When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

Scotland is one of the most beautiful places to visit, with many historical attractions and beautiful sceneries you and your family will appreciate. But when planning your vacation, you also have to take account when you’ll be visiting. You’re probably wondering: When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

The best time of the year to visit Scotland will depend on what you want to do and the weather you want to experience! Read on as we talk about the best time to visit Scotland.

What Month is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

Like mentioned, Scotland has a ton of activities and places to see, and the best time would depend on what you want to do, may it be enjoying the heat of the summer to avoid midges, or the cold winter. The most ideal time would have to be between those seasons, where you can enjoy the wonderful fall colors, the cool day, and all the fall activities!

To give you an idea of how Scotland is like during the different seasons and times, we break it down for you by month.

Visit Scotland from January to March

Best Time to Visit Scotland: Northen Scotland
Northen Scotland

January to March is sell winter season in Scotland, so you can enjoy the slopes and winter wonderland. If it isn’t snowing then, then you’ll still enjoy the beautiful blue skies and cold winds, where daylight hours are short, but not the many activities you can experience all throughout Scotland.

These months are usually spring in the Northern side of Scotland, where the weather is sunny yet still very windy. March is great, but it may be too cold, depending on which coast you are in.

If you don’t like the cold, then you’ll enjoy the summers in Scotland more, when it’s warmer.

Visit Scotland in April

Best Time to Visit Scotland: Glasgow Scotland
Glasgow Scotland

April is the welcoming of Spring, so you’ll still be able to experience cold weather. But just like October, there are shorter opening times for stores. In the west coast, it’s mildly wet, but a great time to drive around in as you enjoy the scenic views and breezy winds. We would recommend that you visit Glasgow at this time!

Plus, it isn’t as crowded as it is in summer, and the ideal weather.

Visit Scotland in May

Best Time to Visit Scotland: plant-bloom-in-scotland
Plant bloom in Scotland

If June is one of the best times to travel to Scotland, May comes in second. You’ll experience bright days but cold weather, but not the type of cold where you’ll be shivering. It’s the coming of spring, where you’ll be able to see plants bloom and the beautiful scenic views of the mountains.

This is also an ideal time to do outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing. May is also the month of many events and festivals, such as the Arran Wildlife Festival or the Isle of Bute Jazz Festival.

Visit Scotland in June

People consider the months from June to August as the best times to visit Scotland. It’s the high season and also one of the busiest periods, especially because of the weather!

The weather is unpredictable but are usual mild or warm, making it ideal for anyone. Also, the best part would be the lingering daylight, which stays up until 9PM! 

June is reasonable month to visit, where it’s easy to find accommodation and getting around places without the huge crowds. While you can’t avoid midges in June, they are far less than the peak months of July and August.

Visit Scotland in July

July and August is the ultimate peak season for travelers, so it may be difficult to find accommodation. Facing the crowds of tourists and students on vacation is difficult as well. People prefer this time of the year because of the good weather, but watch out for the midges and high volume of tourists. 

It’s a great time to visit the west coast for the weather, as it varies from 16C to 26C (occasionally the latter). You can enjoy the summer as much as you want during July, as the daylight hours can last for as much as 18 hours.

Best Time to Visit Scotland: Highland West Coast Scotland
Highland West Coast Scotland

Visit Scotland from September to October

September is one of the better months because of its weather. Plus, since everyone is leaving by the end of August, you’ll experience less crowds and experience the transition to fall, making it perfect to enjoy the scenery and do outdoor activities, such as hiking. But, since it’s stalking season for deer, it may disrupt your travels or activities.

October is autumn, where people shut up shop or open and close earlier. Some remote stops have less access to public transportation as well. But, you’ll be able to save up on hotels and guesthouses, with them offering special offers.

Should I Visit Scotland in Winter?

Best Time to Visit Scotland: Edinburgh Scotland
Edinburgh Scotland

Come November to December, Scotland experiences nice winter weather. What Scotland is known for would be their many ski resorts and wonderful scenery you can ski on.

For those who love snow, we would definitely recommend that you visit Scotland during the winter. Plus, no midges!

Another reason to visit Scotland during winter would be its awesome shopping experience in Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can also attend winter events, such as Glasgow on Ice, or a lot of parties with music and ice dancing.

No rush, though, as you can expect winter to last until Easter.

Check out this video about beautiful Scotland:

BEAUTIFUL SCOTLAND (Highlands / Isle of Skye)

What is the cheapest time of year to visit Scotland?

The cheapest time to visit Scotland may vary depending on a number of factors, including the location, the type of accommodation you are looking for, and the activities you plan to do. However, generally speaking, the off-peak season (autumn and winter) tends to be less expensive than the peak season (summer).

In terms of specific months, prices may be lower in November, December, and January, although you should keep in mind that the weather during these months can be quite cold and wet. Some popular tourist attractions and hotels may also have reduced hours or be closed during these months.

If you are looking to save money on your trip to Scotland, you may also want to consider visiting during the shoulder season (spring or fall), when prices may be lower and the weather is typically milder. It’s also a good idea to book your accommodation and flights in advance and to look for deals and discounts.

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

The best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges is during the drier months of June, July, and August, when the humidity is lower and the midges are less active.

What are the rainiest months in Scotland?

The rainiest months in Scotland tend to be October, November, and December, although it can rain at any time of year in Scotland. The west coast of Scotland, particularly the western Isles and the area around Glasgow, tends to be the rainiest part of the country.

In general, the Scottish climate is characterized by cool, wet winters and mild, wet summers. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, but the heaviest rain tends to fall in the autumn and winter months.

When is the worst time to visit Scotland?

There is no worst time to visit Scotland, as the country has a variety of attractions and activities that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from mild to cold and rainy.

The winter months can be particularly chilly, with temperatures averaging around freezing. It’s a good idea to dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing, no matter what time of year you visit.

That being said, many people enjoy visiting Scotland during the summer months when the weather is generally milder and there is more daylight. However, it’s worth noting that even during the summer, it’s not uncommon for there to be some rain in Scotland.

In Conclusion

Scotland is a big place in Europe with a ton of things to do, but the best time would have to be between the months of summer and winter, when weather is perfect. Then again, it all depends on the activities you’re looking at!

Hopefully, this article informed you of the specific times you’ll be interested to visit Scotland, as well as what you can do during those months. So what are you waiting for? Plan your vacation ahead and have fun in Scotland with your loved ones!

We hope you enjoyed the article. If you have any questions or want to say something about Scotland and when to visit it, then comment down below. We’d love to hear what you have to think.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

1 thought on “When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?”

  1. I like that you talked about how you can consider visiting Scotland September because you will have more opportunity to enjoy the scenery and do outdoor activities such as hiking. My husband and I are looking to go on a tour on my birth month which is September. It’s important for us to find a place that has a perfect weather in that month so we can get to enjoy strolling around the place and enjoy hiking. Since Scotland’s weather is transitioning to fall by that month, I will make sure to consider choosing it for our vacation tour. Thanks for the tips!

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