Dublin or Edinburgh in August?
On climate data, Dublin comes out ahead overall in August. See the per-criterion details below.
DublinPhoto: Holger Uwe Schmitt · CC BY-SA 4.0
EdinburghPhoto: 瑞丽江的河水 · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in August
| Criterion | Dublin | Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 18 °C | 18 °C |
| Average daily low | 12 °C | 11 °C |
| Sea | 15 °C ★ | 14 °C |
| Rainy days | 16 rainy days (est.) | 16 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 5 h/day | 5 h/day |
| Humidity | 86 % | 84 % |
Winner by travel type
Dublin or Edinburgh in August: the short answer
In August, Dublin comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Dublin 45/100 vs Edinburgh 43/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on August as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Dublin averages a climate score of 29/100, Edinburgh 28/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in August, side by side
The average daily high is about 18 °C in Dublin and 18 °C in Edinburgh — about the same. Average daily lows are around 12 °C versus 11 °C.
On rain, Dublin sees about 16 rainy days in August and Edinburgh about 16. Sunshine is comparable (5 vs 5 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In August the water is about 15 °C at Dublin and 14 °C at Edinburgh — warmer for swimming at Dublin. Neither Dublin nor Edinburgh reaches the ~21 °C swimming threshold in any month. Peak sea warmth is August for Dublin and August for Edinburgh.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Dublin records roughly 188 rainy days and Edinburgh about 183 — the drier of the two overall is Edinburgh. At their sunniest, Dublin reaches about 6 hours of sun a day (June) and Edinburgh about 6 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Dublin has no month that stands clearly above the rest, while Edinburgh has no clear standout month. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the August scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Dublin scores higher in August (Dublin 31 vs Edinburgh 28).
City breaks: Dublin scores higher in August (Dublin 69 vs Edinburgh 67).
Active & hiking: Dublin scores higher in August (Dublin 64 vs Edinburgh 63).
Family: Dublin scores higher in August (Dublin 29 vs Edinburgh 27).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In August, Dublin leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Dublin carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.