Is Scotland better in winter or summer?

The summer months (June through August) are the warmest of the year, with extensive daylight hours in July and August the further north you go. The crowds begin to disperse from late October. Early to mid-November can be a wonderful time to see Scotland's glorious fall foliage.



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Spend spring in Scotland for mild weather, fewer visitors, and plenty of activities. Or travel during the autumn in Scotland to enjoy the end of the summer season and enchanting, colourful landscapes.

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The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November).

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We recommend you allow 9 - 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country's diverse scenery and history. A 10 day itinerary, such as the Best of Scotland tour plan, would let you spend: 2 days in Edinburgh walking the historical streets and enjoying the cosmopolitan buzz.

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While summer is by far the most popular with visitors, the shoulder months of April, May and September are also ideal for those who prefer a quieter holiday.

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The hottest month is usually July, with an average temperature of a balmy 17°C! The coldest month in Scotland is February, with an average temperature of -0.1°C – however, January may feel even colder as it's the month with the highest number of 'air frost' days.

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The frequency of seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland varies. In the northern regions and remote areas with dark skies, such as the Isle of Skye or Shetland Islands, sightings can occur several times a month during the peak aurora seasons (September to March).

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The average cost of living in Scotland per month is around ?1,500, which is 1.26 times less expensive than the average in the UK. Scotland was rated as the finest place to live in and the eighth most expensive state in the UK.

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During the period in consideration, the month with the most hours of sunshine in Scotland was June 2023, with a total of 231.4 hours. However, April and May typically have the most hours of sunshine in Scotland.

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Direct high-speed trains run by LNER depart from Kings Cross station in London and take you to the Central station in Edinburgh in about 4.5 hours, reaching the maximum speed of 125 mph! There are over 50 daily departures (depending on the weekday), so planning a trip is as easy as ABC.

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