Best Time for a Castle Tours Tour in Edinburgh
By Editorial Team · Last updated 16/08/2026
- Best season
- May to September
- How to get there
- 4.5 hours by train from London King's Cross, or fly into Edinburgh Airport
- Avg. visit duration
- 2-3 days
If you’re considering a castle tour in Edinburgh, the very best time to visit is undoubtedly May through September. This period offers the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, which are ideal for exploring the historic castles that dominate the city's skyline. We’ve found that tours of this nature – lasting from 90 minutes up to seven-and-a-half hours – benefit significantly from pleasant weather and sufficient light for viewing the impressive architecture and surrounding landscapes.
There are currently eight castle tour options available in Edinburgh, ranging in price from £39 to a substantial £840, reflecting the varying lengths and inclusions of the tours. The average rating across all tours is a highly respectable 4.7 out of 5, demonstrating their popularity and quality.
Given the duration range – from just an hour to nearly eight hours – we recommend booking during these warmer months to maximise your experience. Longer tours like the “Loch Ness and The Highlands from Edinburgh” (currently our top-rated at 5.0/5 with 24 reviews and priced at £840) are particularly well-suited for this time of year, allowing you to comfortably explore beyond the immediate city walls.
We anticipate that demand will be highest during these months, so booking in advance is highly advised to secure your preferred tour slot.