Full disclosure: I’ve not been *in all places* in Scotland. There are nonetheless a couple of cities that I have not seen, roads that I have not pushed, and isles that I have not explored.
However I HAVE traveled to Scotland in each season – a number of occasions in most of them, in actual fact! So I feel I can nonetheless offer you some information and an opinion on what the most effective time to go to Scotland really is. (I’ve really misplaced depend of what number of occasions I’ve visited Scotland, nevertheless it’s greater than 10 at this level!)
In case you’re pondering of planning a visit to Scotland and need to know the way it differs from season to season, then maintain studying!
Scotland season by season
Here is a breakdown of what every season is usually like in Scotland, when it comes to common climate, plus distinctive issues to do/see at the moment of yr.
Scotland in spring
March-Could
Spring in Scotland runs from March-Could, and is the season when nature begins waking up once more after winter. Timber begin budding and blooming, lambs are being born, and the times begin getting longer as summer time approaches.
Could is personally certainly one of my favourite months to go to Scotland, when the times are lengthy and delicate(er) and the excessive season is simply starting – nevertheless it’s earlier than the most important vacationer crowds arrive.
Spring climate in Scotland
Spring can nonetheless be crisp and chilly throughout Scotland however will get milder because the season goes on, with temperatures averaging round 45°F in March to as much as 55°F in Could (7°-13°C).
An attention-grabbing factor about Scotland is that the previous “April showers convey Could flowers” adage really is not correct right here! April and Could are sometimes a few of the driest and sunniest months of the yr in Scotland. (Although that is Scotland; you at all times need to prep for rain, simply in case!)
Issues to see in spring
In case you’re visiting in spring, you possibly can look out for blooming timber and gardens in April and Could, and new child lambs dotting fields all through the nation.
Could can be the beginning of excessive season in Scotland, which means it is the month when seasonal sights re-open for the yr (this contains some castles/stately properties, museums, distinctive lodging, and so forth.).
High spring occasions in Scotland
Listed below are some occasions that occur yearly in spring which can be distinctive and price figuring out about:
- Beltane Fireplace Competition | Edinburgh | Could 1 – Impressed by the traditional Gaelic pageant of Beltane (which interprets to “vibrant hearth”), this pageant on Calton Hill in Edinburgh takes place the night of April 30 to mark the start of summer time. Extra information right here.
- Shetland Folks Competition | Shetland Islands | Could – That is the UK’s most northerly people pageant and options each conventional and worldwide musical acts. It often takes place in early Could. Extra information right here.
- Whisky Month | Countrywide | Could – The month of Could is Whisky Month in Scotland, with World Whisky Day falling on the third Saturday in Could every year. Take a look at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Competition in Speyside, and the Fèis Ìle on the isle of Islay.
- Melrose Rugby Sevens | Melrose | Could – Scotland is a giant rugby nation, and the most important occasion on the Rugby Sevens calendar takes place in Melrose within the Scottish Borders every year in Could. Rugby was “born” right here, and this occasion has a complete pageant environment. Extra information right here.
- Scottish Wild Meals Competition | Tir na nOg | Could – A singular pageant that celebrates wild meals and foraging in Scotland. Extra information right here.
Greatest locations in Scotland to go to in spring
Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are nice within the spring, and I like visiting actually any of the isles later within the spring (the Isle of Skye is great in Could, for instance). Speyside can be unbelievable within the spring, as all of the well-known distilleries alongside the Malt Whisky Path are producing whisky and prepping for Whisky Month.
Scotland in summer time
June-August
Summer time in Scotland runs from June-August, and is by far the busiest and most fun season all through Scotland. It is when you possibly can catch Highland Video games, go to all types of festivals, and expertise the longest days of the yr.
Summer time is excessive season in Scotland, although, which suggests well-liked spots can and do get very busy. In case you’re touring throughout this season, you undoubtedly have to ebook issues like inns effectively prematurely.
Summer time climate in Scotland
Summer time days in Scotland are lengthy (with 16-18 hours of daylight, and the additional north you go, the longer the times will appear), and the climate is mildest this time of yr with common highs round 65°F (18°C). Word although that Scottish climate is rarely predictable – it is likely to be heat sufficient to put on shorts in the summertime (and it at all times feels hotter when the solar is out), otherwise you would possibly want a rain coat and beanie!
Professional tip: With its comparatively delicate local weather, air con just isn’t essentially customary in inns and B&Bs in Scotland. If it is one thing you already know you favor, ensure that to seek for it when reserving your lodging!
Issues to see in summer time
That is the most effective season to be outside in Scotland. Go on hikes, seize a mountain bike, or in any other case simply get exterior. Scottish folks love climbing mountains and being out in nature, particularly in the summertime.
Summer time can be when some distinctive vegetation comes out in Scotland – specifically Scottish thistle (the purple-pink selection that’s Scotland’s nationwide image), which tends to flower from mid-June-July; and the well-known Scottish heather, which blankets the Highlands in small purple-pink blooms often in August.
The summer time months are additionally the most effective time to identify puffins! Puffins nest from April-August alongside Scotland’s coast and isles. A number of the finest locations to see them embody St. Kilda, the Shiant Isles, Dunnet Head, the Isle of Lunga, the Isle of Could, and the Isle of Staffa. Through the nesting season, you possibly can take boat excursions to most of those locations!
High summer time occasions in Scotland
Distinctive summer time occasions in Scotland embody:
- Highland Video games | varied areas | Could-September – Highland video games are an extended custom in Scotland, and happen all throughout the nation throughout the summer time months. These occasions (often one-day or over a weekend) characteristic conventional Highland sports activities just like the caber toss and hammer throw, together with Highland dancing and music. Full schedule right here.
- Royal Highland Present | Edinburgh | June – Assume: Scottish county honest! It is Scotland’s largest farming and countryside showcase. Extra information right here.
- Aberdeen Tall Ships Races | Aberdeen | July – Go to and see unimaginable Tall Ships throughout this free occasion. There are additionally distributors, leisure, and extra. Extra information right here.
- Edinburgh Worldwide Competition | Edinburgh | August – The massive city-wide arts pageant that takes over Edinburgh every August, all through the town’s museums, galleries, and streets. Extra information right here.
- Edinburgh Competition Fringe | Edinburgh | August – Probably the most well-known of the summer time festivals, this one focuses on theater and stage exhibits and runs alongside the opposite festivals this month. Purchase tickets to exhibits, or simply get pleasure from all of the previews and performances on the road. Extra information right here.
- Royal Edinburgh Navy Tattoo | Edinburgh | August – One other large August pageant, this one is a spectacular present that includes navy bands, pipe bands, dancing and extra in entrance of Edinburgh Citadel. I have been to this and it is unimaginable! Extra information right here.
- World Pipe Band Championships | Glasgow | August – See the most effective pipe and drum bands on the earth compete throughout this well-liked Glasgow event. I have been to this, too, and it is so enjoyable! Extra information right here.
Greatest locations in Scotland to go to in summer time
If you wish to expertise the vitality (and, okay, generally chaos) of Competition season in Edinburgh, then undoubtedly put that in your listing! It is a very enjoyable time to be within the Scottish capital.
I really advocate avoiding uber-popular spots just like the Isle of Skye in the summertime due to how busy they get (and the way onerous it may be to discover a lodge room!). That is the time of yr to get off the overwhelmed path a bit extra; take a look at the Moray Coast, go mountaineering in Glencoe, take in historical past in St. Andrew’s, or go to a few of the lesser-well-known isles.
June-August are additionally the months when distilleries in Scotland have their “silent season.” Throughout this season, distilleries aren’t actively producing whisky, and a few absolutely shut! So if you happen to’re eager to do a whisky tour of Scotland, summer time is definitely not the best time.
Scotland in autumn / fall
September-November
Autumn in Scotland runs from September-November, when the summer time crowds dissipate however issues nonetheless stay fairly delicate weather-wise, particularly earlier within the season.
September is one other of my favourite months to go to Scotland, as you continue to have longer days and respectable climate, however the worst of the summer time crowds have gone! After September, nevertheless, some sights do begin to shut up for the season.
Autumn climate in Scotland
Issues begin to quiet down a bit within the fall, with temperatures usually starting from about 45°-60°F (7°-15°C). September climate can nonetheless be good, however October is the rainiest month of the yr in Scotland.
Issues to see in fall
Scotland is not essentially often known as a fall coloration vacation spot, nevertheless it’s really a lovely spot, particularly in October. Head to Perthshire for a few of the finest fall foliage (locations like Pitlochry, Killiecrankie, and the Queen’s View at Loch Tummel are must-sees), together with Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Nationwide Park and Cairngorms Nationwide Park.
The times additionally get shorter pretty rapidly beginning in October – however up north in Scotland you begin to have an opportunity of seeing the Northern Lights this time of yr!
High autumn occasions in Scotland
A number of the finest occasions to get pleasure from within the fall embody:
- Royal Nationwide Mòd | location varies | October – Scotland’s largest Gaelic cultural pageant occurs in a unique metropolis every year in October. The pageant options Gaelic storytelling, music, Highland dancing, shinty, and extra. Extra information right here.
- Scottish Storytelling Competition | Edinburgh | October – Have fun the artwork of storytelling throughout this 18-day pageant within the Scottish capital. Extra information right here.
- Bonfire Evening | Many cities | November 5 – Bonfire Evening – AKA Man Fawkes Evening – is a UK vacation the place folks come collectively to get pleasure from bonfires and fireworks as a group. It is solely loosely related to Man Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot lately. Most cities have celebrations.
- St. Andrew’s Day | Many cities | November 30 – Scotland’s patron saint is well known on this nationwide day with family-friendly occasions all around the nation.
Greatest locations in Scotland to go to in autumn
Early autumn is nice for visiting nearly wherever in Scotland. Later within the season, I’d advocate metropolis breaks essentially the most – locations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and so forth. – together with visits to locations like Highland Perthshire to see fall coloration, or Speyside to benefit from the Malt Whisky Path.
Scotland in winter
December-February
Winter in Scotland runs from December-February, and is the coldest, darkest time of yr within the nation. But it surely’s additionally the time when you possibly can get pleasure from enjoyable vacation festivities and even catch snow up within the Highlands.
I’ve really traveled to Scotland a number of occasions throughout the winter, and have loved these journeys simply as a lot as journeys different occasions of yr!
Winter climate in Scotland
Winter climate in Scotland can range relying on the place within the nation you might be, however usually you possibly can anticipate chilly and damp climate, with excessive temps averaging round 39°F (4°C). It does snow up north within the Highlands and generally within the Lowlands, too – although snow within the Lowlands just isn’t tremendous widespread and would not stick round lengthy when it does fall.
Within the winter, you usually at all times need to carry an umbrella or raincoat, as it could typically be misty even on days with none rain within the forecast.
Issues to see in winter
How about some snow? Snow-dusted peaks up within the Highlands are a fixture of Scotland within the winter – and sure, there’s some snowboarding and snowboarding, too!
High winter occasions in Scotland
Listed below are the highest issues taking place in winter to learn about:
- Christmas | Edinburgh | December – You will discover festive issues to do all through Scotland within the weeks main as much as Christmas, however Edinburgh is actually the place it is at at the moment of yr, with a Christmas market, lovely gentle shows, and festive choices at eating places across the metropolis.
- Hogmanay | a number of cities | December 31 – Hogmanay is the Scots phrase for the final day of the yr, and Scotland does it huge all throughout the nation. The most important Hogmanay celebrations occur in Edinburgh, with a number of days of festivities, plus a avenue celebration, dancing, and concert events on New Yr’s Eve itself.
- Burns Evening | many cities | January 25 – Have fun Scotland’s nationwide poet, Robert Burns. Burns Evening celebrations often encompass a supper that includes haggis, whisky, and poetry – particularly Burns’ personal “Tackle to a Haggis.” Extra information right here.
- Up Helly Aa | Shetland | January – Take part on essentially the most epic Viking hearth pageant within the Shetland Islands to mark the top of Xmas. The biggest Up Helly Aa takes place in Lerwick on the final Tuesday in January. A number of hearth is concerned. Extra information right here.
Greatest locations in Scotland to go to in winter
The Highlands are magical within the winter, even on moody days. I additionally suppose this can be a nice time to plan a comfy metropolis break with good consolation meals or perhaps even a day tea.
Edinburgh can be clearly a must-visit across the holidays for all of the Christmas occasions, plus Hogmanay to ring within the new yr.
Greatest time of yr to go to Scotland
So what’s the BEST time of yr to go to Scotland, then? Properly, it actually relies upon. Most individuals will say Could-September (so, late spring via the start of autumn), since that is whenever you’ll discover lengthy days with the most effective climate, and all of the sights, museums, castles, and so forth. will likely be open for the vacationer season.
Personally, Could to mid-June and September are my favourite occasions to go to Scotland.
The factor about Scotland, although, is that there’s actually no *dangerous* time to go to. The climate will be wild and unpredictable any time of yr, however the historical past and gorgeous landscapes by no means change all that a lot.
What to put on in Scotland
With regards to packing for Scotland, it actually would not matter whenever you’re visiting. It may be heat within the spring and autumn and it could snow in the summertime. You principally need to be ready for any and all climate always!
My go-tos for what to put on in Scotland embody:
- raincoat with a hood (umbrellas are sometimes ineffective in Scotland, particularly when it is windy)
- Rain pants if you happen to plan to do any mountaineering in any respect
- Waterproof footwear/boots (even if you happen to aren’t mountaineering)
- A hat and gloves – sure, even in summer time!
- A heat jacket you possibly can layer beneath your rain coat (suppose: packable down)
- Sun shades and sunscreen (as a result of whenever you want them, you actually need them)
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Have you ever been to Scotland? In that case, what’s your favourite time to go to?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her dwelling base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey via the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!