When is the best time to visit Scotland? Many people believe that it’s always rainy or cloudy in Scotland, but that’s a lie! There are many good days with sunshine, but I confess that the wind is persistent, and the temperatures are not very warm. After all, we are at the same latitude as Copenhagen in Denmark.
The climate is moderate throughout the year, and it rains much less than you might imagine. During winter, it may be more challenging to visit Scotland due to snow, short daylight, and several castles closing from November to March.
Of course, most tourists take advantage of the good weather, but traveling off-season also has its advantages. Come discover the best time to visit Scotland month by month!
the best time to visit Scotland
When is the best time to visit Scotland?
The best time in the UK overall is in May and June and September. These are months with pleasant temperatures, fewer rainy days, and friendlier prices. There is also less hustle and bustle in the streets, and you’ll hardly wait in line to visit attractions.
For those heading to the capital Edinburgh, the months between May and September are very good, with July, August, and October being the rainiest months. April is the least rainy month. In general, the rains are evenly distributed, and it is usually that fine, persistent drizzle.
Scotland is the windiest country in Europe due to the Atlantic depressions that move eastward, bringing strong winds and clouds continuously throughout the year. During autumn and winter, it’s very windy! The windiest parts are the north and west and the islands of Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides.
What is the best month to visit Scotland?
I believe the best month to visit Scotland is June because the days are longer and warmer compared to other months, not to mention that it doesn’t rain as much as in July and August. The worst month to visit Scotland is February, with very short days, rain, and darkness.
In any case, always bring a windproof jacket, a warmer sweater, and boots whenever you come.
Summer in Scotland (June to August)
There are much fewer rainy days than one might imagine. Summer in Scotland can be “warm,” ranging from 15 to 25ºC during July and August in the southern part. The further north you go, the colder and longer the days! To give you an idea: in Edinburgh during the summer, the sun rises at around 4 am and sets at around 10 pm. If you’re in Inverness, you’ll hardly see night and have a chance to see the Northern Lights from September to April.
The temperatures can be deceiving because the perceived temperature is higher. Many people say that 20ºC is okay in Brazil, but here I feel that the temperature is different; it seems hotter, and the sun burns for real! Even in 12ºC sun, you can still get sunburned!
This temperature is usually found in the south of Scotland and is perfect for those who want to enjoy the lakes, especially in Loch Lomond near Glasgow. Others prefer to visit the islands like the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Skye.
WARNING!!! Summer is the busiest time, with many tourists on the streets, summer festivals like the Military Tattoo and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, not to mention school holidays and higher prices as hotels fill up quickly. Therefore, I suggest always booking a hotel on Booking.com in advance, especially if you’re going to the islands, and renting a car on Rentcars, especially if you’re heading to more isolated or smaller regions.
Summer Events in Scotland:
June: Highland Games in various cities, Skye Food and Drink Festival
July: Edinburgh Art Festival, Highland Games in various cities, HebCelt Outer Hebrides
August: Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, International Book and Film Festival, Highland Games in various cities
Autumn in Scotland (September to November)
Temperatures drop in autumn, bringing beautiful colours to the tree leaves in early September and October. The Highlands take on a somewhat orange hue. If you can, visit the national parks!
There may be some warmer days in these months, especially in the south. Many attractions are already preparing to close their activities at the end of autumn and only reopen from April onwards, especially castles and the Jacobite Train, the famous Harry Potter train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Autumn Events in Scotland:
September: The Braemar Gathering, Flavour of Shetland
October: Samhuinn Fire Festival (Halloween)
November: Glasgow Whisky Festival, St Andrew’s Day (patron saint of Scotland), EH6 Festival, Leith Edinburgh
Winter in Scotland (December to February)
During winter (December to February), temperatures drop significantly and typically range between -5 to 5ºC. Snow is common in the north of Scotland, and there are only 5 ski resorts.
Usually, the west side is warmer than the interior and the east side, due to the influence of Atlantic currents.
Traveling in winter in Scotland can be challenging due to shorter days and fewer hours of daylight for outdoor activities. In Edinburgh, for example, the sun rises at around 9 am and sets around 3:30 pm. In major Scottish cities, you may find German-style Christmas markets and also the Hogmanay in Edinburgh, the most famous New Year’s event!
Winter is the cheapest time to travel in Europe overall because it is less crowded, so hotel and flight prices are more budget-friendly (except during Christmas and New Year).
Winter Events in Scotland:
December: Christmas markets, Hogmanay Edinburgh (New Year)
January: Up Helly Aa (Viking festival in the Shetlands), Burns Night (poet Robert Burns’ celebration)
February: Glasgow Film Festival
Spring in Scotland (March to May):
Spring occurs from March to May in the northern hemisphere, with April being the most unpredictable month in the United Kingdom, with the possibility of snow! It may rain on colder days, but most of the time, it is sunny with a chilly breeze.
I believe May is the best month since the weather is more “predictable” and the days are getting longer each day. In general, spring is the second best time to visit Scotland, after the beginning of Summer.
Spring Events in Scotland:
March: Glasgow Art Fair, Inverness Music Festival
April: Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Edinburgh Science Festival, Beltane Fire (pagan festival in Edinburgh)
May: Islay Festival of Malt and Music
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Take a look at this article: 10 CASTLES IN SCOTLAND THAT YOU MUST VISIT
