Honestly, if you're checking the weather for Auld Reekie, you’re probably staring at a forecast that says "45°F and rainy" and thinking, Okay, I can handle that. But here’s the thing about the Scottish capital. The numbers on your screen are basically a polite suggestion. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the temperature in Edinburgh Scotland is sitting at a crisp 39°F as the night settles in. We’re looking at a high of 45°F and a low of 35°F.
Does that sound manageable? Sure. Is it actually what it feels like when you're standing on the corner of Princes Street with the wind whipping off the Firth of Forth? Absolutely not.
The Reality of the Temperature in Edinburgh Scotland
Edinburgh weather is a moody beast. Right now, it's "partly cloudy" with a humidity level of 99%. That’s basically the air deciding it wants to be a liquid without actually committing to the rain. When the humidity is that high, the cold doesn't just sit on your skin; it moves into your bones and sets up a permanent residence.
You’ve got a south wind at 3 mph right now, which is gentle, almost a whisper. But don't get used to it. Earlier today, we saw light rain, and there’s a 70% chance of more precipitation during the day. By tonight, that chance drops to 10%, but—and this is the classic Edinburgh twist—the forecast is calling for a potential dusting of snow.
Why the "Feels Like" Temperature Matters More
If you’re visiting, you’ve gotta understand the "Edinburgh Sandwich." This is the phenomenon where the temperature looks decent, but the combination of moisture and wind-chill makes you question every life choice that led you to a hilltop castle in January.
- The Humidity Factor: At 98-99% humidity, your coat is going to feel damp even if it isn't raining.
- The Wind Tunnel: The city is built on volcanic crags and valleys. The wind doesn't just blow; it accelerates through the gaps in the New Town.
- The Light (or lack thereof): It’s January. The sun is a rare guest. Without that solar warmth, 45°F feels like a refrigerated warehouse.
Comparing Today to the January Norms
Most people expect Scotland to be a frozen tundra in the winter. It’s actually more of a "chilly sponge." The historical average for mid-January in Edinburgh usually sees highs around 41°F and lows near 34°F. Today is technically "warm" by those standards.
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- Average High: 43°F (6°C)
- Average Low: 34°F (1°C)
- Today's Reality: High of 45°F, Low of 35°F.
So, technically, we’re having a "mild" day. But tell that to your frozen ears when you're walking up the Royal Mile.
Survival Tips for the Current Forecast
If you’re out and about in the city today, or planning for the rest of the week, you need a strategy. This isn't just about a jacket; it's about tactical gear.
Layering is your only god here.
You need a base layer that wicks moisture—remember that 99% humidity? Then a fleece or wool mid-layer. Finally, a waterproof shell. If your "waterproof" jacket is actually just "water-resistant," you’re going to have a bad time. The light rain predicted for today is the kind of misty, persistent stuff that finds the gaps in your zippers.
Forget the umbrella.
Seriously. Edinburgh wind treats umbrellas like a personal challenge. It will turn it inside out before you can say "Haggis." Get a good hood. A heavy-duty, adjustable hood is worth its weight in gold.
Watch the ground.
With a low of 35°F tonight and a chance of snow, those cobblestones in the Old Town are going to get slick. Edinburgh’s hills are no joke when there's a thin layer of ice or slush. If you're wearing smooth-soled shoes, you’re basically signing up for a slapstick comedy routine on the way to the pub.
What’s Coming Next?
The rest of the month looks like a battle between Atlantic air and Arctic blasts. There’s been talk of a major blizzard hitting the UK toward the end of January—specifically around the 26th—which could bring significant snow to Edinburgh. For today, though, we’re just dealing with the classic "damp cold."
The wind is currently from the south at 5 mph (daily average), but that can shift. When the wind comes from the East, it’s coming over the North Sea. That’s the wind that bites. Luckily, today’s southerly flow is keeping things slightly more bearable.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Edinburgh Visit:
- Check the Wind Direction: A south wind (like today's 3-5 mph) is your friend. An east wind is your enemy.
- Prioritize Footwear: Waterproof boots with grip are mandatory for the 35°F nighttime lows and potential snow.
- Hydrate with Warmth: This is the best excuse to duck into a café for a "hot toddy" or a heavy tea. The temperature in Edinburgh Scotland is best managed from the inside out.
- Don't Trust the Sun: If you see a blue patch of sky, take your photo immediately. It’ll be gone in ten minutes.
Basically, Edinburgh in January is beautiful, atmospheric, and slightly damp. As long as you respect the 39°F reality and the high humidity, you’ll have a blast. Just don't expect to stay dry if you’re relying on a flimsy raincoat.
Prepare for the 45°F high, but dress for the 35°F low, and you'll be one of the few people on Princes Street who isn't shivering.
Keep an eye on the sky tonight—if that 10% chance of snow hits while the temperature drops to 35°F, the city will look like a literal fairytale, even if it is a bit chilly. Move toward the light of a cozy pub, grab a seat by the fire, and remember that this weather is exactly what makes the city's architecture look so dramatic.
Pack your wool socks. You're going to need them.