Weather in Scotland | Scotland.org (2024)

FAQs

What is the best month to visit Scotland? ›

The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 43°F to 59°F, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms.

In our warmest months, our average temperature sits around 18°C (around 64°F), and in our coldest months, it's around 0°C (around 32°F). Scotland is often at the mercy of the low-pressure systems coming in from the Atlantic ocean. This means it's generally cloudier, rainier, and windier than in England.

To properly appreciate Ireland and Scotland requires developing a certain fondness for misty mornings and evenings by a roaring fireside. That being said, late fall tends to be the rainiest time of the year in Scotland, while Ireland sees the most rain in December and January.

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.

Autumn: (Sep/Oct/Nov)

During the period in consideration, the month with the most hours of sunshine in Scotland was June 2023, with a total of 231.4 hours. However, April and May typically have the most hours of sunshine in Scotland.

Seven days is enough to give you a good experience of what Scotland has to offer, but it will leave you wanting more. If this is a first-time visit to Scotland, you probably have a bucket list of famous places that you want to see…. Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, Skye, Eilean Donan, Culloden etc.

The summer months, of June, July and August, are the most popular time to visit, but the best and driest weather is often found in April/May and September/October.

When it's not rainy and you're enjoying that gorgeous, Scottish sunshine, why not add a comfy dress the to wardrobe? Add tights/leggings, one of those big, chunky scarves, and whichever pair of boots you opted for, and you're ready to go! Wool& has some great wool options that are ideal for Scotland.

The northern lights don't show up regularly in Scotland, however much we wish they did. Timing is everything, although nothing is guaranteed when it comes to natural phenomena like this. You are more likely to see the northern lights in Scotland between September and March.

What is the best currency to use in Scotland? ›

Our Scottish currency is the British Pound (GBP) and all notes that say “Pound Sterling” are accepted. Both Scottish and English notes are widely used in Scotland. We use the same coins in Scotland and England, so they are fine too.

May, June and September give you sunshine without the crowds

Many Scots rate May as the best month: long days, rising temperatures, dry weather...and no midges. Wildflowers are in bloom on the Hebridean machair, hawthorn hedges flower and cherry blossoms grace city parks.

Regarding the British Pound & the Euro -- Tourists from other parts of Britain don't need to be told, but for those arriving from overseas: Europe's primary currency, the euro, is not officially used in Scotland. Great Britain's currency is the pound sterling.

The results of a new survey released forDiabetes Weekhas found that strawberries are Scotland's favourite fruit with 20 per cent of the public vote. The accolade of favourite vegetable goes to broccoli (18 per cent).

Scotland can be a very affordable destination for travellers on a budget. Compared to some other European countries, Scotland may seem slightly more on the expensive side at first, however there are many ways to bring the price down.

There are no Covid-19 entry requirements for visitors to Scotland. So it's easy to come and discover this Celtic country on a trip planned by local travel experts. Immerse yourself in the ruggedly beautiful Highlands, set sail to the islands, and explore vibrant cities to soak up Scottish culture.

In Glasgow, one of the U.K.'s rainiest cities, average monthly rainfall during the wettest months—between September and January—is about 21 inches, and the daily chance of rain hovers around 50 percent.

To have the most sunlight and best weather, many people head to the Scottish Highlands in the summer, between May and September. Starting in October, the weather can be unpredictable — freezing temperatures, gale-force winds, and snowfall are all possible.

Serene loch views, enchanting castles, and Scotch whisky are some of the most famous things about this Celtic country. Yet there's so much more to see and do. And on a visit to this proud nation, you can explore Scotland's surprises and charms for yourself.

The general packing rule is to bring some rain gear and warm clothes any time of year, and at least a light jacket in summer. The cheapest time to travel to Scotland is off season: November 1 to December 12 and December 26 to March 14.

What is the best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges? ›

May, June, September and October. These months give you long days, almost all the tourism businesses are open, the crowds of July and August are avoided, midges are not at their most prolific and even the weather is pretty decent.

The driest months are usually April and May. Winter temperatures average at 1C-6C / 33F-43F although it can get much colder than that at night, especially in mountainous areas. Snow is usually to be found on higher ground. For up to date Scottish weather forecasts please see the BBC website.

Firstly, midge season is generally in the height of the summer, from mid-May to September. So, if you are visiting us at any other time of year, you will not be bothered by them. Also, midges are tiny, much smaller than mosquitoes.