United Kingdom, Europe
Edinburgh in April
Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill on April 30 and the Science Festival. Easter weekend gets busy.
The straight answer
April is a good month to visit Edinburgh. Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill on April 30 and the Science Festival. Easter weekend gets busy.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 53F (12C), showers
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Edinburgh
April brings cool weather, with highs near 53F (12C) and showers. Days are much longer, and the city feels lively. The Edinburgh International Science Festival runs for about two weeks around early April, and the Beltane Fire Festival lights up Calton Hill on April 30. Easter weekend gets busy. Prices rise but stay moderate.
This month suits families, especially those who love hands-on science events, plus couples and first-timers. Pack for rain. If you want warmer days and blossoms, May is the next step up, with prices still below summer.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Edinburgh this month.
Science Festival
Hands-on science events across the city, great for families, for about two weeks around early April.
Beltane Fire Festival
On April 30, a dramatic nighttime performance on Calton Hill marks the start of summer. It is ticketed.
Longer days
More daylight means more time for walks up Arthur's Seat and through the Old Town closes.
What to pack for April
- A rain jacket
- Layers for cool days
- Waterproof shoes
- A warm layer for evening events
Our timing tip
Book Beltane tickets early, since the event on April 30 sells out.
Book Edinburgh for April.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in EdinburghOpens a hotel search for Edinburgh in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in EdinburghWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in EdinburghTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Edinburgh for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in April
Beltane Fire Festival
April 30 every year
A dramatic nighttime performance on Calton Hill marking the start of summer. Ticketed.
Edinburgh International Science Festival
About two weeks around early April
Hands-on science events across the city, great for families.
Things to do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Book a timed ticket online, especially in summer. Arrive at opening to see the Crown Jewels before lines build.
National Museum of Scotland
Free, with an excellent rooftop terrace view. A perfect rainy-day stop.
Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
A 1 to 2 hour hike to the summit. Go at sunrise or early evening for the best light and fewer people.
Royal Mile and the Old Town closes
Wander the narrow closes off the Royal Mile. Early morning is quiet; the afternoon is packed in summer.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Free entry to the gardens, with glasshouses and views of the skyline.
Royal Yacht Britannia
The late Queen's former yacht, moored at Leith. A surprisingly engaging visit.
Beat the crowds
- Visit the castle at opening or in the last two hours. Book online to skip the ticket line entirely.
- For August, book accommodation six months to a year ahead, or stay in Leith or outside the center and use the tram and buses.
- Explore Stockbridge, Leith, and Dean Village for a calmer side of the city.
- Climb Arthur's Seat early in the morning; the summit gets crowded by late morning on sunny weekends.
Know before you go
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse closes during royal visits, including a week in late June or early July in some years. Check dates before planning around it.
- In August, some streets and venues are dedicated to festival events and access to parts of the castle esplanade is restricted by the Tattoo stands.
- Most museums and sights stay open year-round, though winter hours may be shorter.
- Hogmanay street party areas require tickets, and parts of the city center close to general traffic on New Year's Eve.
Edinburgh in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Edinburgh?
April is a good month to visit Edinburgh. Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill on April 30 and the Science Festival. Easter weekend gets busy.
What is the weather like in Edinburgh in April?
Cool, highs near 53F (12C), showers.
Is Edinburgh crowded in April?
Crowds in Edinburgh are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Edinburgh in April?
Beltane Fire Festival (april 30 every year); Edinburgh International Science Festival (about two weeks around early april).
Keep planning Edinburgh.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.