Honestly, if you're planning a trip to the Scottish capital right now, you've probably heard the jokes. People say Edinburgh doesn't have a climate; it just has weather. And lots of it. But when you're looking at the 10 day weather forecast Edinburgh Scotland, it’s less about the punchlines and more about whether you need to pack that extra thermal base layer.
Right now, it’s cold. Properly cold. As of Friday, January 16, 2026, the city is sitting at a crisp 32°F. It's cloudy, and there’s a biting southeast wind at 2 mph that makes the 91% humidity feel a lot more substantial than the numbers suggest.
The Immediate Outlook: Snow and Slush
If you’re heading out today, keep an eye on the sky. There is an 11% chance of snow right now, which actually jumps up to 25% as the day progresses. The high is only hitting 38°F, and by tonight, it’ll dip back down to 31°F. It’s that classic January gray—mostly cloudy and damp.
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Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, doesn't change the tune much. We’re looking at a high of 40°F and a low of 35°F. The precipitation shifts from snow to a 20% chance of rain during the day, then back to a 15% chance of snow at night. It’s the kind of weather that turns the Royal Mile into a bit of a skating rink if you aren't wearing boots with a decent grip.
A Mid-Week Shift to Rain
By Monday and Tuesday, the cold air is going to have a bit of a scrap with some milder Atlantic air. Monday, January 19, stays cloudy with a high of 41°F, but Tuesday, January 20, brings a 40% chance of light rain.
The temperature actually peaks on Wednesday, January 21, at 45°F. Don't get too excited, though. The wind is picking up to 12 mph from the east, and with a 35% chance of rain at night, it’s going to feel raw.
10 Day Weather Forecast Edinburgh Scotland: The Long View
Looking further out, the battle between cold and mild air masses really intensifies. By next weekend, specifically Friday, January 23, the temperature drops back down to a high of 40°F. The wind is also expected to gust at 14 mph.
There is a significant 35% chance of snow both during the day and night on that Friday. If you’re planning on hiking Arthur’s Seat, you might want to reconsider or ensure you have serious waterproofs. Snow showers continue into Saturday, January 24, with temperatures hovering around 39°F.
Why January in Edinburgh is Unique
The daylight is the real kicker here. Today, the sun didn't even think about showing up until 8:29 AM, and it’ll be heading back down by 4:15 PM. You get about 7 hours and 45 minutes of light.
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That means your window for outdoor sightseeing is tight. Most people get caught out by how quickly the "dusk chill" sets in once the sun drops behind the castle.
- Friday, Jan 16: Cloudy, High 38°F, Low 31°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Light rain, High 42°F, Low 38°F.
- Friday, Jan 23: Snow, High 40°F, Low 36°F.
Real Talk on Packing
Forget the umbrella. Truly. Edinburgh is famously "sideways rain" territory, and the wind—even at a seemingly low 4 mph—will likely turn an umbrella inside out before you've reached the bottom of Cockburn Street.
Instead, focus on a high-quality waterproof coat with a hood. Layering is the only way to survive the transitions from the freezing wind on Prince's Street to the stifling heat of a packed pub or the National Museum.
Essential Kit for This Week
Since the 10 day weather forecast Edinburgh Scotland shows a mix of rain, snow, and ice, footwear is your most important decision. Cobblestones are beautiful, but they are treacherous when wet or frosted.
- Waterproof boots: Preferably with a rubber lug sole.
- Thermal layers: Merino wool is the gold standard because it doesn't hold odors if you get a bit sweaty while walking up the mounds.
- Gloves and a Beanie: Essential for the 15 mph winds predicted for Sunday, January 25.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're in town during this stretch, front-load your outdoor activities for the start of the week. The rain and snow chances increase significantly after Wednesday.
Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle or the Royal Botanic Garden for the morning hours to make the most of the limited daylight. If the 35% snow risk for next Friday holds true, that would be the perfect day to duck into the Scottish National Gallery or find a cozy corner in a Stockbridge cafe.
Keep an eye on the wind speeds; once they cross the 12 mph threshold, the "feels like" temperature will drop about 5-7 degrees below the actual reading.
To stay prepared for the shifting conditions, check the latest updates on the Met Office or BBC Weather apps specifically for the "EH1" postcode to get the most accurate local data. Be ready to pivot your plans if the light snow predicted for January 25 turns into a more persistent blizzard, as some long-range models are currently debating.