Edinburgh in January with teens?

[PlumCat23]

Thinking of a weekend in early January for a trip to Edinburgh? Is it freezing? I think it may be quite cosy & atmospheric, slightly quieter?

Yes. I’m a soft southerner and it took me about three days to recover from the cold

It will be quieter and cold.

Any chance of snow? We just want to wonder around, see the castle, Greyfriars Bobby, quaint streets, cosy pub for lunch.. is the university within the city?

Snow possible but more likely to get cold rain or sleet. Days will short too. University is very central.

We’ve barely a clue what the weather will be this afternoon, let alone January 🤣 assume it will be cold warm wet dry bright and dark. Early January still suffers from tourism…if 2027 the 2nd BH will fall on Mon 4th.

possibly freezing, possibly not!! hours of daylight will be short but there's plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied and it should be a bit quieter than the summer months.

I live in Edinburgh near the sea and very rarely do we get snow lying here.The city centre may get some snow lying.It will be a lot quieter than it is now. I try to avoid the city centre in August unless I’m going to a Fringe show.Temperature wise,yes it will be cold in January but not necessarily freezing. No need to dress with hundreds of layers. A warm jacket,hat,gloves and warm socks with boots is enough for me.

Do you think January is a good time to visit? Also can you recommend pubs that teens will be welcome for food? Like the look of Greyfriars Bobbys pub as we will be going to the statue

Depends which weekend, I’d definitely avoid the very first one. Remember most pubs will only allow under 18s in at certain times & if you are having a meal.

it will most likely be v cold/rainy/windy but Edinburgh is quite coastal so actual snow in the city centre isn’t that common.

I don’t think there’s any bad time to visit the city, it’ll just be different to in the summer months! Grey friars Bobby pub is part of the Nicolsons chain of pubs so nothing particular special for food.

I thought it would be nice to see the inside which has little touches to Bobby, would prefer just a drink but I don't think teens are allowed unless eating

It will be freezing. So so freezing. I’m from the Highlands and I always find the wind in Edinburgh to be brutal. But there is lots to do inside and public transport in Edinburgh is so fab you won’t be outside for too long!

I live near Edinburgh too. Most pubs serve food and those that do welcome kids. There are tons of places to chose from in the city centre.

January is as good as any winter month to visit. It could be cold, Baltic, wet, snowing or sunny. Or all of these. Just make sure you bring warm, waterproof clothes.

good things to do with teens

hop on hop off buses
ghost tours
edinburgh Castle
mary kings close
camera obscura

plus there are loads of free museums on the royal mile

greyfriara Bobby is nice to see and good for a photo but it’s a 2 minute experience

Remember Edinburgh is up north, so their daylight hours will be shorter than in the south of England. However, it’s a lovely city to visit.

Some ideas here.

https://www.mamanvoyage.com/en/2026/03/3-days-in-edinburgh-with-my-teenager/