The land of bagpipes and kilts offers much more than golf courses and whisky. Tour castles, learn about history woven with myth and legend, and sample local dishes like haggis and deep-fried mars bars.
The best time to visit Scotland depends on your goals. Consider summer if you want warm weather and Edinburgh festivals or brave winter to stargaze, shop at Christmas markets, and tour castles.
1. Visit in the Winter
If you’re a lover of winter sports, are on a budget, or simply prefer to avoid the crowds, Scotland’s wintry months make for a great visit. The weather may be cold and rainy, but you can still experience many of the highlights of the country. For example, you can easily see Edinburgh’s famous castle (book a tour!), or have a great meal in the city’s dreamy Victoria Street. The Isle of Skye is another highlight, and you’ll have much more room to roam its spectacular landscapes in the off-season. Looking for New Website web Design Dundee
One thing to consider is that there are fewer attractions open in winter, so plan accordingly for your itinerary. Also, it can get dark early in the Highlands, so be sure to factor that into your driving plans.
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In the fall and winter, you’ll find that many of the historic sites in the Highlands are open, and you’ll have the option to do a variety of activities. Skiing is a popular activity in Aviemore, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, while hikers can enjoy snow-capped mountains and views of ice-cold lakes and rivers. Wildlife watching is also a treat at this time of year, with sightings of elk and deer common. Dundee Business Online
Another benefit of visiting in the winter is that the price is significantly less than during the peak summer season. This is especially true for accommodation, which is less likely to be booked up during the off-season, and dining at restaurants is a lot easier as well. Just be sure to pack plenty of layers and a good quality waterproof jacket, as the Scottish weather can be highly unpredictable!
2. Visit in the Spring
Scotland is a world-renowned travel destination for jaw-dropping natural beauty, rich history and a lively culture. Whether you’re a whiskey lover, a nature lover, or simply fascinated by the architecture, you’ll find plenty to see and do. But the best time to visit Scotland depends on your travel priorities.
Scotland’s lush natural landscape never stops being breathtaking, but the most stunning scenery is found in spring and autumn, when trees burst into bloom with bright colors, and heather blankets the hills. These are also the months when you’ll find fewer tourists, and it will be much easier to access remote areas like the Highlands.
Spring is a beautiful season for all of Scotland, from the buzzing cities to the wild islands and highland glens. In the cities, you’ll find streets adorned with daffodils and cherry blossoms, while outside, green fields give way to the first buds of the year as well as a plethora of wildflowers. The weather is still on the cool side, so you’ll need a jacket and warm layers – but it won’t be as cold as winter or as rainy as summer.
In the spring, you can expect sunny days with temperatures in the mid 40s °F and low 50s °F. This is also the driest time of the year, although you should be prepared for some precipitation – it’s Scotland, after all!
May is Whisky Month, and you’ll be able to enjoy special tastings at many of Scotland’s distilleries. It’s also the best time for sea safaris around Shetland and Orkney, as water levels are lower and you’ll have an easier time spotting marine wildlife. In addition, May is when the renowned Highland Games take place, so you’ll have the chance to witness some kilt-clad competitors doing their best at shot-putt events and caber tosses.
If you’re planning to ride the Jacobite steam train, you’ll want to plan your trip for April to October, when the train runs – not during the winter. And if you’re a photographer, the long hours of daylight in the summer are perfect for shooting landscapes and seascapes.
3. Visit in the Summer
When the Scottish summer arrives, the country comes alive. School children take their holidays in June so the crowds thin out and you’re sure to enjoy beautiful weather days out. This is also when the Falkirk Wheel opens (a huge canal-side attraction featuring 30-meter-high horse head sculptures of the legendary kelpies).
It’s also the peak season for whisky distilleries and golf courses so make sure you book well in advance, especially if you want to visit the famous Glenfiddich Distillery near Glen Coe or to play a round at the Links Championship course in St Andrews.
The high summer season in Scotland lasts from June to September and offers a great opportunity to take advantage of the longer days that come with Scotland’s northern latitude. However, be aware that midges are in full force during this time and can spoil a trip to the Highlands or to the beautiful Loch Lomond and its surrounding trails.
The city of Edinburgh is busy in the summer with tourists and locals coming out to partake in its fabulous culture fests, including the Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Tattoo. If you’re a fan of architecture, then this is the perfect time to visit the city and its iconic buildings as many are open and fully lit up during the day.
From October to mid-November, the crowds dwindle and the temperatures drop but it’s still a good time to see Scotland in autumnal gold. It’s also a great time to attend one of the numerous literary festivals or create your own Harry Potter adventure by visiting some of the locations that inspired JK Rowling’s books and films.
You can take advantage of a milder winter in Scotland, which is also when some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Europe takes place at the ski resorts around the Cairngorm Mountains. Winter also provides the chance to enjoy snowy landscapes and magical experiences at some of the country’s most remote and scenic attractions, with the added bonus of less crowded sites and much cheaper accommodation rates. This is also when you can stargaze on a clear night and try to catch sight of the Northern Lights.
4. Visit in the Fall
The fall season in Scotland is marked by spellbinding landscapes awash with hues of gold and orange. Autumn is also rutting season for majestic Scottish red deer, and it’s a good time to see herds of elk and wild boar roaming the countryside. The mild weather makes this season a great choice for hiking, although you’ll want to pack layers in case of rain or wind.
March through May are a good time to visit because temperatures start to warm up, and daylight hours get longer. However, this is still a shoulder season, and you can expect to pay lower prices for accommodations. This is a wonderful time of year to explore islands like Shetland and Orkney, or even travel further north into the Highlands.
If you’re looking for a summer trip to Scotland, be sure to book well in advance. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and other popular events are usually sold out long before the summer. The weather is warm and sunny, but you’ll find the beaches and other outdoor attractions crowded with people. It’s also peak midge season, and you’ll need plenty of bug repellent if you want to spend much time outdoors.
September through November are a wonderful time to experience Scotland’s nature and culture. The days are often sunny, but you can expect some rain as well. The out-of-season months are also quieter for tourism, so you’ll enjoy peaceful hikes and visits to popular landmarks. In the north, it’s possible to catch glimpses of the Northern Lights between October and March.
The fall and spring are also the best times of year to take a road trip through Scotland. With the weather largely settled, it’s easy to navigate between cities and remote locations without having to worry about rain or snow. And the beautiful autumn foliage adds a dramatic touch to your adventure. The seasons in Scotland can seem to conflict with each other, but savvy travelers plan their trips around the shoulder season for the best of both worlds. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next Scotland trip today!
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