Best Time To Visit Scotland: By Month & Seasons

The best time to visit Scotland is when you can realistically take time off to come! This guide explores what each season brings to the country, including events, flora, and, of course, the weather. I’ll also feature a month-by-month breakdown so that you can choose the best option for your trip style. 

Also, read how to plan a trip to Scotland.

Best Time to Go to Scotland

Spring in Scotland 

Let’s start our guide coming out of hibernation when daffodils line the roads, city parks brighten up, and attractions awaken from winter slumber. 

Spring tends to be classified as the end of March until the end of May, which is ironic as April and May are sometimes more pleasant weather-wise than the summer months! 

According to the MET, meteorological spring starts March 1 through May 31.

Weather can be mixed with cloudy days, rain, and some sunshine, with the country sporadically seeing the start of what locals call “taps aff” (tops off) season. 

Fool’s Spring, where temperatures increase then fall, gets locals like me every time. 

We’ll take a look at the monthly temperatures and daylight window below. 

Scotland in March

March is relatively quiet for Scottish tourism, with some attractions in rural areas continuing to close for winter until the end of the month; keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Snow has been known to fall and ice/frost is expected. 

March temperatures range from -8° to 11°/17.6°F to 51.8°F, so if you plan to visit this month, pack layers and winter gear. 

On March 1, the sunrise starts around 06:47, and sunset is at 17:45, giving visitors just under 11 hours to explore Scotland! 

Daffadolis brighten up dire roads, many of which have winter potholes. 

Delicate snowdrops pop up in woodlands, but most trees are still bare.

This is a great month to visit if you prefer off-season travel for fewer crowds, are flexible with your itinerary, and can drive in all conditions. 

Scotland in April

Attractions start to welcome crowds in April, mainly due to the weather thawing out and the national Easter school holidays, which last two weeks during this month. 

Cherry blossoms add some pastel pop parks; Princes Street Gardens and the Meadows in Edinburgh are lovely towards the end of the month, providing the wind is calm and keeps the blossoms intact. 

April through to August is puffin season around the Scottish coast.

Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays. 

April temperatures range from -2° to 16°/28.4°F to 60.8°F, with a random Easter Monday in 2021 enjoying a record high of 24.2°/75.5°F! 

On April 1, the sunrise starts around 06:34, and the sunset is at 19:40, just over 13 hours of daylight. 

Scotland in May 

Tourism is in full swing from mid-May until the end of summer, so expect high flight prices, long lines at popular spots, and be cautious of limited parking.  

Make reservations where possible to avoid disappointment. 

In the past, May has been great for warm, dry days, but this is not a given, with recent Mays letting the country down. 

May temperatures range from 3° to 22°/37.4°F to 71.6°F, “taps aff” season has truly begun! 

On the 1st, the sunrise starts around 05:29, and the sunset is at 20:32, just over 15 hours of daylight. 

There are two bank holiday Mondays in May, which means that some Scots are off and, if the weather is nice, will be hitting the beaches with their family, cities with friends, or staying overnight at popular locations. 

May is the month to look for lilac wisteria framing upmarket houses and gorgeous bluebells blanketing local wooded areas. 

One downside to this month is that the middle sees the arrival of the pesky midge season, which sticks around until September. 

Midges like warm and damp conditions but are not keen on wind.

Summer in Scotland 

Summer brings more daylight, which is ideal for road trippers and visitors who like to drink at beer gardens into the wee hours!

It is also when the country’s Highland games kick off, a national tradition that celebrates pipe bands, Highland dancing, and tossing the caber, a hefty tapered pole. 

Expect busy beaches, packed parks, and popular activities to bustle from morning until close; plan ahead to avoid disappointment. 

Also, book in advance ferry rides for Scottish islands, such as Mull, Islay, and Arran. 

If the Isle of Skye is on your bucket list, you can reach it by car, as there is a bridge. 

However, plan cautiously, as Skye’s summer months are exhaustively busy. 

Check out our guide to the most beautiful places in Scotland for more suggestions.

Meteorological summer begins on June 1 and ends on August 31.

The national school summer holidays tend to break off in late June or the start of July and last for around six weeks, with pupils (students) and teachers returning in August. 

While many families go abroad to places like Spain, with the rising cost of flying, more will stay home in Scotland, reserving caravan stays and lodges around East Lothian, Fife, Loch Lomond, Perthshire, and the Scottish Highlands. 

If you prefer to spend the summer with fewer people, consider South Scotland. It typically sees fewer tourists than the east, west, and north, yet offers lochs, beaches, parks, history, and a great culinary scene! 

As with spring, the weather can be cloudy, rainy, and sunny, sometimes all during the same hour; you don’t visit Scotland for its weather… 

How much does a week in Scotland cost? Read my road trip cost guide.

Need help planning your trip to Scotland?
Let’s hop on a video consultation call and work out your itinerary together.
Why not join me in my free Facebook group, too?

Scotland in June 

Schools out for summer! But only at the end of the month, so visitors have most of June to themselves midweek.

This advice applies to all summer months, but it is recommended that accommodation bookings be made well in advance, as well as any non-negotiable restaurants, tours, and attractions. 

Pride is celebrated in June, too, so expect fun events at city bars and the biggest LGBTQ+ festival in Glasgow. 

June is said to be the best time to visit Scotland for golf. While the weather is unpredictable, the greens are lush, and the crowds are less. 

Note: If you plan to play St Andrews Old Course, apply in advance or through the traditional ballot. 

June temperatures range from 5° to 23°/41°F to 73.4°F.

On June 1, the sunrise starts around 04:43, and the sunset is at 21:19, well over 16 hours of daylight. 

Scotland in July

Scotland is in full summer mode come July; kids are off, and many parents will also take holiday (vacation) time. 

Look out for ongoing Highland games, food events, music festivals, shows (fairgrounds), sports, and agricultural shows. 

July temperatures range from 8° to 27°/46.4°F to 80.6°F.

On July 1, the sunrise starts around 04:43, and the sunset is at 21:32, similar to June; this gives visitors over 16 hours to play.

Scotland in August 

Edinburgh locals either love the city in August or detest it as the arts Edinburgh Festive Fringe seeps into every nook and cranny of the capital city for three weeks! 

Visitors can book tickets to see comedy, musicals, plays, and live music events throughout the Old and New Town. 

It is also when the famous Military Tattoo fills Edinburgh Castle with local pipe bands and international acts. 

Highland games and other festivals like Mela are celebrated in August, too.

Visitors and locals can also “pick-your-own” sunflowers and visit lavender field attractions in rural Scotland this summer. 

If you visit the upper area of the Cairngorms National Park, you might see the heather blooming in the moorfields.

Schools go back before the middle of the month. 

August temperatures range from 8° to 23°/46.4°F to 73.4°F.

On August 1, the sunrise starts around 05:22, and the sunset is at 20:58; daylight is beginning to decrease to 15 hours. 

Fall in Scotland (Autumn)

Scots refer to fall as autumn, and the foliage is just as stunning as it is in the New England states, although on a smaller scale! 

Before the temperatures dip, the first half of September can be mild, and sometimes, it gives us the chance to enjoy lunch in the park and pleasant day hikes with no rain.

Although, what we call mild might be frigid for visitors from the likes of Florida!

Autumn and winter are the rainiest seasons in Scotland.

Leaves turn red, yellow, and orange from October through November, especially around Perthshire. 

School holidays last 1-2 weeks during October; some families escape for the winter sun, but most stay home in Scotland, visiting local areas during day trips or extended stays.

Meteorological autumn starts on September 1 and ends on November 30. 

Scotland in September

For me, September is the best time of year to visit Scotland if you are seeking mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and accessible opening times at attractions. 

As mentioned above, the first half of September can be very pleasant temperature-wise in Scotland. 

Most university (college) students start their courses in the cities in September, so there is a new buzz about the area. 

Temperatures range from 5° to 22°/41°F to 71.6°F; this drop in temperature means we can say goodbye to midges.

On September 1, the sunrise starts around 06:14, and the sunset is at 19:53; it’s starting to get darker for longer, with around 13.5 hours of daylight.

Scotland in October

October 31 is Hallowe’en, a big deal for kids who go “guising,” which you may know as trick-or-treating! 

It’s a great time to take advantage of all the spooky tours in Edinburgh’s Old Town, like the Vaults Experience, or learn about the witches’ trails in Fife. 

While leaves start to change shade at the start of the month, they put on a full show by the end and stay around until early November. 

As mentioned above, most schools break for a one—or two-week holiday in October, depending on their policy. 

Another event is the start of the Scottish Rugby Autumn Nations. 

October temperatures range from 1° to 17°/33.8°F to 62.6°F.

On October 1, the sunrise starts around 07:04, and the sunset is at 18:42, just over 11.5 hours of daylight. 

Scotland in November

Remember, remember the 5th of November, Guy Fawkes Night! 

November 30 is also the patron saint of Scotland’s day, St Andrews; it is a bank holiday but most people work it.

By the end of the month, stores and bars have hung their festive decorations, and the cities has a nice feel, with locals and visitors starting to celebrate the “C” word! 

November temperatures drop below freezing from -4° to 13°/24.8°F to 55.4°F.

On November 1, sunrise starts around 06:59, and sunset is early at 16:35, giving us less than 10 hours of daylight.

Winter in Scotland 

Bundle up; it’s time to hit the serious (for Scotland) below-zero temps with some possibility of heavy snow outside the central belt and a high probability of icy roads all around.

Rain, wind, and sleet are balanced with lovely crisp days, perfect for winter walks. 

Meteorological winter starts on December 1 and ends on February 28 (or 29 during a Leap Year).

While winter is technically only three months long, the tail end of January into February and March can drag when the weather is dreich (dull) and the early dark nights start to take their toll. 

Many rural attractions and historical places close for winter. If you have somewhere on your bucket list, check the business website for opening information. 

It’s not all doom and gloom in winter. 

December is lively, and the first half of January can be very chilled out when the weather is dry!  

Scotland in December

December is a fun month to visit if you like Christmas decorations, markets, and a huge party to ring in the new year! 

Most cities have a Christmas market, with Edinburgh hosting the biggest in Princes Street Gardens, spreading to George Street and St Andrew Square. 

Many attractions close on Christmas Day, but some restaurants offer a festive menu that should be reserved in advance. 

Most Indian and Chinese restaurants serve throughout the festive period. 

Hanukkah – Festival of Lights is also celebrated. 

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a three-day event that starts with a Torchlight Procession, a huge street party on NYE, and some smaller family-friendly events scattered around the city on January 1.

Stonehaven (Aberdeenshire) also puts on a NYE fireball festival and Pitlochry (Perthshire) hosts a New Year’s Day street party. 

Christmas Day (25th), Boxing Day (26th), New Year’s Day (1st January) and 2nd January are public holidays. 

Up Helly Aa, the Viking festival in Shetland also occurs at the month’s end. 

December temperatures range from -5° to 11°/23°F to 51.8°F.

On December 1, the sunrise starts around 07:50, and the sunset is pretty early at 15:55.

There are just over eight hours of daylight, perfect for seeing the cities lit up! 

Scotland in January

The Christmas excitement is over; locals are waiting on payday and trying to stick to their New Year’s resolutions, so if you dream of a quiet(er) trip to Scotland, consider January.

January is also the month the country celebrates Rabbie Burns on the 25th. 

Typically, schools put on poetry performances, and some households will dine on haggis (lightly spiced meaty mince with oats), neeps (turnip), and tatties (potatoes), but not everyone.

Visitors can try this dish at restaurants around the country at any time of year. 

January temperatures range from -4° to 10°/24.8°F to 50°F.

On January 1, the sunrise starts around 08:12, and the sunset is a little later than December at 16:02; expect pastel winter sunsets on the east coast; superb! 

Scotland in February

Is winter over yet?!

If you plan to visit Scotland during February, be cautious of a small price hike over the Valentine’s Day weekend when hotels and restaurants require booking. 

Schools break off for a short holiday between two to five days.

February temperatures range from -2° to 10°/28.4°F to 50°F.

On February 1, the sunrise starts around 07:43 and sunset at 16:51, creeping towards lighter mornings and evenings! 

Conclusion

From the extensive information above, you can see that there is no best time to travel to Scotland; it all depends on what you want out of your trip!

• Fewer crowds but limited services? Go for January.
• The best time to avoid midges in Scotland? Early spring, late autumn, and winter.
• Autumn leaves and spooky experiences? October is the month for you. 

Note: Before you visit Scotland, you might need to complete the ETA application.

Need help planning your trip to Scotland?
Let’s hop on a video consultation call and work out your itinerary together.
Why not join me in my free Facebook group, too?

References: Accu Weather and UK Weather Cams.