Scotland in February: Weather and Travel Tips
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.
- Anna Lewis
Scotland Weather in February
You can expect the weather in Scotland in February to be very cold, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 6°C. You can also expect several days of rain during this time of year, with the country’s west coast becoming particularly wet. There is also a high chance of snow at this time of year. The average number of days when Scotland receives snow in winter ranges from 15 to 20 days. However, the high peaks and mountains of the Scottish Highlands see around a hundred days of snowfall during this season.
Because of strong winds coming from the Atlantic and the North Sea, the Outer Hebrides and Sutherland are a haven for windsurfers this month.
Check out our seasonal overview to find out the best time to visit Scotland.
Weather in Scotland in February - 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 | 43 | 49 | 52 | 58 | 63 | 67 | 67 | 61 | 56 | 49 | 45 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 34 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 43 | 49 | 52 | 52 | 49 | 45 | 38 | 36 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 50 | 70 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 50 | 70 | 80 | 70 | 70 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 5 | 6 | 9 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 41 | 43 | 49 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 34 | 34 | 36 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 50 | 70 |
Why Visit Scotland in February
Despite freezing temperatures in Scotland, there are plenty of reasons why you should be heading to this beautiful country. We have listed a few of them below.
- Fewer crowds: Since February is a low season, you can avoid crowds and enjoy Scotland's awe-inspiring landscapes all to yourself! Explore its vast wilderness and take in its highlights like Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland without having to stand in long queues.
- More opportunities to relax: In February, Scotland enjoys a quieter atmosphere, offering you the perfect opportunity to relax. Shorter daylight hours also force people to retire early. You will likely be done with outdoor activities as early as 4:00 PM during your trip to Scotland in the winter, which gives you more time to unwind.
- Luxurious hotels for cheap: Scotland is famous for its luxurious accommodation, including castle hotels that allow you to live like royalty. When you travel to Scotland this month, you can stay at these incredible accommodations at very low rates! Here are our Scotland budget tours.
- Stunning winter landscapes: Scotland's rugged landscapes and bustling cities look magical in winter as they are covered with snow. Similarly, the snow-covered peaks of the Highlands are also truly breathtaking. If you want to capture envy-inducing images for your Instagram feed, you should visit Scotland in February!
Where to Go and What to Do
Despite cold weather conditions, you are sure to have a wholesome experience if you plan your trip carefully. Long winter nights mean more time to see amazing constellations of stars and, if you are lucky, the Northern Lights! To see this stunning natural spectacle of lights, visit locations such as Cairngorms National Park and Galloway Forest Park. You can also see the Northern Lights from the Isle of Skye.
From skiing to snowboarding, you will get plenty of opportunities to indulge in snowsports in Scotland. The country is home to numerous ski centers, such as the Glenshee Ski Center in the Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park, where you can enjoy your favorite winter sports. It is also possible to ski indoors with real snow at the Snow Factor in Glasgow.
If outdoor adventures are not for you, you will find plenty of indoor attractions to visit in Scotland. Some of the best places to visit in Scotland during this month are the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Depending on how many days you wish to spend in Scotland, there are many other interesting things to do in the country during your trip in February. You can visit cozy pubs to warm up with a glass of whisky, attend indoor concerts or enjoy a romantic stay in one of its castle hotels on Valentine's Day. While the best time to head for Scotland is from May to October, visiting Scotland in February comes with many benefits. As mentioned above, there are many things to enjoy in the country at this time of the year, and you will have them all to yourself since there are fewer crowds of tourists.
For a hassle-free trip to Scotland, consider booking customized tours. Reach out to our local travel experts if you are interested in a personalized itinerary.
For more ideas, check out our tours to Scotland in February.
