When is the best time to visit Scotland? From May to June and in September: days are long, rainfall is fairly moderate in the east of the country, sights are accessible and Highland midges are less of a nuisance than in high summer. July and August remain the mildest months, but they are also the busiest and most expensive, especially in Edinburgh during the August festivals.
Scotland has a maritime climate: cool all year, changeable from one hour to the next, and rarely extreme. The real difference is between the fairly dry east (Edinburgh, Inverness) and the much wetter west (Glasgow, the Highland coast, the Hebrides). Daylight matters almost as much as temperature in Scotland: more than 17 hours in June in Edinburgh, barely 7 hours in December. Here is how to choose your month, based on climate normals from the Met Office, the UK’s national weather service. These very long June days are most useful in the north: our guide to things to do in the Highlands suggests itineraries and stops.
Our travel deals for Scotland
Affiliate links: we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
FlightsKiwi.comCompare flights and airline combinations to Scotland.Compare flights- eSIMAiraloData plan to install before you leave (eSIM-compatible phone).See plans
When to go to Scotland at a glance
- Best times May to June and September
- Sunniest month May (about 195 hours of sunshine in Edinburgh)
- Mildest months July and August, around 19 °C (66 °F) in the afternoon, rarely higher
- For the Edinburgh festivals August, booking very early
- Midges roughly May to October, mostly in the west Highlands and the islands, peaking in midsummer
- Best avoided if possible November to January for a Highlands road trip (very short days, rain, roads and sights sometimes closed)
- Best value April to May and late September to October
When to go to Scotland by priority
- Best weather: May to June and September; May is the sunniest month (about 195 hours in Edinburgh)
- Cheapest: April to May and late September to October for a road trip; winter for the cities, outside the holidays
- Fewest crowds: April to May and late September to October, before and after the high season and the midge peak
- Events: Burns Night on January 25, Highland Games from about May to September, the Edinburgh festivals in August, Hogmanay from December 29 to January 1
Scotland: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, July, September
❌ Period to avoid: January, November
Climate and weather in Scotland, month by month
The table below gives the normals for Edinburgh, the starting point for most trips. Eastern Scotland is much drier than the west: the west Highlands and the islands are covered further down. That wetter west Highlands climate is a factor in our comparison to help you choose between Scotland and Ireland, which also compares budgets.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.3 °C (45 °F) | 1.7 °C (35 °F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Cold, very short days (about 7 h 30 min) |
| February | 8.0 °C (46 °F) | 1.7 °C (35 °F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cool, days getting longer, few tourists |
| March | 9.7 °C (49 °F) | 2.9 °C (37 °F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Late spring, snow possible in the mountains |
| April | 12.2 °C (54 °F) | 4.7 °C (40 °F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | ✅ The driest month in Edinburgh |
| May | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 7.1 °C (45 °F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Sunniest month, few midges |
| June | 17.4 °C (63 °F) | 9.9 °C (50 °F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | High | High | ✅ Longest days (more than 17 h) |
| July | 19.3 °C (67 °F) | 11.6 °C (53 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | Very high | High | ✅ Mildest month, but midges in the west |
| August | 19.1 °C (66 °F) | 11.5 °C (53 °F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | Very high (festivals) | Very high | ⚠️ Festivals: record crowds and prices in Edinburgh |
| September | 16.9 °C (62 °F) | 9.7 °C (49 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Still mild, crowds easing |
| October | 13.4 °C (56 °F) | 6.7 °C (44 °F) | 76 mm (3.0 in) | Low | Moderate to low | ⚠️ Autumn colors, but rain and short days |
| November | 9.9 °C (50 °F) | 3.8 °C (39 °F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | Low | Low | ❌ Gray, wet, barely 8 h of daylight |
| December | 7.3 °C (45 °F) | 1.6 °C (35 °F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | Moderate (holidays) | Low, then high | ⚠️ Christmas markets and Hogmanay in the city |
Note: in Edinburgh it rains a little more in July–August than in April–May, mostly as showers. Whatever the season, bring a waterproof jacket and several layers. Edinburgh and the Highlands are shown on our map of Scotland.
Daylight and sunshine: a decisive factor
Scotland lies between roughly 55° and 61° north, much farther north than London (about 51.5° N). As a result, day length varies enormously through the year. Around the summer solstice there are about 17 h 35 min of daylight in Edinburgh and 18 h in Inverness, and in the far north the sky never gets fully dark. At the winter solstice the day shrinks to about 7 h in Edinburgh and 6 h 35 min in Inverness. In December, plan to finish your Highland journeys before dark, around 3:30–4 p.m.
| Month | Day length (15th of the month) | Sunshine (hours per month) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7 h 35 min | 55 |
| February | 9 h 35 min | 82 |
| March | 11 h 45 min | 117 |
| April | 14 h 05 min | 157 |
| May | 16 h 15 min | 195 |
| June | 17 h 35 min | 162 |
| July | 17 h 05 min | 170 |
| August | 15 h 10 min | 160 |
| September | 12 h 50 min | 130 |
| October | 10 h 35 min | 99 |
| November | 8 h 20 min | 72 |
| December | 7 h 00 min | 49 |
The seasons in Scotland: pros and cons
Spring (April to June): long days and few midges
This is the most balanced season: from 12 °C (54 °F) in April to 17 °C (63 °F) in June in Edinburgh, some of the driest months, and more than 16 hours of daylight from mid-May. Midges appear in May but are usually discreet before June.
- Pros: the best sunshine of the year, very long days for road trips, prices still reasonable in April–May
- Cons: cool temperatures (pack warm layers), busier UK Easter school holidays, some sights and ferries on reduced hours until Easter
- Our tip: the second half of May and early June offer the best compromise between light, weather, crowds and midges
Summer (July–August): high season
July and August are the mildest months, around 19 °C (66 °F) in the afternoon in Edinburgh and Inverness, rarely much higher. It is also school holiday season: Skye, Glen Coe and Loch Ness are very busy and Highland accommodation fills up months ahead. In August the festivals overwhelm Edinburgh and hotel prices peak.
- Pros: the most pleasant temperatures, all sights, ferries and tourist trains running, festivals and Highland Games
- Cons: crowds, high prices, and above all midges, at their worst in the west Highlands and the islands, especially in the morning and evening in calm, overcast weather
- Who is it for? Families with fixed dates and festival fans: book early
Autumn (September–October): golden light and calm returns
September is often an excellent month: still close to 17 °C (63 °F) in the afternoon in Edinburgh, far fewer people once the school holidays end, and midges fading with the first cool weather. October brings autumn colors, especially in Perthshire, but days get shorter and rain increases.
- Pros: falling prices, colorful moorland and forest scenery, the deer rutting season in the Highlands
- Cons: less settled weather in October, some accommodation, sights and tourist services closing or cutting hours at the end of the season
- Our tip: the first half of September is ideal for a road trip in the Highlands and on Skye
Winter (November to March): cities, festive events and mountain snow
Scottish winters are wetter than they are truly cold on the coasts: about 7 °C (45 °F) in the afternoon in Edinburgh. The main obstacles are the very short days and the rain, which is heavy in the west (more than 140 mm (5.5 in) a month in Glasgow in December–January).
- Pros: Christmas markets and Hogmanay in Edinburgh, low prices outside the holidays, cozy museums and pubs, a chance of seeing the northern lights in the north on a clear night with strong solar activity
- Cons: 7 hours of daylight in December, mountain roads sometimes difficult, many rural accommodations closed
- Who is it for? A city break in Edinburgh or Glasgow, the year-end holidays, and travelers looking for quiet
When to go to Scotland by region
Westerly winds drop most of the rain on the Atlantic coast and the islands. Comparison of the normals for four towns:
| Month | Edinburgh | Glasgow | Inverness | Stornoway (Hebrides) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.3 °C (45 °F) / 65 mm (2.6 in) | 7.2 °C (45 °F) / 146 mm (5.7 in) | 7.1 °C (45 °F) / 76 mm (3.0 in) | 7.5 °C (46 °F) / 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| February | 8.0 °C (46 °F) / 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7.8 °C (46 °F) / 115 mm (4.5 in) | 7.6 °C (46 °F) / 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7.5 °C (46 °F) / 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| March | 9.7 °C (49 °F) / 49 mm (1.9 in) | 9.8 °C (50 °F) / 97 mm (3.8 in) | 9.5 °C (49 °F) / 53 mm (2.1 in) | 8.5 °C (47 °F) / 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| April | 12.2 °C (54 °F) / 41 mm (1.6 in) | 13.0 °C (55 °F) / 66 mm (2.6 in) | 12.1 °C (54 °F) / 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10.4 °C (51 °F) / 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 14.9 °C (59 °F) / 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16.1 °C (61 °F) / 69 mm (2.7 in) | 14.8 °C (59 °F) / 56 mm (2.2 in) | 12.6 °C (55 °F) / 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| June | 17.4 °C (63 °F) / 66 mm (2.6 in) | 18.4 °C (65 °F) / 68 mm (2.7 in) | 17.0 °C (63 °F) / 62 mm (2.4 in) | 14.5 °C (58 °F) / 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| July | 19.3 °C (67 °F) / 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19.8 °C (68 °F) / 83 mm (3.3 in) | 19.0 °C (66 °F) / 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16.3 °C (61 °F) / 75 mm (3.0 in) |
| August | 19.1 °C (66 °F) / 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19.3 °C (67 °F) / 95 mm (3.7 in) | 18.7 °C (66 °F) / 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16.4 °C (62 °F) / 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| September | 16.9 °C (62 °F) / 55 mm (2.2 in) | 16.7 °C (62 °F) / 98 mm (3.9 in) | 16.5 °C (62 °F) / 63 mm (2.5 in) | 14.7 °C (58 °F) / 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| October | 13.4 °C (56 °F) / 76 mm (3.0 in) | 13.0 °C (55 °F) / 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12.9 °C (55 °F) / 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12.0 °C (54 °F) / 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| November | 9.9 °C (50 °F) / 65 mm (2.6 in) | 9.6 °C (49 °F) / 132 mm (5.2 in) | 9.5 °C (49 °F) / 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9.5 °C (49 °F) / 128 mm (5.0 in) |
| December | 7.3 °C (45 °F) / 67 mm (2.6 in) | 7.4 °C (45 °F) / 161 mm (6.3 in) | 7.3 °C (45 °F) / 73 mm (2.9 in) | 7.8 °C (46 °F) / 139 mm (5.5 in) |
Edinburgh and the east (Fife, St Andrews)
The east coast is the driest region of the country: less than 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain every month in Edinburgh, and only 41 mm (1.6 in) in April. The best windows are May–June and September. August is festival month: a superb atmosphere, but very expensive accommodation. April’s 41 mm (1.6 in) make Edinburgh the driest in the country; our Edinburgh weather month by month page also covers the festival period.
Glasgow and the west
Glasgow is slightly milder than the capital in spring and summer, but it gets twice as much rain: more than 130 mm (5.1 in) a month from October to January, against 66 mm (2.6 in) in April. April to June is the most favorable period to combine the city, Loch Lomond and the coast.
Inverness, Loch Ness and the north-east Highlands
Inverness is almost as dry as Edinburgh, with very similar temperatures and even longer days in summer (about 18 hours at the solstice). Aim for May to September for roads and sights, and favor May–June or September to avoid the crowds.
The west Highlands and the islands (Skye, Mull, Outer Hebrides)
This is the region of the most famous scenery, but also the wettest and the windiest. In Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, summer highs barely exceed 16 °C (61 °F), and more than 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain falls each month from September to March. Late spring is the best season: May is both the sunniest and one of the driest months there, before the bulk of the midge season.
When to go to Scotland by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (Edinburgh and the Highlands) | May–June, September | Edinburgh, Glen Coe, Skye, Loch Ness |
| Highlands road trip | Mid-May to late June, September | West coast, Skye, the northern route |
| Hiking | May–June, September | Glen Coe, Cairngorms, Skye, Ben Nevis |
| Avoiding midges | April–May, late September–October | West Highlands and islands |
| Edinburgh festivals | August | Edinburgh |
| Budget travel | April–May, October; winter for the cities | Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness |
| Whisky distilleries | April to October (more tours open) | Speyside, Islay, the Highlands |
| Year-end holidays | December, Hogmanay from December 29 to January 1 | Edinburgh |
| Family trip | July–August, spring school holidays | Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Cairngorms |
Major events in Scotland to build into your trip
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 25 | Burns Night (evenings honoring the poet Robert Burns) | Nationwide |
| April (April 3 to 18 in 2027) | Edinburgh Science Festival | Edinburgh |
| July (July 16 to 25 in 2027) | Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival | Edinburgh |
| August (Tattoo August 6 to 28 in 2027) | Edinburgh International Festival, Fringe Festival, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Book Festival | Edinburgh |
| From about May to September | Highland Games (caber toss, bagpipes, dancing) | Many Highland villages |
| Late October (October 21 to 31 in 2026) | Scottish International Storytelling Festival | Edinburgh |
| November 30 | St Andrew’s Day, national day | Nationwide |
| December 29 – January 1 | Hogmanay (New Year) | Edinburgh and nationwide |
For the August festivals, if Edinburgh’s prices put you off, stay in Glasgow and travel back and forth by train.
Scotland month by month: what to expect
January: About 7 °C (45 °F), 7 h 30 min of daylight, heavy rain in the west. Burns Night on the 25th. Good for cities and small budgets.
February: Cool, but the days lengthen quickly. Snow in the mountains, low prices.
March: Late spring, about 10 °C (50 °F). Sights gradually reopen around Easter.
April: The driest month in Edinburgh (41 mm (1.6 in)), about 12 °C (54 °F). Busier Easter holidays.
May: The sunniest of the year, 15 °C (59 °F), few midges. Ideal for Skye and the west coast.
June: The longest days (more than 17 h in Edinburgh, 18 h in Inverness), 17 °C (63 °F). Midges appear in the west: bring repellent.
July: The mildest month (19 °C (66 °F)), heavy crowds, Highland Games. Midges very active in the west.
August: Edinburgh festivals: a unique atmosphere but a packed city and record prices. Elsewhere, high season and midges.
September: Still 17 °C (63 °F) in Edinburgh, crowds easing after the school holidays, midges receding. An excellent month for a road trip.
October: Autumn colors, but more rain and 10 h 30 min of daylight. End-of-season closures in the countryside.
November: Gray and wet, barely 8 hours of daylight. Not well suited to the Highlands.
December: The darkest month (7 h of daylight). Christmas markets and Hogmanay in Edinburgh; prices rise sharply for New Year.
Can’t decide between destinations? Compare with our picks for where to go in May, June, September or October, and with our guide to neighboring Ireland.
When to book your trip to Scotland
For August in Edinburgh, book your accommodation 6 to 12 months ahead. For a Highlands and Skye road trip between June and August, allow 3 to 6 months: rural accommodation is limited, as are ferry spaces with a vehicle. In April–May, September and October, 1 to 2 months is usually enough.
Planning your trip to Scotland
- Entry requirements: Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. For passport rules, visas and the UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA), see our page on the entry requirements for the United Kingdom.
- Time difference: Scotland follows UK time: Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0) in winter and British Summer Time (UTC+1) in summer.
- Currency: the pound sterling (GBP). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for small amounts. To estimate your budget, use our currency converter.
- Health: no vaccination is compulsory for visitors. Travel insurance covering medical costs is recommended. Protect yourself from ticks when hiking, especially in spring and summer.
- Midges: bring an effective midge repellent, and even a head net for camping or hiking in the west from May to September. VisitScotland recommends checking the midge forecast before heading out.
For more, see our complete Scotland travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Scotland?
May, June and September are the most balanced months. May is the sunniest of the year in Edinburgh according to Met Office normals, June has the longest days, and September stays mild with fewer people and fewer midges than in midsummer.
What is the weather like in Scotland in summer?
Cool: about 19 °C (66 °F) in the afternoon in July–August in Edinburgh and Inverness, 16 °C (61 °F) in Stornoway in the Hebrides. Showers remain frequent, especially in the west. Pack warm, waterproof clothing, even in August.
When are there midges in Scotland?
According to VisitScotland, midges are present from about May to October, peaking in midsummer. They are most active in the morning and evening, in calm, overcast weather, in the west Highlands and the islands. Bring a suitable repellent.
When do the Edinburgh festivals take place?
The main festivals (Fringe, International Festival, Military Tattoo, Book Festival) take place in August. In 2027 the Tattoo is announced for August 6 to 28; dates for the other festivals are published on the official Edinburgh Festival City website. Hogmanay, the New Year celebration, runs from December 29 to January 1.
What is the cheapest time to visit Scotland?
From November to March, outside the year-end holidays, for Edinburgh and Glasgow. For a Highlands road trip, April–May and October offer a good compromise between weather, sights being open and prices.
What is the driest month in Scotland?
According to the Met Office’s 1991–2020 normals, April is the driest month in Edinburgh and Inverness (41 mm (1.6 in)). In the much wetter west, April to June remain the driest months: about 66 to 69 mm (2.6 to 2.7 in) in Glasgow, against more than 130 mm (5.1 in) a month from October to January.
Should you visit Scotland in October?
It can be worthwhile for the autumn colors, especially in Perthshire, the deer rutting season and falling prices. But it is about 13 °C (55 °F) in the afternoon in Edinburgh, rain increases (76 mm (3.0 in)) and the day lasts only about 10 h 30 min; some rural accommodation and sights close at the end of the season.
Can you see the northern lights in Scotland?
Sometimes, mostly in winter when nights are long: in the north of the country, on a clear night and during strong solar activity. They are never guaranteed.
Our sources
- Met Office (UK national weather service): 1991–2020 normals for the Edinburgh (Royal Botanic Garden), Paisley (Glasgow) and Inverness stations, published normals for Stornoway airport (temperature, rainfall, sunshine)
- Day length: astronomical calculation for the latitude of Edinburgh (and Inverness), rounded values
- VisitScotland, the national tourism organization: advice on midges and ticks
- Edinburgh Festival City, the official Edinburgh festivals website: calendar read on October 5, 2026
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
