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Edinburgh Zoo opening hours in 2026

Today

Open 10:00–18:00

Edinburgh Zoo

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Open daily from 10am year-round, closing between 4pm and 6pm depending on the season.

Apr 1 TO Sep 30 Timings

Days (Apr 1 TO Sep 30)

TIMINGS

Monday10:00–18:00
Tuesday10:00–18:00
Wednesday10:00–18:00
Thursday (Today)10:00–18:00
Friday10:00–18:00
Saturday10:00–18:00
Sunday10:00–18:00

Oct 1 TO Oct 31 Timings

Days (Oct 1 TO Oct 31)

TIMINGS

Monday10:00–17:00
Tuesday10:00–17:00
Wednesday10:00–17:00
Thursday10:00–17:00
Friday10:00–17:00
Saturday10:00–17:00
Sunday10:00–17:00

Nov 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Nov 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Monday10:00–16:00
Tuesday10:00–16:00
Wednesday10:00–16:00
Thursday10:00–16:00
Friday10:00–16:00
Saturday10:00–16:00
Sunday10:00–16:00

Jan 1 TO Feb 28 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Feb 28)

TIMINGS

Monday10:00–16:00
Tuesday10:00–16:00
Wednesday10:00–16:00
Thursday10:00–16:00
Friday10:00–16:00
Saturday10:00–16:00
Sunday10:00–16:00

Mar 1 TO Mar 31 Timings

Days (Mar 1 TO Mar 31)

TIMINGS

Monday10:00–17:00
Tuesday10:00–17:00
Wednesday10:00–17:00
Thursday10:00–17:00
Friday10:00–17:00
Saturday10:00–17:00
Sunday10:00–17:00
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  • Seasonal closures: Open every day of the year except Christmas Day (December 25).
  • Last admission: The ticket office and entry gates close strictly 1 hour before the zoo's closing time.
  • Animal enclosures: Most indoor animal houses begin closing 30 minutes before the main gates shut.
  • Events: The Giant Lanterns event (Nov–Feb) operates on selected evenings with a separate ticketed entry after regular zoo hours.
  • Note: Keeper talks and animal experiences run at set times, so check the daily schedule on arrival. All tickets allow unlimited re-entry on the same day.

Best time to visit the Edinburgh Zoo

Weekday vs Weekend

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  • Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) offer a significantly quieter experience compared to bustling weekends.
  • Saturdays and Sundays see the heaviest footfall, particularly from local families and school tour groups.
  • The best time of day to visit is right at opening at 10am to see the animals at their most active during morning feedings, or after 2pm to experience fewer crowds.
  • Pro tip: Time your walk to catch the famous Penguin Parade if it's running during your visit, and head to the popular Budongo Trail chimpanzee exhibit during typical lunchtime hours (12pm–1:30pm) when other visitors are eating.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

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  • Peak season (April–September): Warm weather brings the highest crowds, especially during school holidays and weekends. The zoo is open longer (10am–6pm). To avoid peak entry rushes, arrive 30–45 mins before opening or visit after 2pm when morning crowds begin to thin.
  • Low season (November–February): Cooler and much quieter, with hours shortened to 10am–4pm. While some animals may choose to stay indoors during colder spells, you can enjoy crowd-free paths and shorter queues. Arrive around 10:30am to maximise daylight hours.
  • Shoulder season (March & October): Operating under transitional hours (10am–5pm), these months offer a balance of mild weather and manageable crowd levels.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long should I spend at Edinburgh Zoo?

Edinburgh Zoo is spread across 82 acres of steep hillside parkland, so the time you need depends on whether you’re here for headline habitats or a full day of talks, play stops, and the Wee Waddle. Here’s a realistic breakdown.

Quick visit (Under 2 hours)

Ideal for those tight on time. You can take a brisk loop to catch the headline sights, such as the penguins, giraffes, and the majestic Sumatran tigers, before heading out.

Average visit (3–5 hours)

The recommended timeframe for most visitors. This allows you to comfortably navigate the zoo's hilly terrain, attend a couple of live keeper talks, watch the Penguin Parade, and take a quick lunch break at the cafe.

Extended visit (6+ hours/full day)

Perfect for families and wildlife photography enthusiasts. A full day gives you the freedom to explore every trail, wander through the deep corners of the park, let the kids enjoy the play areas, and take your time without rushing the steep uphill walk.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Zoo opening hours

The zoo opens daily at 10am year-round. Closing hours change seasonally: 6pm from April to September, 5pm in March and October, and 4pm from November to February.