There’s something magical about Edinburgh in summer – the city awakens with long, golden mornings and a lively energy that’s impossible to resist. On a beautiful early morning in Edinburgh in June, I found myself wandering the quiet streets, camera in hand, capturing the soft light spilling over the historic rooftops. One of my favourite moments was pausing by the Ross Fountain, where the majestic Edinburgh Castle looms above, framed perfectly for a photo that feels almost timeless. Whether you’re planning things to do in Edinburgh in July or gearing up for the spectacle of the Edinburgh Festival in August, there’s a rhythm to the city in summer that invites you to linger, explore, and fall in love all over again with the city.
♥ Don’t miss our big guide to things to do in Edinburgh!
Edinburgh in Summer: A Local’s Guide to Magic and Madness
Quick Guide to Edinburgh in summer:
- Best months: When visiting Edinburgh in summer, each month offers a different atmosphere – from long bright days to festival-filled streets.
- Weather: Summer in Edinburgh is generally mild and changeable with long daylight hours, cool breezes and the occasional burst of sunshine mixed with light rain.
- Top activities: Exploring Princes Street Garden, enjoying Ice cream and chilling at one of the rooftop bars are some of the top things to do in Edinburgh in July, June and August
- Special events: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & The Edinburgh International Festival
- Best photo spots: Ross Fountain, The Vennel Viewpoint, Calton Hill
♥ Looking for the best hotel for your summery Edinburgh trip? I’ve written a helpful guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh which you can find here!
What’s the Best Time to Visit Edinburgh in Summer?
Summer is one of the best times to visit Edinburgh, when long daylight hours and mild weather bring the city to life. From early summer’s calm charm to the energy of peak festival season, each month offers a different experience. The best time to visit ultimately depends on whether you prefer quieter days, lively streets or a full calendar of events. Edinburgh in June offers a more relaxed atmosphere in Edinburgh whilst August can be quite chaotic as it is the festival month.
What to Expect Month by Month: Edinburgh in summer
Edinburgh in June
Edinburgh in June is bright and relaxed, with long daylight hours that stretch late into the evening. The city feels fresh and spacious which is perfect for walking, sightseeing and enjoying outdoor cafés.
- Picnic in the park: I like to ick up some treats from a nearby shop or bakery and bring it to one of the parks to enjoy a lunch al fresco. My two favourite spots are Princes Street Gardens or Inverleith Park.
- Rooftop bars: There are lots of lovely spots with great views across Edinburgh. Check out 1802 at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Nor’ Loft at Market Street Hotel or Calton Café on Calton Hill. Perfect for when you are visiting Edinburgh in June.
- Visit Holyrood Palace: Explore one of the royal buildings and see the state rooms, great gallery and ruins of Holyrood abbey.
Edinburgh in July
July brings warmer days and a lively atmosphere as summer events begin to gather momentum. Parks, beer gardens and streets are busy with locals and visitors making the most of the season. If you are looking for things to do in Edinburgh in July you will have many different options!
- Portobello Beach: A long sandy beach where you can walk along the promenade for a stunning view over the sea.
- Climb Arthurs Seat: The warmer months of the year are perfect for hiking up the extinct volcano Arthurs Seat.
- Boat tour on the Fourth: Go to South Queensferry and do one of the boat trips like the one to Inchcolm island. A lovely activity if you are looking for things to do in Edinburgh in July
Edinburgh in August
August is the city at its most vibrant, filled with festivals, performances and an unmistakable buzz. Edinburgh feels electric, crowded and exciting with something happening on nearly every corner.
- The Edinburgh Fringe Festival: The world’s largest arts festival takes over the city for the month of August in Edinburgh! If you’ve ever heard of an Edinburgh Festival in August, it’s most likely this one!
- The Royal Military Tattoo: A spectacular performance in front of the castle from international military bands.
- Go for ice cream: Edinburgh has many lovely gelato spots that are highly appreciated as the temperatures get higher in the summer. My favourite one is Moopie!
Best Activities in Edinburgh During Summer
Summer is the perfect time to explore Edinburgh, with each month offering its own charm. Whether you’re planning for June to enjoy long and peaceful days, looking for things to do in Edinburgh in July or researching August for the city’s busiest month, there is no shortage of experiences to enjoy.
Picnic in Princes Street Garden
One of the simplest joys of summer in Edinburgh is enjoying a picnic in Princes Street Gardens. Nestled between the Old and New Towns, the gardens offer green lawns, flower-filled borders and stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway sandwich, sharing ice cream, or just soaking up the sun with a book, it’s the perfect spot to relax amid the city’s historic surroundings. I like visiting the Marks & Spencer on Princes Street to pick up a selection of treats – very girl dinner inspired. They have plenty of options so each time I’ll go for something different.
Visit Portobello Beach
A summer visit to Portobello Beach is a refreshing escape from the city, with its wide sandy shore, gentle sea breeze, and charming promenade. It’s really easy to get there as there is a direct bus from the city centre. My top recommendation is to download the Bus & Tram App to help plan your journey and it also recommends what bus to get and where to get it taking your current location into consideration.
After a stroll along the beach, I recommend stopping at Vault City Brewing, just a short walk away. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a tasting flight and sample a trio of their quirky, inventive beers – and it’s also perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends while soaking up the laid-back seaside vibes.
Rooftop Bars
Edinburgh’s summer evenings are made even more special by its rooftop bars, where you can sip a drink while taking in sweeping views of the city. With long daylight hours and warm nights, they’re the perfect spot to relax, watch the sunset and enjoy the city from above.
- Cold Town House: A lovely rooftop terrace just underneath the castle by the Grassmarket. Cold Town House is a beer brewery as well so do try one of their own creations if you like beers. I usually go for a refreshing radler with the Cold Town House lager and lemonade!
- Nor’ Loft: This is primarily a champagne bar, but they have cocktails and other drinks as well. They also do an afternoon tea and it can be a lovely spot just for a cup of coffee or tea as well.
- 1802 at Johnnie Walker Princes Street: One of my favourite spots in the city for cocktails. The menu has quite quirky creations on it so why not try something a bit different like tzatziki + tomato or raspberry + dill pickle?
- W Deck or Joaos Place: At the top of St James Quarter sits the W hotel which has lovely views from its different bars like the W Deck and Joaos Place.
St Cuthberts Kirkyard.
Princes Street Gardens.
Climb Arthur’s Seat
I have already recommended climbing Arthur’s Seat in our springtime guide to Edinburgh but it’s also a lovely activity for the summer when the weather is milder. If you are lucky, then the yellow gorse might still be blooming in June and you might get that lovely scent of coconut that these flowers present. So if you are visiting Edinburgh in June, it might be particularly beautiful as the hills are completely covered in yellow when the gorse blooms.
The best route to the top is to walk down and to the right of Holyrood palace (facing the palace with the Royal Mile behind you) and then following the main path that you’ll see by the foot of Arthurs Seat. I would recommend bringing water or something to drink and perhaps a snack to enjoy once you reach the top. The hike is not terribly long or strenuous but the path is uneven so a good pair of shoes are recommended and always be careful.
Boat tour on the Fourth
If you would fancy a little excursion you can escape to South Queensferry and book one of the boat trips here. Not only do you get fantastic views of the three bridges across the Fourth that are each from a different century, but you can explore something a bit different from Edinburgh. I’ve done the excursion to Inchcolm Island in the summer and it’s a lovely activity. During the tour you can see a variety of wildlife from various birds to seals if you are lucky. Dolphins have also been spotted in the Firth of Fourth. You can also explore the well preserved ruins of an old Augustinian abbey, which is fascinating if you are interested in history.
Exploring Edinburgh in summer?
Why not consider getting the Edinburgh Pass which includes some fantastic experiences that are well worth exploring when visiting the city?
Palace of Holyroodhouse: is the official royal residency in Scotland for the kings and queens of the United Kingdom. It’s a fantastic building to see and you can also admire the ruins of Holyrood abbey right behind the palace which is also included.
Edinburgh Castle: The most iconic of sights in Edinburgh is this stunning medieval castle perched up on its hill right in the heart of the city. Explore more of its history and charm on the guided tour which is included in your ticket.
The Scotch Whisky Experience: The perfect spot to learn more about Scotlands national drink. During the tour you learn more about the production of Scotch whisky, about the different whisky regions and you get to pick one whisky to try! As if that was not it, you also get to see Scotland’s largest collection of unopened Scotch whisky.
Go for ice cream
Stopping for ice cream is a simple pleasure of summer in Edinburgh, whether you’re wandering the Old Town or relaxing in one of the city’s green spaces. On warm days, a scoop of gelato feels wonderfully refreshing and is almost a must. And the city has plenty of excellent spots to choose from, so let me share some of my favourites.
- Moopie: My favourite spot for gelato in Edinburgh. In August they have their monthly special Carrot Cake flavour which is so good!
- Basement Gelato: My second favourite gelato shop! Really friendly staff and they let you try flavours before committing which is super helpful as it’s such a tricky choice to pick between the fantastic flavours.
- Alandas Gelato: Another popular spot in the city. They also have a shop in North Berwick, if you happen to be planning a little day trip to this quaint seaside town.
- Marys Milk Bar: Mary’s often have quite quirky flavours and it’s very popular so don’t be surprised if there is a queue and make sure to follow the painted queue instructions on the pavement.
- Joelato: Also a lovely spot for gelato. I often stop by the one in Stockbridge and they also have a shop in St James Quarter at Bonnie & Wild if you require a cooling scoop or two after or during a shopping spree.
Special Seasonal Events in Edinburgh During Summer
Summer in Edinburgh is marked by a rich calendar of seasonal events that transform the city into a cultural hub. From world-class performances to lively street entertainment and historic spectacles, there is something happening almost every day. These events are at the heart of Edinburgh’s summer atmosphere and draw visitors from around the world.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival
You might’ve heard about the famous Edinburgh Festival in August? The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest arts festival, filling the city with thousands of performances across comedy, theatre, music and everything in between every August. It’s lively, unpredictable and endlessly entertaining, with something to surprise everyone. One show I always recommend is Sh!tfaced Shakespeare, where a fully sober cast performs a classic Shakespearian play while one actor gets hilariously intoxicated, leading to unpredictable and outrageous twists. Each year features a different Shakespeare play, making it a show that’s just as worth seeing each time it returns to the city.
♥ There is almost too much to say on the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – so much so that I’ve written a complete guide to it which you can find here!
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo is one of the city’s most iconic summer events, set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. I really love this performance – it’s a powerful display of just how moving bagpipes and drums can be when played together on such a grand scale. I cry every time I see it. Especially when it’s time for the lone piper who stand at the top of the castle and the sound of the bagpipes ring out. I’m almost crying again just writing about it. The music, combined with the splendid uniforms and evening atmosphere, makes it an unforgettable highlight of Edinburgh’s summer.
The Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival is a world-class celebration of music, theatre, opera, and dance that takes place every August. Many visitors don’t realise it runs alongside the Fringe, offering a more curated and refined programme of performances in some of the city’s most beautiful venues. It provides a wonderful contrast to the Fringe’s energy, showcasing internationally renowned artists and unforgettable productions.
FAQ Visiting Edinburgh in Summer
In Edinburgh during June, July and August it’s generally mild and pleasant with average highs around ~15–19 °C, cool nights, often cloudy with frequent rain or drizzle and long daylight hours with July and August being the warmest months.
Yes, Edinburgh is quite crowded in the summer, especially in July and August, because of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and general tourist season. Popular areas like the Royal Mile and Old Town can be very busy.
In Edinburgh during summer, daytime highs usually reach around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F), though occasionally it can peak near 23–25 °C (73–77 °F) on unusually warm days, while nights stay cooler around 11–13 °C (52–55 °F).
I’ve written a full guide on the best hotels in Edinburgh which you can read here, but some of my favourite picks are Gleneagles Townhouse, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, The Witchery and Tigerlily Edinburgh.
Need more inspiration for your Edinburgh trip?
- Edinburgh in Autumn: A Local’s Guide to the Best Season
- Lannan Bakery: a local’s recommendations and review of the most popular bakery in Edinburgh
- The best hotels in Edinburgh: 19 luxurious recommendations
- Where to go for a whisky tasting in Edinburgh: Scotch whisky tours & distilleries
- The Edinburgh Fringe Festival: the world’s largest arts festival
Read more related articles about Scotland:
- The Three Chimneys Isle of Skye: Where Luxury Meets Wilderness
- Isle of Raasay – the hidden island gem next to the Isle of Skye
Read more of my seasonal guides for your Edinburgh trip
- Edinburgh Guide in Spring
- Edinburgh Guide in Autumn
- Edinburgh Guide in Winter
- The best time to visit Edinburgh: A seasonal travel guide
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
