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Edinburgh in June

The longest days of the year. Busier, but still well before festival pricing.

BestMild, highs near 63F (17C), nearly 18 hours of daylight
Edinburgh from Calton Hill
EdinburghPhoto: Saffron Blaze, CC BY 3.0

The straight answer

June is one of the best months of the year to visit Edinburgh. The longest days of the year. Busier, but still well before festival pricing.

Weather
Mild, highs near 63F (17C), nearly 18 hours of daylight
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What June is like in Edinburgh

June brings the longest days of the year, with nearly 18 hours of daylight and highs near 63F (17C). The city is busier, but still well before festival pricing. Parks and gardens are green, and evenings stay light late. The Palace of Holyroodhouse sometimes closes for royal visits in late June or early July, so check dates.

This month suits families, couples, and hikers who want long days without August crowds. Book popular sights like the castle ahead, and arrive at opening. If you want lower prices, go in May or September.

Make the most of June

What is especially good about Edinburgh this month.

01

Near endless daylight

The sun sets very late, so you can pack a lot into each day.

02

Arthur's Seat at sunrise

Very early sunrises make a quiet hike to the summit possible before breakfast.

03

Royal Botanic Garden

The gardens are at their greenest, with views of the skyline.

What to pack for June

  • Layers for cool mornings
  • A light rain jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • An eye mask for bright nights

Our timing tip

Check the Palace of Holyroodhouse schedule before you go, since it can close for royal visits in late June.

Book Edinburgh for June.

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Things to do in Edinburgh

Full guide
01

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 →

02

National Museum of Scotland

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

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 →

04

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 →

05

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

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 June, quick answers

Is June a good time to visit Edinburgh?

June is one of the best months of the year to visit Edinburgh. The longest days of the year. Busier, but still well before festival pricing.

What is the weather like in Edinburgh in June?

Mild, highs near 63F (17C), nearly 18 hours of daylight.

Is Edinburgh crowded in June?

Edinburgh is busy in June, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

Keep planning Edinburgh.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Edinburgh in MayThe month before: Mild, highs near 59F (15C), long daysBest
  2. 02Edinburgh in JulyThe month after: Mild, highs near 66F (19C), some rainGood
  3. 03Edinburgh in SeptemberThe next best month: Mild, highs near 61F (16C)Best

Also at their best in June

Everywhere in June

Where else is good in June?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

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