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A panorama of Edinburgh's dramatic Old Town and New Town skyline

Edinburgh summer- Old Town and New Town skyline

Edinburgh's historic Canongate Kirk on the Royal Mile

Edinburgh spring - Canongate Kirk, Royal Mile

the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art in autumn

Scottish Gallery of Modern Art © Kenny Lam

looking out over a snow-covered Edinburgh from Calton Hill

looking out over Edinburgh from Calton Hill © Kenny Lam

Edinburgh enjoys a moderate year-round climate, with all the benefits of the sunny east coast of Scotland with less annual rainfall than Rome in Italy.

The city can be warm and pleasant during the summer although being close to the Firth of Forth means there can also be a cool coastal breeze and occasional mists (known locally as 'haar'). In winter, it is often cold with snow or sharp frosts.

From April to September, temperatures are mild and compare favourably with other European cities. Annual rainfall is the same as Frankfurt, New York and less than in Rome.

It's always worth packing a sweater against the chance of changeable Edinburgh weather conditions and even if it's wet, Edinburgh has a fantastic range of galleries, museums and other attractions to keep you entertained.