We’ve heard plenty of jokes about Scotland’s weather. But Scotland’s climate is actually quite moderate though changeable. As the old Scottish saying goes, 'there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!'
Scotland's weather forecast
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One of the most surprising things about Scotland's climate is how much it varies from one place to another.
It's often the case that you can drive for 20 minutes and find the conditions are different. The unpredictable nature means it's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day!
- Weather forecast from Met Office
- A Guide to Weather in Scotland
Scotland's seasons
Spring
You can expect average maximum temperaturesto range from approximately 8-13°C (or 46°-55°F) during the months of March, April and May.
A beautiful time to visit, this season sees daffodils, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons bursting into bloom. With sprightly wildlife and a milder breeze in the air, there's plenty of activities to enjoy.
Even if you do experience an April shower or two, there is a fantastic range of galleries, museums and other attractions to keep you entertained all year-round, regardless of the weather.
Find out more on planning a spring or easter break
Summer
June, July and August are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures around 17°C (or 63 °F).
Scotland's high latitude means that we enjoy lovely long summer days and often an extended twilight. In the north of the country, Lerwick in Shetland has about four hours more daylight at midsummer than London. At this time of year there is actually no complete darkness in the far north of Scotland. And, with the extra hours of daylight, you can pack a lot into yoursummer holiday. Round of golf at midnight anyone?
Plan a summer holiday in Scotland
Autumn
In the autumn (or fall), Scotland is likely to experience temperatures rangingfrom around8-15°C (46-59°F) from September to November.
The colours of autumn are eye-catching and vibrant, as the trees change from green to fiery reds, oranges and yellows. It's a perfect time of year to snap some photographsas you takean invigoratingautumn amblethrough the forest.
Find out why autumn is amazing in Scotland
Winter
December, January and February are generally the coldest months in Scotland, with the average maximum temperature usuallyaround 6°C (43°F).
The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 10-20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 40 days of falling snow. The snowsports season varies each year, but generally it runs from November to April. Scotland's five ski centres provide some of the best value snowboarding and skiing in Europe.
Plan a winter break in Scotland
Source foraverage maximumtemperatures:Met Office
DID YOU KNOW?
- In Scotland, we have an old proverb:'Today's rain is tomorrow's whisky.'
- The eastern part of the country, from Inverness across to Aberdeenshire and down to Angus, Fife and the Lothians, enjoys an annual rainfall that is actually similar to (or less than) New York, Barcelona, Rome or even Rabat in Morocco.
- Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city, with an average of 1,523 hours of sunshine per year.
- The long daylight hours means that youcould play a round of golfin the middle of the nighton Orkney and Shetland.
- Long dark winter nights are the best time to see amazing constellations of starsat Scotland's designated Dark Skyareas.
- The Gulf Stream brings warm winds to Scotland's west coast. You can find palm trees in the Highland coastal town of Plockton.
- Strong winds driving in from the Atlantic and North Sea make the Outer Hebrides and Sutherland a paradise for windsurfers.
Plan your trip to Scotland
Tours of Scotland
See Scotland's sights on a tour, from day trips and open top buses through cities to week-long journeys across the country.
Tourist Attractions in Scotland
Find information and ideas on great Scottish attractions and days out in Scotland, including castles, museums, galleries, wildlife parks.
Accommodation in Scotland
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Top Tips for Travelling to Scotland
Our key information can help you plan your journey and learn more about Scottish history, arts & culture, geography, wildlife and events.
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