United Kingdom, Europe

Edinburgh in August

Festival month. Incredible energy and thousands of shows, but peak prices and packed streets. Book very early.

TradeoffsMild, highs near 65F (18C), showers

Edinburgh from Calton Hill — EdinburghPhoto: Saffron Blaze, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Edinburgh. Festival month. Incredible energy and thousands of shows, but peak prices and packed streets. Book very early.

Weather: Mild, highs near 65F (18C), showers
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Edinburgh

August is festival month. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival, and the Royal Military Tattoo take over the city, with thousands of shows. The energy is incredible, but prices peak and streets are packed. Highs near 65F (18C) come with showers. Some streets are given over to festival events, and parts of the castle esplanade are taken up by the Tattoo stands.

This month suits theater lovers, comedy fans, and anyone who wants to be part of the world's largest arts festival. Book accommodation very early. Families will find many shows for kids, but small children may find the crowds overwhelming. If you want a calmer city, choose September.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Edinburgh this month.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Thousands of shows, from comedy to theater, for about three and a half weeks.

Royal Military Tattoo

Massed pipes and drums on the castle esplanade, a classic August night out.

International Festival

Classical music, opera, and theater overlapping the Fringe.

What to pack for August

A packable rain jacket
Comfortable shoes for long days on your feet
A portable phone charger for ticket apps
Layers for evening shows

Our timing tip

Book accommodation as early as you can, and buy Tattoo tickets well ahead.

Book Edinburgh for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Edinburgh
Opens a hotel search for Edinburgh in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Edinburgh
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Edinburgh
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Edinburgh for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

About three and a half weeks in August

The world's largest arts festival, with thousands of shows from comedy to theater. Book accommodation very early.

Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Military Tattoo

August, overlapping the Fringe

Classical music, opera, and theater, plus the Tattoo's massed pipes and drums on the castle esplanade.

Things to do in Edinburgh

Full guide

Edinburgh Castle

Book a timed ticket online, especially in summer. Arrive at opening to see the Crown Jewels before lines build.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

National Museum of Scotland

Free, with an excellent rooftop terrace view. A perfect rainy-day stop.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Free entry to the gardens, with glasshouses and views of the skyline.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Royal Yacht Britannia

The late Queen's former yacht, moored at Leith. A surprisingly engaging visit.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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 August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Edinburgh?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Edinburgh. Festival month. Incredible energy and thousands of shows, but peak prices and packed streets. Book very early.

What is the weather like in Edinburgh in August?

Mild, highs near 65F (18C), showers.

Is Edinburgh crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in Edinburgh; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Edinburgh in August?

Edinburgh Festival Fringe (about three and a half weeks in august); Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Military Tattoo (august, overlapping the fringe).