Edinburgh · January
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 44°F, low 36°F. Layering becomes the workout. Humidity averages 84% — the limiting factor on most runs. Expect 18 rain days — plan around the radar. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
Avg high / low
44° / 36°F
Humidity
84%
Rain days
18/mo
Wind
17 mph
What January feels like in Edinburgh
Sunrise
09:29
Mid-month average
Sunset
17:13
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Mild but UV and traffic peak. Workable if you don't mind shifting your pace.
Evening
Warm and runnable. Crowded routes but the air's typically calm.
What to wear running in Edinburgh in January
The kit for January in Edinburgh: a long-sleeve or light jacket for the first mile, a wind-blocking layer for exposed routes, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
January vs the surrounding months
vs December
-1° avg high
-2 rain days
Edinburgh in December →
January
44°F avg high
18 rain days
Best: midday
vs February
-1° avg high
+1 rain days
Edinburgh in February →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Edinburgh in January?+
Midday. Cold mornings warm into runnable midday hours — the windows around noon catch the warmest temperatures.
What's the average temperature in Edinburgh in January?+
Average high 44°F, average low 36°F.
How does January compare to surrounding months in Edinburgh?+
Compared to December (avg high 45°F), January is cooler. Compared to February (avg high 45°F), January is cooler.
Does it rain often in Edinburgh in January?+
Expect about 18 measurable rain days in January, on average.