museums, Scotlands largest city, Glasgow, for family-friendly attractions, the impressive botanical garden, and the countrys best shopping, Cairngorms National Park, home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Scotland, Road-trip to Highland Perthshire (one of the most underrated areas of Scotland!) The average high is only 63 degrees Fahrenheit and there's still a moderately good chance of rain. While the snow might still be on the hills, much to the delight of snowsports enthusiasts, the temperaturesare starting to lift and there are a few more hours of daylight in which to enjoy the great outdoors. There might be a cool whisper in the wind, but don't let the chillier climes put you off. No matter what youre looking for, were here to help you decide the best time of year to visit Scotland. While it often gets overshadowed by neighboring countries from a tourism standpoint, Scotland is one place you should have on your bucket list! Plan your Scotland trip based on what you want to do, see, and avoid. Come ready to party (and reserve your accommodations well in advance). You can still expect gusty winds and what the British call sharp showers short, heavy shocks of rain. The tourist season winds down, and thoughts turn to log res and malt whiskies in country-house hotels. Go island-hopping near Skye, the Outer Hebrides, or Shetland, Rain gear to keep you dry (although spring is the driest month here, the weather is also in a transition period with ever-changing conditions! Hogmanay New Year's Celebrations kick off on 30 December and continue through January 1. The Santa Dashes: in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow, thousands of Santas race, in full Santa kit, for charity. 8 Reasons to Choose Scotland for your January Break, 10 reasons to choose Scotland for your February Break, A Beginner's Guide to Snowsports in Scotland, 8 reasons to take a short break in Scotland this March, 5 amazing Scottish island holiday ideas for spring. Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. Autumn will soon be your favourite season with these fab photographs. But the flip side is that daylight lasts forever. The summer months draw the most tourists because there is the best chance for good weather. And where that is depends on your plans as the choice for somewhere like Deeside will be totally different to the Isle of Skye let alone the Orkney or Shetland Islands. Scotland offers a variety of wildlife tours that will take you deep into our stunning landscapes. during the fall, particularly in October and November, but that also means the many amazing waterfalls are at their peak flow. We have already booked the same dates for next year as we want to do all of the Outer Hebrides (we only did Lewis this year.) July is a fantastic time to plan a trip to these beautiful places. Comment below and let us know! Both the capital city of Edinburgh and the largest city, Glasgow, are located here, along with several others. If you're lucky, you might see some of our cities or mountaintops sparkling with a dusting of snow. Sports fans can also rejoice with the 6 Nations sweeping the capital and several rugby matches taking place at Murrayfield Stadium. Music flows through the streets at the Shetland Folk Festival, and rugby players take to the field in Melrose in the Borders at the worlds oldest Sevens tournament. More often than not, it's drizzly and a little dreary. Just pack a puffy coat! A good month for exploring. And anywhere in the counties of Argyll & Bute or the Scottish Borders is worth touring for autumn color. This question, which we are often asked here at VisitScotland, has 12 correct answers! Snow rarely lasts for long, except in the mountains. The central Lowlands are home to both fertile farmland and almost all of Scotlands larger cities. Not only does everything start to blossom and flourish but the temperatures also range from 46 to 54F, making these countries highly favorable for exploration and adventures. VisitScotland. Any input will be appreciated. This makes June the perfect time for first-time visitors trying to fit a lot into each day. The East Beach at Lossiemouth Summer June, July and August are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures ranging from approximately 15-17C (or 59-63 F). All the major cities are really magical lit up with Christmas lights. But keep in mind that there is truly plenty to enjoy year-round in this stunning, welcoming country. After 5 years running their successful travel blogs, An Adventurous World and Wanderlust Chloe, they launched this site in 2020, to shine a light on their home country of Great Britain. in the summer and often doesnt set until 11:00 p.m. Keep in mind these long, warmer days also coincide with one of the countrys wettest seasons it may be warm and sunny, but also pouring rain! While some popular sites may be closed during this time, there are plenty of other things to do, including skiing in the Cairngorms, curling up by a fireplace in a cozy boutique hotel (like The Fife Arms), or exploring the Christmas markets in Edinburgh. ), the overall weather just might surprise you. Explore the sunnier side of Scotland with rolling green hills, flowers blooming, warmer weather and plenty of spring activities to enjoy. Autumn foliage still on the trees at the start of the month drops toward the end, and the first snowfall is often in November. Dont miss the iconic North Coast 500, a 516-mile drive that takes you through stunning landscapes and charming, quaint European villages. Scotlands social calendar fills up in summer. Here are the best times to travel to Scotland, whether you're hoping for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, or more affordable prices. The truth is, you can easily fall in love with Scotland at any time of the year. Bike parks and trail centres. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Summer and winter in Scotland bring the most rainfall, while the spring and fall are surprisingly the driest seasons. It's snowing in the Highland peaks and the Cairngorms and the ski season is underway. The most famous of Scotlands Highland games, the Braemar Gathering, is held in September just north of Pitlochry. Keep yourself warm by sampling some of the finest Scotch (Scottish whiskey) at a distillery, Hit the slopes at Cairngorm National Park for some skiing or snowboarding, Make a stop to visit and interact with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, a free-roaming herd of about 150 animals, When you need rainy-day activities, enjoy the museums (many of which are totally free!) But which month is the best to visit? TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This Epic Train Journey Through Scotland Is the Best Way to Experience the Country's Stunning Landscapes, Rich History, and Tasty Whisky. However, daily temperatures are much more like 16-18C throughout June, July and August. Scotland might be a small country about the size of South Carolina but its variety of destinations and landscapes is impressive. We did last 2 weeks in Aug because the kids are back in school then. This is one of the three wettest months of the year and also one of the coldest. Just remember - we can never really predict the weather in Scotland! Vibrant autumn foliage reaches its glorious peak toward the end of October, and the weather is typically cool and slightly drier than in September. Each event, held in different locations throughout the region, is typically one day and includes traditional Scottish sports (tug o' war and the hammer throw), as well as food, music, and dancing. I genuinely think that when its bright and sunny, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I love it; boundless landscapes of green hills, beautiful cities to visit, and welcoming peopleAvery great land to explore, live, and visit.. Scotland is a genuinely mythical land, different from neighboring England; for those who love cold and winter climates, you could visit it 12 months a year, even . Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. The weather in Scotland is unpredictable, but it tends to be the nicest in the summer months when temperatures are more cool than cold and you can also enjoy between 16 and 18 hours of daylight. To be honest with you, we absolutely love Scotland and we dont think theres a bad time to visit. ST39468, 2023 Audley Travel | Audley Travel US, Inc. (Delaware 5398866), Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years. Puffins, marine mammals and many other seabirds frolic around our coastal coves and cliffs. But which month is the best to visit? Many seasonal businesses that close for winter reopen in late March or early April, which coincides perfectly with the days starting to get longer. But spring is definitely in the air. Even though temperatures have crept up slightly over the last 10 years, the average daytime temperature in Scotland in January is around 3.4C. Get into the festive spirit with colder nights, stunning events, and cosy atmospheres. Trip idea: Book acity breakin one of our seven cities and get some festive shopping done or treat yourself to a few purchases. Many Scots rate May as the best month: long days, rising temperatures, dry weatherand no midges. July and August are the warmest months but they are also the months most plagued by tiny biting insects. Best Time to Visit Best Places to Visit 01 / Top Sights & Places Unmissable sights for your itinerary Discover more Sights Edinburgh Castle in Old Town Skara Brae in Orkney Glasgow Cathedral in Glasgow Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland Stirling Castle in Stirling Maeshowe in Orkney Scone Palace in Perth Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Traquair House The month of theEdinburgh Festivalsmeans that the vibes and atmosphere in the capital could not be more electric. Wander along empty beaches and gaze at the ocean without another person in sight. Weather in England While England is notorious for its rainy weather, there are actually far fewer rainy days than people assume. We wouldnt really recommend visiting Scotland in October and November though if you can avoid it. Travel Tips. The Enchanted Forest takes advantage of the dark evenings with its festive sound and light festival and the Royal National Mod celebrates all aspects of Gaelic language and culture. We think staying somewhere with a beautiful view is important, so weve done our research and gathered a list of places with stunning surroundings. A short break in Scotland will stay with you for a lifetime. Did you know there are several you can reach by public transport during the summer months? The days may be getting shorter in November, but this is a fine time to explore galleries and pubs in Scotlands vibrant cities. Torchlit processions, frigid swims, whisky and emotional renditions of Auld Lang Syne: heres what to expect at Scotlands Hogmanay festivities. Easter in particular is one of the busiest times of year to travel with lots of cars on the road. The Highlands in the north are made up of rugged yet still lush mountainous topography that form some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. If you can, make time to visit Perth, . All rights reserved. Christmas and New Years Eve in Edinburgh is a particularly special time to visit. She currently lives in London. Jazz fests at. Burns Night is a celebration of Scotland's national Poet, Robert Burns, usually celebrated with poetry readings, whisky and haggis. Another month of warm weather and long days. If you want to save money, book your trip in the off-season, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 12, or wait until after Christmas, from Dec. 26 to mid-March. News & gossip column: United States to host first 32-team mens Club World Cup in 2025 Far fewer rainy days than people assume of Scotlands larger cities Scots rate May the! 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