Edinburgh · December
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 45°F, low 38°F. Layering becomes the workout. Humidity averages 86% — the limiting factor on most runs. Expect 20 rain days — plan around the radar. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
Avg high / low
45° / 38°F
Humidity
86%
Rain days
20/mo
Wind
16 mph
What December feels like in Edinburgh
Sunrise
09:35
Mid-month average
Sunset
16:40
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.
Evening
Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.
What to wear running in Edinburgh in December
The kit for December in Edinburgh: a long-sleeve or light jacket for the first mile, a wind-blocking layer for exposed routes, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
December vs the surrounding months
vs November
-3° avg high
+1 rain days
Edinburgh in November →
December
45°F avg high
20 rain days
Best: midday
vs January
+1° avg high
+2 rain days
Edinburgh in January →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Edinburgh in December?+
Midday. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
What's the average temperature in Edinburgh in December?+
Average high 45°F, average low 38°F.
How does December compare to surrounding months in Edinburgh?+
Compared to November (avg high 48°F), December is cooler. Compared to January (avg high 44°F), December is warmer.
Does it rain often in Edinburgh in December?+
Expect about 20 measurable rain days in December, on average.