Best time to visit Scotland
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The best time to visit Scotland is between April and September. However, the best month is May. Then there are neither many tourists nor midges and the days are already long and mild.
Marvin Luczynski
Travel Expert for Scotland
Updated on 05/15/2025
When Is the Best Time to Travel to Scotland?
A trip to Scotland means dramatic cliffs, rolling Highlands, charming towns, and cozy pubs—along with a deep sense of national pride. Scotland is authentic, a bit rugged, and full of character. And so is the weather. While exploring both the Lowlands and Highlands, don’t be surprised if you experience all four seasons in a single day. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, western Scotland tends to be milder, while the east is generally drier and sunnier.
Late spring—especially May—is one of the best times to visit Scotland. You'll skip the peak summer travel season and enjoy blooming landscapes and longer daylight hours. That said, with the right gear, Scotland’s raw natural beauty and scenic charm are worth experiencing year-round.
| Climate Table for Scotland | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Temperatures in °F | 45 | 46 | 48 | 54 | 59 | 63 | 66 | 66 | 63 | 55 | 50 | 45 | |
| Min. Temperatures in °F | 34 | 34 | 36 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 52 | 50 | 48 | 43 | 37 | 34 | |
| Sun Hours per Day | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Rainy Days per Month | 15 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 15 | |
| Water Temperature in °F | 46 | 45 | 45 | 46 | 50 | 54 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 55 | 54 | 50 |
Winters in Scotland are not very cold, but it gets dark early and the snow makes many roads impassable. If you want to be out and about a lot, it's better to choose the warmer months. Then the days are long and nothing stands in the way of extended tours. A rain jacket and windproof clothing are always an advantage. In summer, many mosquitoes cause trouble for travelers. It is therefore better to avoid July and August and opt for spring and fall instead.
Scotland in Spring
Spring in Scotland is the ideal time to travel. The snow has already melted and the roads are passable again. The days are already long and perfect for hiking or cycling tours. However, you can always expect rain and wind in Scotland. The good thing is that the weather changes by the minute. If it suddenly rains, it stops the next moment. In spring you escape the summer vacation season and at the same time the mosquitoes that buzz around in summer.
Scotland in Summer
Summer in Scotland brings relatively stable weather. The days are long and many events such as the Highland Games, which take place all over the country, promise interesting impressions. On the coast, you can soak up the sun on the beach. During the vacations, many visitors come to discover the country. However, in summer, especially in August, you have to be prepared for little pests. This is when mosquitoes are out and about and can be quite a nuisance when hiking.
Scotland in the Fall
Autumn in Scotland is a good time to travel. After the plague of midges in August and early September, you can once again hike and cycle undisturbed and admire the beautiful nature as the seasons change. The Highlands then change color from green to gold and the light looks particularly magical. Not only are the mosquitoes gone, but the number of travelers has also decreased significantly. Dolphins can be seen in the water and, with a bit of luck , whales can also be spotted from the boat.
Scotland in Winter
Winter in Scotland is a quiet time to travel. Although temperatures in Scotland rarely fall far below zero, it can snow in the Highlands. In winter, roads can be closed and many tour operators close, which is why you should always check with the operator in advance. But the quiet time also has its advantages: Those looking for seclusion and solitude will find a real paradise in Scotland and on uncomfortable days you can spend the time socializing in the pub like the locals.
Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh in the south of the country attracts visitors in summer with good weather and cultural highlights. A number of events take place in August, including the popular Edinburgh Ringe Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival and book and art festivals. This is also when most visitors are in the city. If you don't mind a bit of hustle and bustle, the best time to visit Edinburgh is between July and August. If you want to avoid the peak tourist season, come in May or September.
Best Time to Visit the Scottish Highlands
The best time to visit the Highlands in Scotland is spring and fall. This is when the weather is fairly stable and the conditions are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Midsummer, around August, should be avoided because of the mosquitoes. These can be very annoying, especially when hiking and cycling.
Best Time to isit Glasgow
Glasgow sits on Scotland’s west coast, which means it’s on the wetter side of the country—so pack for rain no matter when you visit.
The best time to visit Glasgow is between June and August, when the weather is at its warmest. During summer, average daytime temperatures reach around 66°F. For the rest of the year, highs typically hover closer to 50°F.
Camping
The best time to go camping in Scotland is in late spring or fall - in May, June and September. Then the weather is quite stable and you can enjoy sunny spells during the day. The weather is then perfect for all outdoor adventures and for sleeping in nature. You also avoid the mosquitoes outside the summer months and the high season, when campsites can quickly become fully booked.
Skiing
Skiing in Scotland is an unforgettable experience. The mountains of the Scottish Highlands offer perfect conditions for winter sports fans. The best time to go skiing in the Scottish Highlands is in the winter months, between November and March. Then the conditions are ideal and you can look forward to great days on the slopes.
Hiking
There are breathtaking landscapes to see when hiking in Scotland, from the coasts to the mountains of the Highlands. The best time to go hiking in Scotland is in spring or fall. Ideal months are May and June as well as September and early October. In midsummer, midges (small mosquitoes) are a nuisance. In spring and autumn, the weather is good enough to explore the countryside and you can see nature in bloom or the fall foliage changing color. Beautiful!
Golf
If you're planning a golf trip to Scotland, summer is a great time to go. The best season for golfing depends on your personal preferences, but generally, May through September offers the most comfortable weather.
During this time, daytime temperatures range from about 59°F to 68°F—ideal for spending long hours on the course. If you prefer cooler conditions, consider visiting in March, April, October, or even November. Just be sure to check course availability and pack appropriately for shifting weather.
Family Vacation
A family vacation in Scotland is a good idea, especially in summer. In addition to the summer vacations, which are one of the main reasons for a suitable travel time, especially for school-age children, the warm temperatures are also an attraction. While the sea is not necessarily inviting for swimming at other times of the year, nothing stands in the way of a dip in the waves in summer.
Road Trip
A Scotland road trip is always a good idea! Spring and fall are particularly suitable. September in particular is still quite warm and the weather is ideal for outdoor adventures as well as city trips. Away from the peak season in the summer vacations, you don't have to worry about heavy traffic or full parking lots.
Group Tour
A group trip to Scotland is possible all year round. If you want to avoid the peak travel season and thus the crowds of visitors at the sights in summer, choose May or September as your travel months. Then you can expect pleasant temperatures and discover the country both on hikes and while sightseeing.
Cruise
Cruises in Scotland mainly take place between April and September. This is when the weather is sunny and temperatures rise to pleasant levels. The warmest months are June to August, making summer the peak travel season. Alternatively, May and September are good months to discover Scotland on a cruise.
