When to Visit Scotland

Scotland is on most people’s travel bucket list and for a good reason. When you get to Scotland, you will notice how the country both eschews and completely forgoes the clichés that surround its popularity—there are numerous ruined castles, rolling green hills as far as the eye can see, fields of purpled heather during the fall, and much more. Although some Scots might not like to acknowledge it, but there is a chance you will run into a bagpiper or two, especially during the celebrations.Scottish history and culture are definitely a huge draw for the tourists, but there are a number of modern attractions you should not miss out on either—including outdoor music festivals, world-renowned restaurants, and more. You must be extremely excited to plan your trip to Scotland, but before you go, you need to know what the best time to visit Scotland is. The country is cloud-cast for major parts of the year, but every season has its own specialties that you must not miss.

Despite being a cold month, you'd be surprised by the vast number of activities you can enjoy when you visit Scotland in January.  The Scottish Highlands are enchanting, with snow-capped mountains, white-dusted forests, and frozen lochs. If you love wintry landscapes and enjoy winter sports, you should definitely visit Scotland at this time of the year. 

Anyone who has traveled to Scotland in February will tell you that the country is calm and quiet during this month. It is one of the winter months, so there are few visitors in the country, unlike in summer. February means cooler weather and shorter daylight hours in Scotland. But do not let these things put you off — for Scotland’s winter scenery is as stunning as ever! You will also find plenty of exciting things to do at this time, such as ice climbing in Kinlochleven or snowshoeing at Glencoe Mountain Resort.

Although March is a cold month in Scotland, it is a transition period, with chilly winter temperatures giving way to milder weather conditions. Days also start getting longer from this month. Wondering what are the top things to do in Scotland in March? From exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands and taking in the sight of the famous Loch Ness to sampling the finest Scottish whisky on Islay and Jura islands, there are tons of activities to enjoy during your stay in the country during this time of year. Keep reading for more details about your Scottish holiday!

Fair weather conditions and longer daylight hours make April a great month to explore Scotland. This is not the peak tourist season, which means you can see the country’s attractions more freely and find great deals on travel and accommodation. April is one of the drier months in Scotland, so take advantage of the good weather and go on a sightseeing tour or plan an outdoor activity. This is also a great time to go castle-spotting and explore the forests of Cairngorms National Park and the picturesque landscapes of Glencoe.

Midges or not, Scotland in May is a fairy tale destination for a springtime break. The weather is pleasantly cool, and the month is almost rain-free. From charming countryside for a perfect cottage holiday to cities laced with history and culture, Scotland is studded with incredible experiences. From hiking through the highlands and sampling drams of whiskey to conquering medieval castles and embarking on a fantasy-filled chase of Nessie with the dramatic landscape of Great Glen for company, you can dress up your itinerary with dollops of imagination for a dreamy Scottish vacation.

A Scottish getaway is like starring in your own travel movie. And if you have the company of pleasant weather, this one-of-a-kind adventure will give you unlimited fun memories to take back home. The month of June in Scotland is a summon for outdoor lovers, which must be answered. This is the time when spring meets summer. Jump from coasts to castles, glens to lochs, and from lunar landscapes to lush rolling hills. Maybe chase mythical creatures, or soak in some traditional Scottish culture on a highland game show. There are endless adventures to choose from if you visit Scotland in June.

Scotland in July has unpredictable weather conditions. Mostly, the days are warm and long but ever-existing rainclouds can trigger spontaneous showers. Nonetheless, this is still a good time of year to stroll the exquisite beaches on Saint Ninian’s Isle, sail across the west Scottish coastline, take in the awe-inspiring sceneries of its Highlands or drive across the lush spread of the rolling Lowlands to experience the best of Scotland.

August has ideal conditions for a summer trip to Scotland. The mild temperatures that pervade the country during this month are inviting, while electrifying festivals that take place during this time of year make the Scottish highlands more enticing. Likewise, magnificent mountains, dramatic coastlines, picturesque lochs, and deep, dark woods offer vistas of breathtaking scenery and give way for plenty of outdoor activities.

Get ready for a fantastic Scottish vacation in September. It is the beginning of autumn and the country’s woods and highlands are awash with golden fall foliage, giving it a fairy tale feel. Further lending to this image is ancient castles and ruins. The weather in Scotland during this time is a mix of rain and dry spells. Summer is officially over so the air can get a bit nippy, but with a good travel plan, you should be alright. Autumn is also the stag-stalking season, so plan your routes if you are going to hike the Scottish Highlands.September is also the month when you can join the British royal family to signal the ending of the Highland Games with the season's best, Braemar Gathering. Plus, this is also the dolphin-migration season. Bid goodbye to the last dolphins off the Scottish shores as they make their way to warm waters. With decent weather, minimal footfall, and a good deal of daylight, September is a great holiday month for a trip to Scotland.

Enjoy autumnal colors in the crisp, cool weather on your trip to Scotland in October. Woodlands and countryside are adorned with fall foliage during this time and it is an ideal month for a slow, relaxing holiday. The country is on the cusp of descending into winter in October and the deluge of tourists from the high season has almost receded. A crowd-free, relaxing time at last.Be it the towering Edinburgh Castle or the scenic Loch Lomond, there is no dearth of sites to visit in Scotland in October. Plus, the low season means you can get better deals on hotels and travel fares.

The colors of autumn give way to shorter and colder winter days in Scotland in November. And if you happen to visit Scotland at the beginning of the month, you could catch the last glimpse of the fall foliage. As the month progresses, the landscape becomes starker and you might experience the season’s first snowfall. This is the time to explore and discover the art, architecture and cuisines of Scotland. You can get plenty of these in Glasgow and Edinburgh. November is also the perfect time to take advantage of off-season rates and go on road trips around the Scottish Highlands.

The atmosphere transforms into a magical playground in Scotland in December. The pleasant smell of yuletide treats infuses the air during this month and tells you that Christmas is around the corner. Ski season arrives in the highlands along with a slew of other wintertime activities while feasts and festivals dominate the picturesque cities and villages of Scotland. With Edinburgh and Glasgow adorned by Christmas lights and decorations, this is a great time to visit Scotland to explore its attractions and be part of local festivities.

If you love exploring the great outdoors, enjoying world-class arts festivals and island hopping, summer in Scotland might just be for you. With temperatures at their highest and the days at their longest, Scottish summer offers endless opportunities for adventure.From rich, history-laden cities hosting summertime events like the artsy Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Royal Military Tattoo to hiking the rugged national parks and even attending the legendary Highland Games, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do on a trip to Scotland in the summer.

Whether you enjoy skiing, exploring snow-covered cities, or want to chase the Northern Lights, Scotland in winter is a cool place to be. The winter months extend from November to March. Although the temperatures take a dip and the weather isn’t completely reliable, you can still find plenty of things to do in the winter.Some of the best places to go on your trip to Scotland in the winter include the country’s national parks, like the Cairngorms and Galloway, where you’ll find adventurous activities like mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, snowshoeing, sledding, and more. Add in the amazing cultural events in cities like Hogmanay, Burns Night, and Up Helly Aa, and you’re in for a treat. Read on to discover the enchanting experience that awaits you when you choose to spend your winter in Scotland.