Edinburgh edges it in December. Edinburgh averages 2–7°C with moderate–high crowds; London 5–9°C with high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Edinburgh and London
The verdict for December
Christmas markets, then Hogmanay takes over the city.
+Festive atmosphere, building to Hogmanay’s street party
–Cold, dark, with the year’s highest prices around New Year
December brings the Edinburgh Christmas Market to Princes Street Gardens, followed by Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s famous multi-day New Year celebration and street party, widely considered one of the world’s best.
Festive, busy, expensive
+Christmas lights, festive markets and New Year celebrations make December uniquely atmospheric.
–Christmas shopping and the holiday period push crowds and prices higher.
The single most atmospheric month if you're here for the festive city.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month