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!

Historically and according to recent 2026 meteorological data, April and May are the months with the least amount of rain in Scotland. While Scotland is famous for its "four seasons in one day" weather, the spring months are characterized by more stable high-pressure systems that bring clearer skies and lower precipitation levels compared to the soggy autumn and winter. Specifically, May is often cited as the driest and sunniest month across the Scottish Highlands and the East Coast (Edinburgh/Fife), with an average of 15 to 17 dry days. This makes it the "gold standard" for hikers and golfers who want to avoid the notorious Scottish mists. However, it is important to remember that "dry" in Scotland is relative; you should still carry a waterproof shell. If you are looking for the absolute lowest chance of rain, the Isle of Tiree (often called the "Hawaii of the North") is statistically the sunniest place in Scotland during May. Avoid August and September if you want to stay dry, as these are statistically among the wettest and most humid months of the year.