Edinburgh in March is a bit of a gamble. Honestly, if you’re looking for a predictable spring getaway with blooming daisies and gentle breezes, you might want to point your GPS toward the south of France instead. But if you’re into dramatic skies, moody light for your photos, and that specific Scottish feeling of being truly alive because a horizontal rain shower just slapped you in the face, March is actually pretty great.
You've probably heard the old saying: "In like a lion, out like a lamb." In Edinburgh, that lion usually has a cold and the lamb is wearing a North Face puffer. The city is transitioning. It's shaking off the dark, heavy coat of winter, but it hasn't quite found its summer t-shirt yet.
The Reality of Weather in Edinburgh March
Let’s talk numbers, but keep it real. On paper, the average high is around 9°C (48°F) and the low sits near 2°C (35°F). That sounds manageable, right? Kinda chilly, but okay.
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The thing is, Edinburgh doesn't do "average."
The city is built on seven hills and sits right on the Firth of Forth. That means the wind—affectionately known as a "nippy" breeze by locals—can make 8°C feel like -2°C in a heartbeat. You’ll be walking up the Royal Mile in glorious, crisp sunshine, then turn a corner and get hit by a "haar" (that's a thick sea fog) or a sudden burst of sleet. It’s chaotic. It’s fickle. It’s basically the weather equivalent of a toddler who hasn't had a nap.
Is it always raining?
Actually, no.
Statistically, March is one of the drier months compared to the soaking autumns. You’re looking at roughly 15 days with some form of precipitation. But "precipitation" in Scotland is a broad term. It could be a five-minute "smirr" (fine rain) that disappears before you can even find your umbrella, or it could be a heavy afternoon shower. Most days involve a lot of grey clouds moving very quickly. You’ll see the sun; you just have to be quick to appreciate it.
Daylight is the real winner
The biggest change you'll notice in weather in Edinburgh march isn't the temperature—it's the light. At the start of the month, the sun sets around 5:45 PM. By the end of March, thanks to the clocks jumping forward and the spring equinox, you’re looking at daylight until nearly 8:00 PM.
This is huge.
More daylight means more time to climb Arthur's Seat or wander through Dean Village without feeling like you're in a Victorian ghost story. The city feels energized. Locals start emerging from their winter hibernation, sitting outside pubs with heaters on, stubbornly pretending it’s warm.
What to Actually Pack (Forget the Umbrella)
If you take one piece of advice from this: do not rely on an umbrella. Edinburgh wind eats umbrellas for breakfast. You’ll see the "bones" of cheap umbrellas discarded in street bins all over the New Town after a gusty afternoon. It’s a sad sight.
Instead, think like a local.
- The Shell: A high-quality, windproof, and waterproof jacket with a hood is your best friend. If it doesn't have a hood, don't bring it.
- The Layers: You want a base layer (even a thin thermal if you're from a warm climate), a mid-layer like a wool jumper or fleece, and then your jacket. You’ll be taking these off and putting them back on roughly 14 times a day.
- Footwear: Leave the canvas sneakers at home. You need something water-resistant. The cobblestones in the Old Town are treacherous when wet, so grip matters more than fashion.
- The "Small" Accessories: A scarf is mandatory. Not just for warmth, but to block the wind from whistling down your neck. Gloves and a beanie (a "woolly hat") are still very much in play, especially for evening walks.
Surviving (and Enjoying) the Mood Swings
One of the best things about the weather in Edinburgh march is that it gives you a valid excuse to indulge in the city's best indoor spots.
If it starts pouring, duck into the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. It’s free, it’s massive, and the Grand Gallery is stunning even when it’s dark outside. Or find a "snug" in a basement pub like The Jinglin' Geordie or The Halfway House. There is nothing—absolutely nothing—better than sitting by a fireplace with a dram of whisky while you hear the rain rattling against the window.
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Does it snow?
Sometimes!
It’s rarely the "winter wonderland" kind of snow that stays. It’s usually a slushy mix that melts within an hour. However, the surrounding hills, like the Pentlands, often keep their white caps well into the month, which makes for a beautiful backdrop to the city skyline.
Spring is waking up
Despite the chill, you’ll see signs of life. The Royal Botanic Garden starts to pop with crocuses and the early daffodils. It’s a delicate balance; the greenery is tentative, as if it’s checking the forecast before fully committing to growing. If you get a clear day, the air is incredibly fresh—cleaner than you’ll find in almost any other capital city.
Strategic Tips for Your March Visit
- Book the Castle Early: Even in the shoulder season, Edinburgh Castle gets busy. If the weather looks decent for Tuesday, book it for Tuesday. Don't wait.
- Check the Wind, Not Just the Rain: Use an app like Met Office or Windy. A 10°C day with 30mph winds is much tougher than a 5°C day that's still.
- Morning is Best: Often, the clearest skies are early in the morning. If you want to hike Arthur's Seat, aim for a 9:00 AM start. By 2:00 PM, the clouds usually roll in for their daily shift.
- The Ghost Tours: Embrace the gloom. March evenings are perfect for the underground vault tours. The damp, cool air in the vaults feels a lot more authentic when it matches the weather outside.
Basically, March in Edinburgh is for the resilient traveler. It’s for people who find beauty in a slate-grey sky and who appreciate the warmth of a woolly sweater. You’ll get four seasons in one day, but that’s just part of the charm. Just remember: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.
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Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the specific sunset times for your dates to plan your "Golden Hour" photos at Calton Hill, and make sure your rain jacket is truly waterproof—not just "water-resistant"—before you zip that suitcase.