The best time to visit Scotland
The best time to visit the Scottish Highlands is from June to August. Summer temperatures are best for exploring the Highlands, however, with Scotland’s location so far up north on the globe, don’t expect a hot summer. During the country’s warmest month (August), highs rarely surpass the 70-degree mark.
The early summer warmth and long days allows for plenty of time out in the fresh air. In fact, the days are so long at this time of year that you can even play a round of golf at midnight in the north of Scotland.
While November is technically autumn, it’s the start of winter in Scotland. Days are short, dark, and often rather dismal, and the month often sees the first snow of the season. The best chance for snow is from December through January. This is the optimal time to go for an uncrowded, budget-friendly trip, with the best opportunities for lower room rates and airfare. Some attractions, as well as hotels and restaurants, may close during this time, so be sure to keep that in mind while trip planning.
Here are the best times to travel to Scotland
January - March
January is bitterly cold in Scotland, especially in the east of the country where average temperatures hover around freezing during the daytime. Edinburgh is beset by icy winds from the coast, and much of the country is under snow, especially the mountainous areas. Hogmanay is the Scottish festival for New Year, usually marked by live music, fire dancers and fireworks. Burns Night, a celebration of national poet Robert Burns, is on the 25th of the month and is usually observed by poetry readings accompanied by whisky and haggis.
February is still a cold month and receives a fair amount of snow. The Fort William Mountain Festival is held during February, celebrating all things mountainous with films, events and talks by famous mountaineers.
In the south of the country temperatures start to rise and spring begins to emerge. In the Highlands and Cairngorms, snow remains on the mountains but the lower slopes may begin to melt.
Events & Festivals
- Burns Night is a celebration of Scotland‘s national Poet, Robert Burns, usually celebrated with poetry readings, whisky and haggis.
- The Fort William Mountain Festival is a celebration of all things mountainous, with talks by famous mountaineers, films and events.
April - June
Temperatures are slightly warmer, although again the mountainous areas will remain cold with snow on the peaks. This is usually when the ski areas of the West Highlands and the Cairngorms close. April is typically the driest month in Edinburgh. Beltane, a pagan fire festival, is held at the end of the month, marking the end of winter. In Edinburgh, thousands climb Calton Hill for a pagan and fire-themed performance.
Spring flowers and foliage really emerge in May and into June, with the snow mostly melting from all but the highest peaks. Public holidays at the beginning and end of May make these weekends particularly busy. From June, Scotland’s midges (flies) make an appearance, lasting through until the end of September. Daylight hours are long, with around 17 and a half hours by the end of June in central Scotland, increasing the further north you travel. Many Highland games are held in May and June, although these do continue through to September.
Events & Festivals
- Beltane is held at the end of the month, a pagan fire festival marking the end of winter.
- The Highland Games feature heavy athletic events such as tossing the caber, tug-o-war as well as dance competitions and piping.
July - August
This is peak summer in Scotland, with temperatures averaging at around 19°C (66°F). Schools break for the summer in July and this is the busiest time of year to travel. Edinburgh Festival Fringe is held throughout August, coinciding with the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular military parade in front of the castle.
Events & Festivals
- The Highland Games feature heavy athletic events such as tossing the caber, tug-o-war as well as dance competitions and piping.
- The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. Held during most of August, it features all kinds of performances including comedy, dance and theatre.
September - October
September is the wettest month in Scotland, and temperatures decrease a little. Despite the schools returning, this is still a busy time of year to travel. The most famous of Scotland’s Highland games, the Braemar Gathering, is held in September just north of Pitlochry.
Vibrant autumn foliage reaches its glorious peak toward the end of October, and the weather is typically cool and slightly drier than in September. Certain hotels and sites start to close toward the end of the month.
Events & Festivals
- The Highland Games feature heavy athletic events such as tossing the caber, tug-o-war as well as dance competitions and piping.
November - December
Temperatures are fairly cold across Scotland in November, particularly in the north and the east. Autumn foliage still on the trees at the start of the month drops toward the end, and the first snowfall is often in November. This is a much quieter month to visit Scotland, although some sites may be closed. St Andrew’s Day, held on the 30th of the month, is a celebration of Scotland’s patron saint, marked with feasts, music and dancing.
December has the shortest amount of daylight of the year, with long nights and cold days. It’s a relatively dry month and can see beautifully crisp, clear and sunny days. Edinburgh holds its annual New Years Eve party.
Events & Festivals
- St Andrew’s Day is a celebration of Scotland‘s patron saint, marked with feasts, music and dancing, held on the 30th of the month.
- Hogmanay is the Scottish festival for New Year, usually marked by live music, fire dancers and fireworks.
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