Edinburgh in winter - worth going?
Oct 15th, 2015, 11:04 AM
#1
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Edinburgh in winter - worth going?
I got an email from British Airways about good pricing on flights from US if booked by Oct 16 (tomorrow), with travel through March 2016. There are choices to Edinburgh, but how miserable is the weather there in Jan or Feb? It looks to be chilly (in the 30’s F) and wet – average of 1 hour of sun per day.
Is Edinburgh the type of city where we can have a really enjoyable time despite the weather? Or would our experience likely be so much better in warmer weather that we should forego the 'deal'?
Is Edinburgh the type of city where we can have a really enjoyable time despite the weather? Or would our experience likely be so much better in warmer weather that we should forego the 'deal'?
Oct 15th, 2015, 11:20 AM
#2
I love LOVE Edinburgh at any time. There is plenty to see/do whenever one visits. The days will be short and it could becold ans will likely be wet, but / thebarhpgain airfares (I saw that sale and even though I'm traveling to the UK between Christmas and New Years I'm really tempted to book ANOTHER trip)
As long as you are dressed for the weather, go for it.
As long as you are dressed for the weather, go for it.
Oct 15th, 2015, 12:12 PM
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days are short but unlikely to be really cold - February would be better for daylight but as janis says Edinburgh can be enjoyed even in the darkness of winter - lots of good pubs to while away nights.
Oct 15th, 2015, 01:15 PM
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I was there in August and it was bad enough, people were wearing wool coats and it rained quite a bit.
But it will be a bit better in February than January, if you want to go with the odds. Obviously, a bit more daylight hours and slightly less change of rain. http://www.holiday-weather.com/edinb...rages/february
I guess it depends your valuation of your time and money to take a trip like that. If you don't work or have tons of vacation time, it makes a difference in how you view things like that, and what your alternatives are. When I have vacation time in winter, I go skiing, but I know a lot of people don't.
YOu have to be careful with BA. As long as you are seeing the entire final fare, okay, but I also think they won't allow you to reserve a seat ahead of time, you can only get one at departure or something like that.
But it will be a bit better in February than January, if you want to go with the odds. Obviously, a bit more daylight hours and slightly less change of rain. http://www.holiday-weather.com/edinb...rages/february
I guess it depends your valuation of your time and money to take a trip like that. If you don't work or have tons of vacation time, it makes a difference in how you view things like that, and what your alternatives are. When I have vacation time in winter, I go skiing, but I know a lot of people don't.
YOu have to be careful with BA. As long as you are seeing the entire final fare, okay, but I also think they won't allow you to reserve a seat ahead of time, you can only get one at departure or something like that.
Oct 15th, 2015, 05:36 PM
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Well you're unlikely to get a lot of warm weather in Edinburgh at any time of year. We were there in July and the temps were in the mid 40s with quite heavy rain - sideways - and a lot of wind. It had been 85 when we were in London about 4 days earlier.
Now in winter it is more likely to be cold and rainy/snowy than in summer - but if you really want to see Edinburgh - and I really reco doing it - I would go ahead. But I don't mind winter weather. And afternoon tea is really a treat in that weather.
There is a lot to see/do indoors and some wonderful local food - esp the salmon.
Now in winter it is more likely to be cold and rainy/snowy than in summer - but if you really want to see Edinburgh - and I really reco doing it - I would go ahead. But I don't mind winter weather. And afternoon tea is really a treat in that weather.
There is a lot to see/do indoors and some wonderful local food - esp the salmon.
Oct 15th, 2015, 10:58 PM
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we locals seem to survive but I must admit I always head off to a week in the sun in January.
it will only be daylight for 6 or 7 hours at that time of year and sunshine is not a given but when it does come out it can be cold but glorious.Loads to keep you buy in the city
it will only be daylight for 6 or 7 hours at that time of year and sunshine is not a given but when it does come out it can be cold but glorious.Loads to keep you buy in the city
Oct 16th, 2015, 08:19 AM
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Thanks for all your input. I really mulled this one over, especially for February given your comments -- ultimately decided to forego it. Will work to fit in Edinburgh as part of a longer TBD European vacation...
Oct 16th, 2015, 08:37 AM
#10
I'd never (ever) let potential weather determine whether to visit Edinburgh or not. I've been more that 20 times in just about every month -- don't think I've been in Feb but have in January and March so close enough. 
The fares are so good - If the weather is decent the views will be glorious. And if it is wet there are lots of indoors things to see/do. Nice spending a cold/wet afternoon having some single malts in a cozy pub.
The fares are so good - If the weather is decent the views will be glorious. And if it is wet there are lots of indoors things to see/do. Nice spending a cold/wet afternoon having some single malts in a cozy pub.
