St Mary's Cathedral Religious Site

Prominent Scottish cathedral with Gothic Revival architecture

A Scottish St Mary's Cathedral features Gothic Revival architecture, stained glass and an active choir; visitors attend services, organ recitals and occasional guided tours.

Main image

St Mary's Cathedral at a Glance#

About St Mary's Cathedral#

St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh is the cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Edinburgh, located on Palmerston Place in the West End of the city.

The building is a Gothic Revival cathedral completed and extended in the late 19th century, with stained glass, an organ and liturgical furnishings consistent with Episcopal worship. It functions as a diocesan seat and hosts regular services and musical events.

The cathedral was built and modified during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the Victorian-era interest in medieval church forms and ecclesiastical revival.

It stands near the New Town and the Meadows, within central Edinburgh and a short walk from Princes Street and other city centre landmarks.

  • Diocesan seat: Serves as the cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Diocese of Edinburgh and is an example of Gothic Revival architecture in the city.

How to Get to St Mary's Cathedral#

St Mary’s Cathedral is in the centre of its city (Scotland) - if you’re already in the city centre it’s a short walk from main rail and bus stops. For visitors arriving by car, follow the city’s main approach roads into the centre and use nearby public car parks; walking distances from central transport hubs are typically under 15 minutes.

Tips for Visiting St Mary's Cathedral#

  • Visit outside major service times (check the cathedral's published schedule) to see the interior and any exhibitions without interruption.
  • Look for announced concerts or organ recitals-the cathedral regularly hosts musical events and the schedule is often posted on its website or noticeboard.

Best Time to Visit St Mary's Cathedral#

St Mary's Cathedral in Scotland is open year‑round; visit in shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for milder weather and fewer crowds, or summer for longer days and busier city life.

Low tourist season
November-February · 1-8 °C
Cooler months with fewer visitors-quiet for an indoor visit though daylight is shorter.
Shoulder seasons
March-May and September-October · 5-15 °C
Mild weather and moderate crowds; comfortable for combining a cathedral visit with city walking.
High season / Summer
June-August · 12-20 °C
Warmer weather and higher tourist numbers-city events and festivals can make the area busier, especially on weekends.

Weather & Climate near St Mary's Cathedral#

Climate

St Mary's Cathedral's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (648 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 31 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.6h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.4h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.0h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
16.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.1h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
16.6h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
14.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 66 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.9h daylight

Nearby Attractions to St Mary's Cathedral#