Best Time To Visit Scotland: Picking The Ideal Time For Your Scottish Getaway – 2023

Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Scotland? I have been to Scotland a number of times with friends. I would love to share with you some insights on when to go to this beautiful part of the British Isles.

Did you ever hear about the old saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!” Well, such is the case in Scotland – but that doesn’t mean you should think twice of going there.

The best time to visit Scotland varies greatly on your motivation to travel. If you wish to avoid the crowd, travel between the months of May and September. Are you on a tight budget? November is your best option. Do you like weather that’s warmer than usual? Visit Scotland in July.

The answer can go on and on, but I will leave it to you to seek your most preferred month of going to Scotland. I will help you come up with a decision, of course. Let’s look at all the important details that can help you determine which month to go.

Best Time to Visit Scotland: Weather, Climate and Seasons

Scotland Climate Summary

Winter in Scotland

You will find winter in Scotland to be very cold, with snowfall being common in the Highlands in particular. It can still rain during winter here, so make sure to pack your rain gear with you when you’re coming anytime in December, January, and February.

During wintertime, snow falls for about 10 to 20 days and can extend to up to 40 days depending on how high the location is. Snowboarding and skiing are popular activities during this time.

Spring in Scotland

From March to May, Scotland experiences some of the best weather for the whole year. The surroundings are blooming, and while there can still be the occasional rain, seeing the countryside transform as winter makes way for spring is truly worth it.

Because the weather may be unpredictable during spring, it is wise to still bring your umbrellas. Also, plan alternative indoor activities to replace your outdoor explorations so you can adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Summer in Scotland

If you wish to visit Scotland during its warmer days, you can choose to go there during summer. However, do not expect to experience hot days; summer in Scotland can only go as far as a moderate warmth. 

Summer is definitely the driest time to be in Scotland, but sometimes rain showers still manage to happen. This season, which starts in June, gives the country extra hours of daylight. That gives you one more excuse to stay longer under the sun!

Autumn in Scotland

Autumn is definitely a colorful season in Scotland. This time of the year, the woodlands and forests are beaming with vibrant tones, so make sure to spend a lot of time immersed in nature. 

The autumn season in Scotland starts in September and ends in November. During this time, the weather can get even more unpredictable so pack layers and be prepared for changes in weather conditions. As this season comes to an end, the atmosphere gets chillier and the days shorter. 

Seasons in Scotland

Scotland by Month

January in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 4°C (39°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Hogmanay or New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh is famous for being one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations in the world! Make sure to not miss this when you’re in Scotland by then. Also, there is Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, Shetland which is a fire festival that celebrates their Viking heritage.

February in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 4°C (39°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Fancy attending a popular music festival? Celtic Connections in Glasgow attracts visitors from around the world yearly. If you wish to see the Scottish culture, literature, and music in full display, attend The Royal National Mod which happens in various locations in Scotland.

March in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 6°C (43°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: If you find yourself on March 17 anywhere in Scotland where there’s Irish heritage, be sure to take part in their celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. And if you are keen to watch comedy performances, the Glasgow International Comedy Festival happens in the same month.

April in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: One of the most family-friendly events in Scotland happens every April of each year. The Edinburgh International Science Festival is a sure hit not only to your kids but also to your explorer’s heart! Afterward, treat the adult in you to The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival especially if you are a true blue whisky lover! 

May in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 11°C (52°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Fire performances at the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh are sure to amaze you and your friends, so don’t skip this. The festival is described as “a living, breathing re-interpretation and modernization of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual.” Furthermore, if you wish to see traditional Scottish sports being played, the Highland Games happen during this month in different locations.

June in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: June in Scotland is for the movie geeks! The Edinburgh International Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in the world, features various films during this month. Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh is scheduled in June as well, so if you are interested in livestock competitions and farming exhibits, this event is for you.

July in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: The famous Glasgow Jazz Festival happens in July all across the city. Catch world-class jazz performances and other related activities during this fest. For the art lovers, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is set yearly in July. It is regarded as “the greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet.”

August in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 16°C (61°F)
• Special Events and Festivals:  Do you wish to see impressive displays of military performances with Edinburgh Castle as the awe-inspiring backdrop? Then come see The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August in Scotland. Then, If you’re into music, dance, and theater performances, the Edinburgh International Festival is just around the corner. World-renowned guest artists top the bill every year. 

September in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Attention, foodies, and business entities! The Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight is one thing you shouldn’t miss if you are in Scotland during the month of September. Are you up for an adventure? The Doors Open Days let you enter buildings and sites that are normally inaccessible. This is a unique way to unlock the stories of Scotland (pun intended!)

October in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 11°C (52°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: Celebrate the art of storytelling through the Scottish International Storytelling Festival! This event, which started in 1989, runs all across Scotland. Fancy seeing something unique? Catch the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry where they perform a one-of-a-kind light and sound display show at the Forestry & Land Scotland’s Faskally Wood.

November in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 7°C (45°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: If you are in Scotland during the end of November, celebrate St. Andrew’s Day with the locals. This is Scotland’s national day, so many fun-filled activities are lined up to happen. Also, Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival is set to start during this month so you can definitely do some holiday shopping during your visit.

December in Scotland

• Average Temperature: 5°C (41°F)
• Special Events and Festivals: One of the many things you can’t miss in Scotland during December is the wonderful Christmas markets. Aside from these, the Hogmanay celebrations all across the country are worth visiting for.

More About Scotland:

• Are you looking for the perfect UK roadtrip? I have hit the road countless times just to have fun and explore England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. I’ll be sharing with you all the best scenic drives in the UK for some inspiration
• Do you need to get from Inverness to Ullapool? This fishing town is a popular tourist destination located in Northern Scotland. You can reach Ullapool from Inverness by coach, taxi, car or tour.
• Are you curious about Scottish traditions? Let’s take a closer look at some of the Scottish traditions that continue to thrive today. The list includes Scotland’s Hogmanay which is a unique New Year’s celebration featuring the famous Edinburgh street party.
• If you are en route to Balmoral Castle from Edinburgh, I have listed down all the available modes of transport which you can use when travelling between the two destinations. The fast answer: you can go by train, bus, car or tour.
• Some of the most beautiful castles and palaces to visit in the UK can be found in Scotland! These include the Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. Here is an even more extensive list of the castles in Scotland that are worth visiting.
• If you are coming from Glasgow, Scotland, there are several day trips which you can take. It is the ideal starting point for numerous day trips if you plan on exploring the rest of Scotland or if you want some incredible highland adventures. 
• Are you keen to know more about the Highland Games in Scotland? This one-day event is a distinctive way to experience Scottish and Gaelic culture. Aside from traditional sports, there are also Highland dancing, live music, food vendors, and non-competitive games.
• Do you want to go on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in Scotland? This is just one of the many activities that you can do when you visit this wonderful place. You should definitely check out Get Your Guide for a complete list of things to do in Scotland.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Visit Scotland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.