Edinburgh Weather in March

March weather in Edinburgh

March feels cold, damp and often grey. Daytime highs reach about 8°C, but mornings and evenings can sit near 2°C. Rain falls on 15 days on average, and cloud often dulls the light. February is slightly cooler and April is milder, so March sits between the two.

You can still enjoy the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. Duck into a museum when the rain sets in, then warm up with a bowl of Cullen skink, a smoked-haddock soup, in a Old Town pub. Arthur's Seat can be muddy and exposed, so save the summit walk for a clear, calmer day.

Events and crowds

Scotland's Six Nations rugby fixtures can bring a big crowd to Murrayfield in March. If there's a home match, expect busy trains and pubs around the stadium. The Edinburgh Science Festival sometimes begins in March, though its dates vary.

March is generally quieter than the summer festival season, when the Fringe fills the city. You'll often find better value on stays than in June, July or August, but prices can rise around major events and school breaks. Couples who prefer calmer streets may enjoy March more than peak summer, though the weather can interrupt outdoor plans.

A useful local tip

For a rainy stretch, follow the Old Town's covered closes, the narrow lanes between the Royal Mile and lower streets. Some have steep steps and uneven stone, so take your time. The National Museum is also a handy stop near Greyfriars Kirkyard, and entry to its main galleries is free.

March gives you around eleven hours of daylight, but only about three hours of sun a day. Keep outdoor plans flexible: stroll Princes Street Gardens when the skies clear, and save indoor sights for wet spells. Don't count on a long, dry day for a hike.