went in the autumn, I would aim for early October rather than late, as the days are growing shorter and that can limit your sightseeing.
Thank you Mary and Nancy G!
As a general rule, Glasgow, the west coast and the islands are a bit warmer and wetter than Edinburgh. I had a lot of wet weather over there, but no significant heat in July 2019. My room in Edinburgh got quite warm one night; it was probably warmer in Glasgow at the same time. My Edinburgh lodging had no air conditioning, and I wished I had it for that one night, but it wasn't bad at all, and I don't recall feeling hot outdoors. I'd probably be willing to risk a place without a/c again if the savings were substantial and I had no one sharing the hotel cost.
I've just scrolled through the historical weather charts for the last 5 Junes in Edinburgh, and I only saw two days when the high went over 75; it got to 79 once in each of two years, so I'd consider that extremely acceptable from a heat perspective. The city averages 10 days with rain in the month of June; there's likely to be more sun in May.
Edinburgh is a very touristy place even outside of August; it's especially noticeable along the Royal Mile and at the Castle.
Thank you acraven. We would take a day trip to Glasgow, so this is very helpful.
