Scotland in April: Weather, Tips & Spring Festivals
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.
Scotland Weather in April
April is part of the spring season in Scotland. Although the country sees varied weather conditions during this time, most days are sunny and the days are notably longer. The average temperature in Scotland in April ranges from 3°C to 11°C. Temperatures in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen are fairly similar, averaging at 9°C.
Check out our seasonal overview to find out the best time to visit Scotland.
Weather in Scotland in April - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 7 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 41 | 42.8 | 48.2 | 51.8 | 57.2 | 62.6 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 60.8 | 55.4 | 48.2 | 44.6 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 33.8 | 33.8 | 35.6 | 37.4 | 42.8 | 48.2 | 51.8 | 51.8 | 48.2 | 44.6 | 37.4 | 35.6 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 50 | 70 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 50 | 70 | 80 | 70 | 70 |
Why Visit Scotland in April
Besides great spring weather conditions, there are plenty of other reasons why you should plan a holiday in Scotland in April. Here are some.
- Spring Festivals: One of the best things to do in Scotland in April is to attend the spring festivals. You can head to the Glasgow Festival of Visual Art, Edinburgh Science Festival and Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Easter weekend could also take place in April, offering you many more fun activities to enjoy.
- Explore the Outdoors: April is one of the driest months of the year in Scotland, which means you will have great weather on your side if you wish to explore the Scottish outdoors. Days are also longer during this time, giving you the opportunity to pack more tours and activities in your itinerary.
- Fewer crowds: The peak season of Scotland is during the summer months. So if you visit the country in April, you will find fewer visitors at the country’s top attractions. This surely is a welcoming thing if you wish to spend your sightseeing tours without crowds hovering around you. April is a wonderful month to venture into the Highlands, discover the beauty and history of the Scottish castles and more.
- Spring abloom: Scotland is stunning in any given month of the year. But the country looks and feels even more breathtaking in April when it erupts with colorful spring flowers. Head to any castle gardens or parks to enjoy their kaleidoscopic views. The best place to visit in Scotland to see an abundance of wild spring flowers during this time is the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond.
- Castle-spotting: Some of the castles that are closed for visitors during the winter open from the first week of April. If you visit Scotland in April, you will have many more magical castles to explore. With beautiful flowers in bloom, these castles look like they are straight out of a fairytale.
Where to Go and What to Do
You will have plenty of things to do in Scotland in April, depending on how many days you spend here. Spring is the perfect time to go wildlife spotting in Scotland. Visit Inverewe, a garden oasis at the edge of Loch Ewe, where you can view otters and seals. If you are an avid hiker, take a scenic hike at Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve. Along the way, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous sight of colorful spring flowers.
With the weather warming up in April, you will witness Scotland's landscapes come to life with blooming flowers and lush greenery. Head to Cairngorms National Park to enjoy these views. You can also head to Glencoe, which is popular for its spectacular landscape. April is also a good time to go kayaking in Loch Lomond and hunt the infamous monster at Loch Ness.
For a casually relaxing day, you can always stop by at the seaside town of St Andrews, considered the "home of golf." Hone your putting strokes at one of seven golf courses and spend the afternoon checking out the town’s attractions, including Scotland's oldest varsity, the University of St Andrews.
With fair weather conditions and few tourist crowds, you can have a memorable holiday in Scotland. As the spring season adds to the country’s beauty, this is the perfect time to explore the Scottish outdoors as well as visit local attractions.
Plan a customized holiday in Scotland with our local travel experts.
Other articles:
Scotland in March
Scotland in May
