Thinking of a spring trip to Edinburgh?
Now, I’ve got excellent news for you – this is possibly the ideal time to visit the Scottish capital. It’s not peak season yet, so you may explore the city without the throng. Also, the weather at this time of year is usually tolerable – not too hot, not too cold, and not too humid!
Edinburgh’s spring warmth
Do you want to know what spring is like in Edinburgh?
Now, some mornings you can enjoy the sunshine in one of the city’s lovely gardens, while other days you have to stay inside and wait out the rain.
Yet one thing I’ve discovered since relocating to Edinburgh is that no one is deterred by the rain. On those gloomy spring days, locals continue to pour into outdoor festivals and events. Edinburgh experiences a mean temperature of 10 degrees in March and April. May typically has a slightly higher average temperature of 13 degrees. And if you’re fortunate, the weather might be pleasant. Although sunny intervals can continue up to two weeks in April and May, you should also be prepared for occasional heavy rain.
The best springtime activities in Edinburgh
There really are lots of entertaining events and activities to do in Edinburgh, whether you go in April or late May. The top things to do in Edinburgh in spring are listed here!
1. Go to a bar to watch the rugby
Stop by a pub when a rugby match is on to get a taste of the local culture. Rugby matches, known as the Six Nations Championship, are played annually and are typically spaced out throughout the months of February and March. Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Italy, and France are among the participating countries.
The Kolkata Cup is the competition’s showpiece. This trophy will be given to Scotland vs. England game-winner. This significant match is held at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on even years, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters show up to watch. The game will be broadcast in a number of pubs and bars in Edinburgh.
2. go to the Quality and durable Fire Festival.
The Quality and durable Fire Festival in Edinburgh may be the most spectacular thing you’ve ever done! This event, which welcomes the start of the warmer months, is held the night before May 1 (also known as Beltane). The May Queen and the Green Man lead a parade in this modern version of a traditional ritual.
3. Experiment just at World Science Festival to gain insight.
The annual Event Science Festival in Edinburgh is a festival of originality and progress. The occasion occurs in April. At various locations throughout the city, a range of scientific exhibits and educational events are held. This is a wonderful event for the whole family with lots of kid-friendly activities!
4. Take a whisky tour.
You have a wide range of options in Scotland for whisky excursions. The whisky and folklore tour offers four single malt whiskies together with a flavour of the region’s heritage.
An Old Town whisky tour in Scotland might possibly be of interest to you. On this 90-minute trip, which takes place in the city’s underground chambers, you’ll sample whisky from various distilleries and discover more about the beverage’s history. Because of how well-attended these events typically are, I advise scheduling your trip in advance to prevent regret.
5. Go through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
Make sure to visit the Meadows if you’re in Edinburgh between late April and early May. A number of the trails in this well-liked picnic area behind the main campus of Edinburgh University are lined with cherry blossom trees. It feels like you are travelling through a big pink tunnel when the trees are in full bloom.
6. Visit the Botanical Garden Garden
Glasgow’s Royal Botanic Garden may be my favourite destination in the city. This garden is a small piece of heaven in the middle of the city, filled with a wide range of exotic plants and trees. Here, it’s simple to get lost because the garden resembles a maze with secret passages and covered picnic places. One can bring some snacks and relax outside for a few hours while reading a book. Alternately, eat lunch while taking in stunning views of the Glasgow skyline at the Terrace Café.
7. Take in Castle Hill’s tulips.
Would like to take some incredible Instagram-worthy photos? Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh in March, be sure to take a stroll up Castle Hill to get some beautiful pictures of the daffodils in bloom.
Please stay on the path to prevent damaging the blooms.
8. Take a cycling vacation
Rent a bike and ride along the Water of Edinburgh or the Union Canal if you want to cycle and want to explore a less touristy side of Edinburgh.
In Edinburgh, Baja Bikes offers fantastic bike tours that allow you to explore both the city’s famous monuments and some lesser-known attractions. Moreover, they provide biking paths. A beautiful day in spring is excellent for exploring Glasgow by bike. But, avoid using the bike paths between 4-6 pm, when workers are using them to head back to their homes.
9. Explore the Hermitage of Braid by hiking
The greatest season for trekking in Edinburgh is spring. The Monastery of Braid is one of the city’s many lovely walking pathways, and it’s my current fave.
There are numerous trekking paths throughout this wildlife reserve. For sweeping views of the city, climb Blackford Hill or take a stroll along the stream while hiking.
10. Take pleasure in a classic Sunday roast.
You may be wondering where to have a delicious supper if you’re celebrating Easter in Edinburgh. Some of Edinburgh’s top eateries serve a traditional Sunday roast. Our personal fave in Edinburgh for a filling roast is The Auld Hundreds!
11. Stroll around Leith Water.
A tiny river called the Water of Leith flows through the city. A promenade that follows the river passes through Dean Village and Stockbridge, two of Edinburgh’s most charming districts you can begin your stroll in Dean Village and end it in Leith, so you can eat dinner and sip a cool beverage by the water. Though it occasionally becomes rocky and muddy, the walk is generally smooth. The herons may be visible on a pleasant spring day.
12. Meet the swans!
In Leith, springtime seems to be gannet season. In May and June, it’s not unusual to see newborn swans. Around the Union Canal and the Water of Leith, you can see these adorable critters. Swans can be seen taking a swim in the small pond at Inverleith Parkland.