Scotland, up in the northern part of the UK, takes up about a third of Great Britain. It’s a place of great diversity: mountains, lochs, and a lot of coastlines, with around 790 islands, including the Hebrides and Shetlands. The Highlands, Lowlands, and Southern Uplands, each will give you something different to explore.
But Scotland isn’t just famous for its impressive landscapes, it’s also home to world-famous whisky and traditional dishes like haggis.
Dreaming of a trip to Scotland? Let’s talk about the best time to visit and share some tips to make your journey one to remember.
Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash
The Best Time to Visit Scotland: A Seasonal Breakdown
Spring in Scotland (March to May)
What is the weather like in spring?
During spring Scotland experiences mild and variable weather, ideal for exploring its natural landscapes and urban areas. Check out some of the weather features you’ll find if you travel during this season:
- Average temperatures range from 7°C to 13°C, however, in May and June, they can reach up to 17°C.
- Although March and April can be cooler, especially in early spring, May usually offers more pleasant temperatures and daylight hours.
- Scotland is known for its rainy weather, but spring is not the wettest time. Rainfall is common, but not usually excessive in this season.
- In April the days begin to lengthen, with sunrise around 6:50 a.m. and sunset at 7:46 p.m. In late June days can last up to 17 hours, allowing for more outdoor activities.
- Spring is a beautiful time in Scotland as fields and gardens bloom with daffodils, hyacinths, and cherry blossoms. It is a stunning visual spectacle when nature awakens.
What to do during Spring in Scotland?
Spring can be the best time to visit Scotland because of the number of activities and events during the season. Here are some of the main activities and festivals you can enjoy:
- Hiking and trekking in places like the Cairngorms National Park or climbing mountains.
- Wildlife watching: You may see lambs and calves in the fields or migratory birds. The Shetland Islands are known for their puffins, and there is a chance of seeing dolphins and whales in May.
- Beltane Fire Festival: Held at the top of Calton Hill in Edinburgh, it marks the start of the Celtic summer with parades, music and dancing around bonfires.
- Glasgow Visual Arts Festival: Celebrates contemporary art with exhibitions, workshops and activities for all tastes.
- Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival: A paradise for whisky lovers, offering tastings, distillery tours and events related to whisky culture.
- Kirkcudbright Book Festival: A literary event that brings together authors, publishers and readers to celebrate Scottish literature.
- Visit the Edinburgh and Glasgow Botanic Gardens, perfect for enjoying the spring splendor.
Photo by Eilis Garvey on Unsplash
What to pack for a trip to Scotland in spring
For a trip to Scotland in spring it is important to be prepared for variable weather and outdoor activities. Here is a list of essential items that should not be missing in your suitcase:
- Short or long-sleeved T-shirts, preferably made of breathable materials.
- Sweaters or sweatshirts that provide warmth. Opt for materials such as wool or polyester.
- A waterproof coat or windproof raincoat.
- Comfortable and versatile pants: Consider waterproof trekking pants or jeans for walking around town.
- Waterproof hiking boots and comfortable shoes for walking around town.
- Scarf, hat, and light gloves for cooler or windy days.
Other Accessories:
- Umbrella or rain jacket.
- Underwear and socks
- Chargers and adapters
- Basic first aid kit (personal medications and some basics such as painkillers)
Summer in Scotland (June to August)
What is the weather like in summer?
The weather in Scotland during the summer (June, July, and August), is generally mild and variable. That is why you must know the weather patterns of this season:
- Average maximum temperatures range from 15°C to 17°C, although some days can reach 20°C or more. However, cooler days can be experienced, especially in the northern regions and the Highlands.
- Scotland offers long summer days. In Edinburgh the sun can rise around 4:00 a.m. and set around 11:00 p.m., allowing you more time for outdoor activities.
- Although summer is one of the warmest seasons, it also has rains. In fact, August is usually the rainiest month of the year.
Best activities and events in summer in Scotland
During the summer the Highlands light up with many activities and events that elevate its culture and traditions. Therefore this can be the best time to visit Scotland. Here is a summary of the main activities and festivals you can enjoy during this season:
- Hiking in the Highlands, with routes from challenging mountains like Ben Nevis to gentler trails in Glen Coe.
- Explore Loch Lomond by kayak, a perfect way to enjoy the natural scenery. Tour operators offer guided tours and equipment hire.
- There are numerous cycling routes such as coastal paths and forest trails. It’s a great way to explore Scotland’s beauty at your own pace.
- Edinburgh Festival: Held from August 2 to 26, this is one of the most important events of the year, where plays, dance, music and comedy are presented in various theaters and public spaces.
- Highland Games: These traditional events celebrate Scottish culture with competitions such as log throwing, sack races and Scottish dancing.
- Beltane Fire Festival: This festival celebrates the arrival of summer with parades, music and dancing around bonfires.
Photo by Migle Siauciulyte on Unsplash
What to pack for a trip to Scotland in summer
When traveling to Scotland during the summer it is essential to be prepared for variable weather and outdoor activities. Check out the following list of essentials to consider packing in your suitcase:
- Lightweight short-sleeved shirts for warmer days.
- Sweaters or sweaters of thicker material for cooler evenings.
- A waterproof coat or jacket is essential because rain can come.
- Lightweight, waterproof pants
- Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots and comfortable shoes for walking around town.
Other Accessories:
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Raincoat or umbrella
- Waterproof backpack
- Basic first aid kit (personal medicines and some basic medicines such as painkillers)
- Electrical adapter and chargers
- Camera
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Autumn in Scotland (September to November)
What is the weather like in autumn?
In autumn Scotland’s weather is cool and variable, ideal for enjoying its natural scenery and outdoor activities. Here are some of the weather features you may encounter if you travel during the autumn season:
- Temperatures usually range from 8°C to 14°C. September and October are warmer, while November can be much cooler.
- You can experience variations in the weather during the day, so it is advisable to be prepared for all four seasons in one day.
- Although autumn can bring rainy days, it usually does not rain as much as in winter. There are also days with clear skies, perfect for exploring and photographing the beautiful fall colors.
- This can be the best season to visit Scotland, as the trees change color and turn shades of gold, red, and orange. The walks through parks and forests are beautiful and special.
Best activities and events in autumn
Autumn in Scotland is a magical season, with many activities and events that highlight the country’s culture. Here are some of the main activities and festivals you can enjoy during this time of year:
- Explore the autumnal landscapes in beautiful places like Loch Lomond National Park and the Trossachs. Trails such as the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park offer spectacular views.
- In places like Pitlochry, you can watch salmon swimming upstream during migration.
- Largs Viking Festival: A cultural event celebrating Viking heritage with parades, music and family activities.
- Scottish International Storytelling Festival: Held in Edinburgh from October 19-31, this festival brings together storytellers to share traditional and contemporary tales.
- Halloween and Samhuinn Fire Festival: On October 31 Edinburgh celebrates the Samhuinn Fire Festival, an event marking the Celtic New Year with dance performances, storytelling and a spectacular parade.
Photo by Adrian Mag on Unsplash
What to pack for a trip to Scotland in autumn
For a trip to Scotland in autumn, it’s important to notice the variable weather and cool temperatures. Here’s a list of essentials that shouldn’t be missing from your suitcase:
- Long-sleeved T-shirts.
- Sweaters are made of warm and comfortable materials.
- Waterproof coat, preferably with a hood to protect you from rain and wind.
- Comfortable and versatile pants. Trekking pants are ideal if you plan to hike.
- Waterproof hiking boots and casual, comfortable shoes for walking around town.
Other Accessories:
- Scarf, Hat and Gloves.
- Thick socks, preferably made of wool or thermal materials.
- Raincoat or Umbrella
- Waterproof backpack
- Basic First Aid Kit (personal medication and some basic medicines such as painkillers and band-aids).
- Electrical Adapter and Chargers
- Camera
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Winter in Scotland (December to February)
What is the weather like in winter?
During the winter (December, January, and February) Scotland experiences cold and variable weather, with very low temperatures and a chance of snow. Check out the typical weather conditions during this season:
- This is the coldest season, with average maximum temperatures of 5°C. Minimums can drop to 0°C or even lower, especially in mountainous areas. Temperatures vary by region. The Highlands tend to be cooler than the coastal areas, where the climate is milder due to the influence of the sea.
- Winter brings a fair amount of rain, with some areas seeing up to 170 mm of rainfall in January. Snow is most common in the Highlands, with records of between 10 and 40 days of snow per year. Also in mountainous areas such as the Cairngorms, the number of snow days can be much higher.
- Although snowfall is less frequent in the lowlands, frost and heavy rain can occur. Storms are more common in the west and mountainous regions.
Best activities and events in winter
During the winter Scotland offers some activities and events that make it an attractive destination for visitors. Here are some of the main activities and events you can enjoy during this season:
- If you are a ski lover, this is the best time to visit Scotland. There are five ski resorts: Cairngorm Mountain, Glenshee, Glencoe, Lecht and Nevis Range. Here you will find slopes for all levels, perfect for enjoying winter sports.
- Enjoy mountain biking in places like Glentress or Nevis Range.
- In remote places like the Shetland Islands or the Outer Hebrides, you see northern lights, especially on clear nights.
- Christmas Markets: During December, cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow have Christmas markets where you can find local crafts, typical food and hot drinks.
- New Year’s Eve celebrations: Hogmanay festivities are famous in Scotland, including fireworks, concerts and parades in cities like Edinburgh.
- For adrenaline seekers, the Ice Factor in Glencoe offers the opportunity to go ice climbing under the supervision of professional instructors.
Photo by martin bennie on Unsplash
What to pack for a trip to Scotland in winter
For a trip to Scotland in winter it is essential to be well prepared for low temperatures and variable weather conditions. Check out this list of items to pack in your suitcase:
- Thermal or long-sleeved T-shirts as a base layer.
- Warm sweaters or sweatshirts as a second layer.
- Thick, waterproof coat to protect you from the cold and rain.
- Thick pants, such as jeans or hiking pants, to keep you warm and comfortable.
- Waterproof pants if you plan to do outdoor activities.
- Wear waterproof and comfortable footwear, ideal for walking in wet terrain.
- Thick socks, preferably made of wool or thermal materials.
Other Accessories:
- A Scarf, hat, and gloves, are essential to protect you from the cold.
- Raincoat or Umbrella
- Waterproof backpack
- Basic First Aid Kit (personal medications and some basic ones such as painkillers and band-aids).
- Electrical Adapter
- Camera
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), for any medical eventuality.
What is the worst time to visit Scotland?
You may have wondered what is the worst time to visit Scotland. This depends on several factors, mainly the weather, the number of tourists and the activities you can do.
Here’s why these months can be a challenging time to go to Scotland:
Winter (December to February) can be the worst time to go to Scotland due to its extremely cold temperatures, often below 5°C, and very short days with only about 7 hours of daylight. These conditions limit outdoor activities and make explorations less enjoyable. Although some areas can be lovely with snow, in places like the Highlands snowfall can disrupt transportation and access to attractions.
Summer, especially July and August, is the peak tourist season due to school vacations. Crowds are at their highest, accommodation prices tend to be higher. While summer offers warmer temperatures, these factors can make it the worst time to visit Scotland.
October and November are among the wettest months in Scotland, with heavy rainfall, especially in October, when rain can reach up to 152 mm. This makes it one of the worst times for outdoor exploration and not the best travel experience.
Other Aspects to Consider:
Unpredictable Weather: Scotland is known for its variable weather. No matter the time of year, you might encounter all four seasons in a single day. Therefore, you should always be prepared for abrupt and sudden changes in the weather.
Closure of Attractions: Some attractions, especially in remote areas such as the Isle of Skye, may have reduced opening hours or be closed during the winter and early spring months. So, check availability on their online site before visiting.
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