Leith in December

May through September gives you the best weather and longest days — crucial when you're wandering waterfront streets. August brings the Edinburgh Festival, which means crowds escape to Leith for dinner reservations they can actually get. But here's the thing: Leith shines in shoulder seasons too. October still offers decent weather and fewer tourists. Winter can be brutal with North Sea winds whipping off the harbor, but cozy pubs with coal fires make up for it. The Christmas market at Ocean Terminal runs December through early January if you need festive cheer. Spring arrives late — don't trust March sunshine.