Edinburgh in July offers warm, cozy weather and long daylight hours, perfect for exploring its old town and Scottish nature trails. Also, expect a full lineup of festivals that promise endless fun and exciting activities!
July lies within the summer months of Edinburgh when the weather is just perfectly warm for travelers who want to go sightseeing and experience the city's local culture. It makes the ideal time to explore Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets, historical places, and scenic hiking trails.
What’s great about Edinburgh is that the top tourist attractions are close together, making touring so convenient. You can visit all the landmarks and some hidden gems in Edinburgh on one trip; just make sure to plan the best personalized Edinburgh travel package for you.
Expect tons of activities and events in Edinburgh in July as the locals build up the city's atmosphere for its upcoming major festival. During this month, the crowds start to pile up even more. Make an early reservation to one of Edinburgh’s best hotels and accommodations, and buy Edinburgh attraction tickets and tours in advance for a hassle-free Edinburgh July trip!
Weather in Edinburgh in July
July is one of the warmest months in Edinburgh, at least to Scottish standards. It’s neither hot nor cold, just warm enough for casual sightseeing. However, the Edinburgh climate in July can be quite unpredictable, and you might sometimes find yourself stranded for a few minutes under a shade due to sudden rain showers.
Here’s what to expect about the weather in Edinburgh during July:
- Average temperatures: 54-66 F (12-19 C) during the daytime; 50-54 F (10-12 C) during nighttime
- Average rainfall: 2-3 inches (50-70 millimeters); 10 to 15 days of rain (light showers)
- Daylight hours: Up to 17 hours of daylight
- Relative humidity: 75-85% (moderate)
- Typical wind speed: 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph); breezy
While July in Edinburgh is typically warm and sunny, some days can be cloudy and breezy, mainly because the city is on a coastal strip surrounded by hilly terrain.
For more accurate weather forecasts in Edinburgh, visit the Met Office's official website.
What To Wear in Edinburgh in July
Wondering how to dress for Edinburgh in July? With mild but unpredictable weather, it’s best to pack for warm afternoons, breezy evenings, and the occasional rain shower. Here’s a quick guide to what to wear based on the conditions:
- For Sunny Days: Bring SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and breathable clothing made of cotton or linen. A light jacket (fleece or polyester) will keep you comfortable in the cooler evenings.
- For Windy Weather: A well-fitted hat, fleece innerwear (optional), and moisturizer can help with dry air. Wear comfortable layers like cotton or merino wool, and avoid flowy skirts or dresses unless you pair them with safety shorts. A windbreaker or light jacket (polyester or synthetic blends) is a great extra layer.
- For Rainy Days: Waterproof shoes, a small foldable umbrella, and a light waterproof jacket (polyester or synthetic blends) will keep you dry. Stick to comfortable clothing made from cotton or poly-cotton blends.
Edinburgh in July: Fun Local Festivals To Check Out
Undoubtedly, July is one of Edinburgh's most lively and festive months, minus the larger crowds of Edinburgh in August. During this time, several streets and major landmarks hold day and night events to celebrate the art and culture of the city. Whether you love music, art, or even magic, you’ll sure have a fantastic time in Edinburgh in July!
Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
One of the most anticipated events in Scotland (and also in the entire Europe) is the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. It’s an annual premier event showcasing Scottish people's rich and colorful jazz culture.
For ten continuous days in July, the streets of Edinburgh are filled with live music, colorful parades, and fascinating dance performances. It may sound unreal, but you can attend over 130 concerts in many places across the city! So, if you want to hear authentic Edinburgh music in July, this festival is for you.
Since it’s a popular event, expect a lot of tourists, especially during the Mardi Gras and Carnival show and Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra concert. Rent a car in Edinburgh for seamless travel from venue to venue.
Check out the official Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 2025 website for more details.
Castle Street Fair
The Castle Street Fair happens several times a year, one of which is in July. For about a week, Castle Street, which overlooks the stunning Edinburgh Castle, is lined up with brightly colored tents selling various artisanal goods and local produce. Imagine shopping in the city’s scenic and iconic old town!
From original artworks and hand-made fashion accessories to unique home decor and collectibles, you will never run out of things to check out at this fair. Local street food, baked goods, sweet treats, and various beverages are also offered in several stalls for those looking to get a taste of Edinburgh.
Visit the Castle Street Fair’s Facebook page for live market updates.
Edinburgh International Magic Festival (MagicFest)
Another big event that happens every July in the city is the Edinburgh International Magic Festival, most popularly known as MagicFest. It’s the UK’s largest magic festival, where a diverse lineup of magicians and illusionists from around the world come together to bring magic to everyone.
It’s usually scheduled around the first week of July. So, if you want to experience magic, head to MagicFest’s official website for the complete event schedule.
The Garden Party at Royal Highland Centre
In addition, a new event, The Garden Party at Royal Highland Centre, will launch in July 2025 in Edinburgh. This family-friendly event promises two days of live music performances by different artists, various health and wellness activities, outdoor fairy trails that kids can enjoy, and stall after stall of savory culinary delights!
For ticket reservations and more information, visit The Garden Party’s official website.
Exciting Things To See and Do in Edinburgh in July
Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination for a reason, and that remains true during July's warm, cozy month. Due to its mild weather, visiting Edinburgh in July is ideal for exploring its old town and hiking some of its nearby scenic trails. To give you an idea, here are some top things you can do in Edinburgh in July!
Edinburgh Castle
Your Edinburgh July trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing its legendary castle. Standing on top of the Castle Rock volcanic plug, Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that has witnessed Scotland’s history since the 11th century.
It’s a UNESCO Heritage Site that has served as a royal residence and military stronghold and is now an iconic historical tourist destination in Edinburgh.
Entering the castle will transport you back to Scotland’s Iron Age and give you a glimpse into the lives of Scottish monarchs. To best experience this attraction in July, book a guided walking tour with an Edinburgh Castle entry ticket.
On most summer nights, you can also catch concert performances by various artists at the castle’s esplanade. Visit Edinburgh Castle’s official concert page for tickets and schedules.
Pro Tip: For a picturesque view of Edinburgh Castle, head to The Vennel Steps Viewpoint!
Royal Mile
Royal Mile is a mile-long historic route connecting two of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks: Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It takes about two to three hours to walk along this route, which reveals several of the city’s historic attractions, picturesque streets, and hidden gems.
While you can explore this area independently, a three-hour Royal Mile walking tour will provide more context about its history and culture. This educational tour also introduces you to several top attractions, including:
- Edinburgh Castle
- Grassmarket Street
- Milne’s Court building
- Riddle’s Court building
- Usher Hall concert venue
- Edinburgh Waverley Station
- Deacon Brodie’s Tavern pub
- Edinburgh City Chambers building
In addition to exploring historical attractions and cultural museums at Royal Mile, you can visit several local restaurants and pubs in the area, where you can sample Scottish cuisine and whisky.
Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace)
One of the things to do in Edinburgh in July is visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Since the 16th century, it has been the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Notable royal residents have lived there, including Mary Queen of Scots, who lived there from 1561 to 1567.
Aside from exploring its several state apartments and famous Holyrood Abbey, you can also catch special rotating exhibitions at the King’s Gallery. For more news about the current and upcoming exhibitions, visit the Royal Collection Trust’s official website.
Take Scenic Walks At Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat Nature Trails
If you want to catch the Edinburgh July sunset, there’s no other place to see it but on top of one of its famous nature trails. For panoramic city views, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Calton Hill, where you can expect breathtaking vistas and several historic monuments and buildings along the way, including:
City Observatory (19th-century building)
Nelson Monument (commemorative tower)
Dugarl Steward Monument (circular temple)
Political Martyrs’ Monument (obelisk/stone pillar)
The National Monument of Scotland (neoclassical structure)
For a more challenging route, explore the Arthur’s Seat hiking trail. It’s situated at the now-extinct volcano, and its peak boasts panoramic city views and fascinating landscapes. Stay on marked paths to ensure your safety and protect the natural environment when hiking this trail.
Swim at the Portobello Beach
Other tourists might not know this, but Portobello Beach turns into a lively beach destination in Edinburg every summer. Visiting Portobello Beach in July is great for those looking for fun summer activities such as beach swimming, sunbathing, and beachside dining.
Occasionally, you can also expect live music performances, volleyball competitions, and triathlon events!
Visit Local Markets For Authentic Scottish Food
Edinburgh in July offers a variety of food tour experiences. During this month, you can visit several local farmers' markets that will introduce you to authentic Scottish food.
Here are some of the local weekend markets in Edinburgh in July:
Leith Market - offers fresh produce and street food every Saturday at Dock Place Street.
Stockbridge Market - offers local Scottish food and street food every Sunday at Saunders Street.
Grassmarket Market - offers locally-made food and delectable cakes every Saturday at Grassmarket Street.
Edinburgh Farmers Market - offers farm-fresh local produce every Saturday at Castle Terrace Street. Best for seasonal ingredients.
However, if you want a fantastic gastronomic experience where you can also learn the history and art of each cuisine, book a private food tour with all your food and drinks accounted for.
Best Hotels To Stay In Edinburgh in July
You can find numerous top hotels in Edinburgh in July, regardless of which area you want to stay in. However, if you want to be practical, stay in an accommodation close to the attractions you want to visit that also offers extra summer activities you can try.
Here are some top-rated Edinburgh hotels in July with pools for summer fun and relaxation!
- Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa - A five-star hotel near Edinburgh Castle. It features a heated rooftop pool, separate indoor swimming pool, poolside sauna, and thermal spa.
- The Balmoral - A five-star hotel along Prices Street, just right outside the historic Old Town. It features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and spa treatment facilities.
- Radisson Blu Edinburgh - A four-star hotel in the historic Old Town along the Royal Mile route. It also features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and spa treatment facilities.
- Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel - A four-star hotel in the historic Old Town, along Grassmarket Street. It features an indoor swimming pool and sauna.
Best Ways To Get to Edinburgh in July
Depending on where you’re coming from, there are several ways you can get to Edinburgh in July. Here’s a quick guide on the two best ways you can get to Edinburgh:
Getting to Edinburgh by Air
Book flights to Edinburgh in July if you want fast travel or are coming from outside the UK. Direct flights are available from major UK, European, and North American cities. If a direct flight isn’t available from your location, book a flight to the UK first, then another flight to Edinburgh.
Pro Tip: Book several months in advance to secure cheap flights from Edinburgh in July!
Once you get to Edinburgh Airport, get an Edinburgh luxury taxi transfer for convenient and comfortable travel to your accommodation.
Getting to Edinburgh by Train
If you’re coming from any major city in the UK, your other best option is to get train tickets to Edinburgh, Scotland. There are several direct trains to Edinburgh in July that you can hop on anytime, but it’s great to know which stations will take you to Edinburgh the fastest.
Here’s how long it takes to get to Edinburgh from several Scotland and England train stations:
- Glasgow, Scotland: 50 minutes via ScotRail
- Newcastle, England: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Aberdeen, Scotland: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Manchester, England: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- London, England: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Spend Your Fun Summer in Edinburgh in July
Visiting Edinburgh in July will let you experience a fun and vibrant Scottish summer full of festivities on almost every corner of its picturesque cobblestone streets. Whether you love spending your summer exploring the city’s old town, hiking breathtaking trails, trying local delicacies, or swimming on the beach, you will never run out of exciting things to do in Edinburgh in July!
Edinburgh has much more to offer than its iconic landmarks and delectable food. In addition to these things, it’s popular for its pop culture references and great writers who significantly impacted the literature world. Check out this complete Edinburgh travel guide to learn more about this city!
FAQs When Going to Edinburgh in July
Is Edinburgh good in July?
Yes, Edinburgh is good in July if your ideal summer experience is visiting iconic historical landmarks, attending huge Jazz music festivals, hiking nature trails, and swimming on the beach. Given that July offers mild weather, you can enjoy strolling around the city wearing whatever sets of clothes you are most comfortable with.
Is Edinburgh hot in July?
No, Edinburgh is not hot in July. It does lie within the summer months of Scotland, but compared to other European cities, summers in Edinburgh usually have milder weather. The average temperature in Edinburgh in July is between 54-66 F (12-19 C) during the day and 50-54 F (10-12 C) at night. So, it’s warm but not unpleasantly hot.
Is Edinburgh crowded in July?
Yes, Edinburgh is quite crowded in July since its peak summer season. However, it’s not as packed as August, which is the city's busiest month. Expect a pack of crowds and long lines on the popular tourist destinations, such as Edinburgh Castle. However, if you want to stay out of the crowds, you can visit off-the-beaten-path attractions, like The Vennel Steps Viewpoint and Craigmillar Castle.
Why is Edinburgh so expensive in July?
Edinburgh becomes very expensive in July due to the large number of tourists. July lies within the summer months of Scotland (one of the busiest seasons), and several festivals are also held during this time. If you want to cut on some costs, book your flights, accommodation, tickets, and tours several months in advance.
Are there midges in Edinburgh in July?
Yes, there are midges(small flies) in Edinburgh in July, but only in specific spots, such as Arthur’s Seat, Water of Leith Walkway, and Holyrood Park. The numbers are very few, so it’s barely a problem. In general, midges don’t thrive in Edinburgh, but to protect yourself, apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved and light-colored clothes. Also, avoid still, damp areas, especially at dawn and dusk.
When is sunset in Edinburgh in July?
The sunset in Edinburgh in July varies slightly. During early July, you can expect sunset views at 22:00 to 22:05. However, the sunset begins a little earlier in mid-July and late July at 21:50 to 21:55 and 21:30 to 21:40, respectively.
