When is the best time to travel to Scotland?

If you are planning a trip to Scotland you will want to know when the best time to travel is. Many choose to travel to Scotland to enjoy the country’s fantastic sights and beautiful landscapes. May and September are considered to be the best months to visit Scotland because the weather is generally good during these months. Also, you won’t find the crowds that descend on the cities and Highlands during the high-season. Furthermore, you can enjoy the colours of spring and fall and mild temperatures, perfect for exploring the West Highland Way or hiking in the Cairngorms. The spring and fall are also the cheapest time to visit Scotland. Of course, you can travel to Scotland at any time of year. Just remember the old Scottish saying: ‘there’s no such things as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!’

Visiting Scotland in the winter

If you travel to Scotland during the winter, you should be prepared for cold weather. December, January and February are the coldest months with an average maximum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius. In the Scottish Highlands, you can expect around 100 days of falling snow per year, transforming the peaks and valleys into a winter wonderland. At this time of year, you can go skiing in Scotland. Popular ski resorts such as CairnGorm Mountain, Glencoe Mountain and Nevis Range welcome winter sports enthusiasts every winter.

Despite the cold weather, visiting Scotland in the winter means you’ll be able to enjoy the famous Hogmanay celebrations on New Year’s Eve. You can also experience Burns Night on the 25th January, a celebration of the life and poetry of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Winter in Scotland also means darker nights, so you might be lucky enough to catch sight of the Northern Lights in more remote parts of the country.

Travel to Scotland in the Spring

Visiting Scotland during the spring is a delight for nature lovers. The landscapes of the Scottish countryside bloom into life as they emerge from the gloom of winter. Spring temperatures range from 7 to 13 degrees Celsius and the diverse weather conditions ensure unforgettable ever-changing landscapes. Spring is also known as ‘Whisky Season’ in Scotland, the perfect time to visit if you’re a fan of the Scottish water of life. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place in late-April and the Highland Whisky Festival is also hosted around this time.

Spring in Scotland is also a time of new life in the natural world. You can enjoy wildlife spotting in the Highlands and along the coast during the Spring. At this time of year, you might be lucky enough to see puffins, ospreys and even seals, along the rugged Scottish coastline. Spring is considered one of the best times to visit Scotland, especially if you enjoy outdoor pursuits.

Visiting Scotland in the Summer

June, July and August mark the height of the Scottish summer. This is the most popular time of year to visit Scotland. With average temperatures of 15 degrees, summer in Scotland isn’t hot, but pleasant enough to enjoy the longer, brighter days. In the most northerly reaches of the country, daylight can last until 11 pm in the summer! Hiking, cycling and boating are popular during the summer months. National parks such as The Trossachs and Cairngorms become busy at this time of year, as visitors come to soak up the immaculate landscapes.

Summer is also festival season in Scotland, with the famous Edinburgh Festival taking place in August. Attracting visitors from across the globe, this arts and culture festival is the largest of its kind. Accommodation prices are higher in the summer and you can expect the major cities to be particularly busy. Nevertheless, there’s nothing quite like a Scottish summer, making the high-season a good time to travel to Scotland.

Travel to Scotland in the Fall

Travel to Scotland in the Fall

Fall is one of the best times to visit Scotland. This is due to the predictable weather, cheaper prices and the proliferation of colorful fall leaves, transforming the Highlands into a palette of orange and gold. The forests of Perthshire and Stirlingshire are the best places to enjoy the beautiful colours of fall in September and October. Temperatures range from 5 to 14 degrees Celsius at this time of year, warm enough to enjoy the spellbinding fall landscapes. As the trees come ablaze with colour, you can also spot a variety of wildlife. Red deer are prominent in the fall as it is rutting seasons for the majestic Scottish stags.

Visiting Scotland is a delight at any time of year, but the shoulder seasons of May and September are the best times to visit to enjoy the breathtaking Scottish wilderness. Take a trip to Scotland and explore a land of untouched landscapes, vibrant cities and fascinating history.