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Edinburgh vs London: which is better, and when to go
Edinburgh is at its best in June and London in May. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Edinburgh and London
At a glance
| Edinburgh | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | June (9/10) | May (9/10) |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C | July, 24°C |
| Coolest month | January, 7°C | January, 8°C |
| Quietest month | February (Low) | January (Low) |
| Busiest month | August (Extremely High) | July (Very High) |
| Cheapest month | February (€) | January (€€) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Edinburgh for
- a gentler warmest month (July highs around 19°C, against 24°C)
Choose London for
- a calmer peak month
- more going on through the year (events and festivals)
Little difference between them in: how cold the coolest month gets, crowds across the year, prices across the year.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Edinburgh | London | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C · Moderate (early) / Low (rest of month) · €€ | 8°C · Low · €€ | Close |
| February | 8°C · Low · € | 9°C · Low · €€ | Close |
| March | 10°C · Low · € | 12°C · Low-Moderate · €€€ | London |
| April | 12°C · Moderate · €€ | 16°C · Moderate · €€€ | London |
| May | 15°C · Moderate · €€ | 18°C · Moderate · €€€ | London |
| June | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | 22°C · High · €€€€ | Edinburgh |
| July | 19°C · Moderate–High · €€€ | 24°C · Very High · €€€€€ | Close |
| August | 19°C · Extremely High · €€€€€ | 23°C · High · €€€€ | Close |
| September | 17°C · Moderate · €€ | 21°C · Moderate-High · €€€€ | Close |
| October | 13°C · Low · € | 16°C · Moderate · €€€ | London |
| November | 10°C · Low · € | 12°C · Low-Moderate · €€€ | Close |
| December | 7°C · Moderate–High · €€€€ | 9°C · High · €€€€ | Edinburgh |
FAQ
Edinburgh or London?
Is Edinburgh or London better?
It depends on when you go. Edinburgh is at its best in June and London in May. The month-by-month table shows which city comes out ahead in each month.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh and London?
Edinburgh: June. London: May.
Which is cheaper, Edinburgh or London?
Prices are similar across the year. Check each month for the difference.
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