What is the best month to go to Scotland?

To have the most sunlight and best weather, many people head to the Scottish Highlands in the summer, between May and September. Starting in October, the weather can be unpredictable — freezing temperatures, gale-force winds, and snowfall are all possible.



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When is the best time to visit Scotland? The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 43?F to 59?F, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms.

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May, June and September give you sunshine without the crowds Many Scots rate May as the best month: long days, rising temperatures, dry weather...and no midges. Wildflowers are in bloom on the Hebridean machair, hawthorn hedges flower and cherry blossoms grace city parks.

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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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May, June, September and October. These months give you long days, almost all the tourism businesses are open, the crowds of July and August are avoided, midges are not at their most prolific and even the weather is pretty decent.

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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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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 way to see Scotland in a week or more is with an itinerary that starts from Edinburgh and loops around the Highlands, with overnights in places such as Inverness, the Isle of Skye, Fort William and the Loch Lomond area.

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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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Now you've got your midge repellent arsenal sorted, here are some practical tips you can use while you're out there in the wilderness.
  1. Head for the water. ...
  2. Wear light-coloured clothing. ...
  3. Time it right. ...
  4. Long sleeves are your friends. ...
  5. Get up high. ...
  6. Stay indoors during dawn and dusk. ...
  7. Avoid stopping in long vegetation. ...
  8. The wild cards.


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January is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 177.5mm of rain, while May is the driest month, receiving just 84.5mm of rain on average - which is probably the reason for the Scottish proverb “cast not a clout till May be oot”, or, don't take off your winter clothing until May!

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The best way to prevent midge bites is to wear EPA-registered insect repellent, especially if you're wearing clothes that expose large areas of skin. Biting midges can't bite through clothes, but they can get underneath them. When enjoying outdoor activities, like hiking, it's best to wear long sleeves or pants.

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