Go to Edinburgh in November

Many people have doubts about when to visit Scotland, and many tourists who have already visited the country advise against winter (or pre-winter), whether because of the low temperatures, the days that end early or attractions that may be compromised by bad weather.

We went to low season, at the end of November and autumn, with winter already underway, and I can say that going to Edinburgh in November It was the best choice we could have made, and I'll explain why.

Edinburgh Christmas Market – Edinburgh's Christmas market

The date was personal for us, as my birthday is November 25th. Only after it was closed did I research the events that would happen in Edinburgh at that time, because it is low season, so I didn't know what I might find.

To my surprise and joy, I knew that we would arrive when the Edinburgh Christmas Market it would be newly opened! It's a Christmas market right in the central Edinburgh, and it was one of the most incredible places we visited in Scotland!

Well, the word “fair” doesn’t do it justice. It's a huge ferris wheel, a two-story carousel, another common carousel, among several other rides for children and adults.

The most famous is the Star Flyer. It’s kind of like Playcenter’s old “Mexican hat”, but up high!

I don't know how many meters high it is, but it basically reaches the church tower, from the photos you can get an idea. I didn't have the courage to go, not only because of the height, but also because I imagined how cold it must be up there, but it looks amazing and is very popular, it was never empty!

In addition to the toys, there are several stalls selling everything: food, drinks, crafts, souvenirs, artisanal cheeses and decorative items in general. The weather there is magical! A low, discreet Christmas song plays in the background, the bright lights, the Christmas decorations...

Everything gives that childhood Christmas movie atmosphere! Just happy people wrapped up against the cold walking back and forth, a very different environment, really charming.

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Edinburgh's cold in November

Yes, it's quite cold! It's not unbearable at all, if you come prepared with a good coat, good pairs of socks, gloves and ear protection.

On some nights, I went out with just a sweatshirt, without the overcoat, on others I needed to wrap up a little more... but nothing desperate, I can face the cold in a good way!

Days that end early

True. It was starting to get dark at four thirty in the afternoon, but that wasn't a problem for us. The only difference was the dark day, because the establishments operated normally, so you could enjoy it equally.

Of course, if the choice is an attraction with a beautiful view to see and record in photos, it's a good idea. schedule this tour earlier, but this is customary at any time of the year, so this issue did not negatively influence our trip.

Attractions that are not open in Edinburgh in November

Yes, we read that it happens a lot, and even the Jacobite Express, the famous Hogwarts Express from the film series Harry Potter, in the Highlands, doesn't work regularly at this time of year (or wasn't working in 2016).

The tour we took through Highlands, as far as we know, it was also at risk of being rescheduled if there was heavy rain, but it didn't happen and didn't seem to happen regularly!

It may have just been our experience, suddenly for other types of tourism the cold weather makes a difference, but for us it was very peaceful.

For these and several other reasons listed, not only do we not regret choosing this period, we would choose it again when we return, just to be able to walk the streets again. Christmas illuminated streets. What's more, it's nice to go into a warm restaurant and have a latte or order something warm in that cold weather.

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Bon voyage!!