Weather Near Edinburgh — Sunny Spots, Rain Escapes & Best Conditions
Last updated: 27 Sep 2026
Edinburgh's weather is shaped by its unique geography, nestled between the Pentland Hills and the coastline. This positioning creates a variable microclimate, where the city often experiences damp conditions, but the influence of the hills can lead to drier spells in certain areas while coastal regions may feel the brunt of the elements more directly.
Today, the sky is largely overcast, with cloud cover sitting at 85.3%. There's a 44% chance of experiencing some rain, making it a quintessentially Edinburgh day: cloudy with a real chance of rain.
Weather Conditions in Edinburgh Old Town
| Time | Temp | Cloud | Rain | Wind | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | 13° | 99% | 75% | 16 km/h |  Rain |
| 1:00 PM | 13° | 99% | 70% | 13 km/h | Rain |
| 2:00 PM | 13° | 99% | 65% | 13 km/h |  Rain showers |
| 3:00 PM | 14° | 99% | 65% | 8 km/h | Rain showers |
| 4:00 PM | 14° | 95% | 30% | 10 km/h |  Light rain |
| 5:00 PM | 13° | 67% | 20% | 14 km/h | Light rain |
Explore Weather Near Edinburgh
FAQ
Why does microclimate variation exist in Edinburgh?
Microclimate variation in Edinburgh arises from geographic factors such as elevation, proximity to the coast, and urban development. These elements can create localized weather patterns, resulting in different conditions across relatively short distances. For instance, areas near the Firth of Forth may experience milder temperatures compared to hilly regions further inland, where cold air can settle.
What are sunny spots, and how are they ranked?
Sunny spots are ranked using a sun score that weighs cloud cover at 80% and rain avoidance at 20%. This score is calculated based solely on today's daytime forecast average, allowing for an accurate assessment of which areas are expected to have the most sunshine. Higher sun scores indicate more favorable conditions for enjoying sunny weather.
What distinguishes the three nearby weather page types?
The three nearby weather page types query the same underlying forecast data but optimize for different variables. Sunny spots focus on the sun score (cloud cover 80% + rain avoidance 20%); rain escape prioritizes the rain score, where lower rain probability wins; and best weather combines sunshine, rain avoidance, and temperature into a composite score. As a result, checking all three pages for the same city on the same day typically reveals three different destination lists.
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