It’s a common question for travellers to Edinburgh, “what do you wear in March?” It’s a relevant ask when you’re going anywhere. You need to figure out what to pack in limited space. The question here is deeply special because we are cursed with interesting weather. It is so changeable. We are the land of four seasons in one day. In the interests of providing good travel advice therefore, let’s get into it!
Edinburgh Weather: a History
This is the third instalment of what will be a 12 part story of what to wear in Edinburgh. For future travel plans in Winter (may God have mercy on your soul) consider January and February articles.
Why do people need help figuring out what to wear in Edinburgh specifically in March?
As mentioned in previous articles the weather is deceptive year round. The most bronze sky days can be below 0 Celsius. Wet days can have a surprising mild temperature. In Scotland we tend towards miserable predictions and nobody was better at this than our boy Robert Louis Stevenson.
“Edinburgh pays cruelly for her high seat in one of the vilest climates under heaven. She is liable to be beaten upon by all the winds that blow, to be drenched with rain, to be buried in cold sea fogs out of the east, and be powdered in snow as it comes flying southward from the Highland hills. The weather is raw and boisterous in Winter, shifty and ungenial in Summer, and a downright meteorological purgatory in Spring.”
— Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes, Stevenson, 1896
This all being said, I’m a noted Spring lover. I’m more optimistic than Stevenson. I wouldn’t offer free tours on a pay what you want basis otherwise. The weather isn’t that bad most of the time if you are ready for it. With mental preparation and the proper clothes you can enjoy the city.
So, what do you need to wear in Edinburgh in Spring?
Same advice as Winter months – layers are good. More thin layers that you can take off when it does turn hotter, or you go inside.
That’s the thing. You aren’t packing for being outside all the time and deciding only what to wear for the famously tricky climate. Sometimes you will go inside and room temperature is a balmy 20 Celsius in general.
I won’t pretend to know what social functions or what class of dining establishments you’re going to but here’s some ideas.
Head
Hats for the hairless are a good idea. Warning on caps and wide brim hats, the wind can make you look foolish as you chase it. Beanies work against the cold.
Torso
I’m t-shirt, short-sleeve shirt dresser as I don’t like warm arms. Light jumper or cardigan on top of a t-shirt works for most. For coat, prioritise light waterproof over winter coats as the wet can weigh absorbent attire too much.
Legs
I am a fan of toasty legs on very cold days. A layer of tights or thermal leggings if your masculinity is fragile. The one problem with under layers like this is that you cannot easily remove them when you go inside. So it depends on you as an individual.
Feet
One layer of socks will be fine. A spare pair is good to carry in case your feet get wet. Edinburgh has a surprising number of loose paving stones, water can gather underneath and when you step it can soak through shoes.
Where to forage for clothes if you don’t have enough to wear in Edinburgh this March
So there’s a chance that even if you read this, you might wind up under provisioned. Stevenson didn’t call it “meteorological purgatory” because it was easy to predict!
I’ve found myself when travelling not understanding the local shops and where to find items, so I’m making this easy for you. None of this is sponsored or affiliate link, by the way.
Mountain Warehouse is the place if you are cold and need thicker socks. Also good for hiking gear. There’s one on Princes Street and one on the Royal Mile.
Primark is the place for tights. They have the sizes. They also have fleece lined ones if you are especially cold.
For a variety of other clothes, I’d say the St James Quarter has a good range depending on your style and budget. Mercifully, it is a covered shopping experience. Not quite a mall, but larger than an arcade. It’s a good place to find clothes in the city centre.
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