When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

When’s the best month to visit Scotland? Well, that depends on what you’re after! Summer (June-August) brings our warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer fewer crowds and better prices, while winter (November-March) delivers festive Hogmanay celebrations and the chance to spot the Northern Lights.

This guide breaks down each season to help you plan your perfect Scottish adventure.

This is probably one of the first thoughts that springs to mind when planning or dreaming about visiting Scotland.

My favourite response is always, “Visit Scotland whenever you can”. Perhaps it is easy for me to say, as I am blessed to be living here and guiding visitors throughout the year.

I hope to enlighten you with some helpful information (you could call it an insider’s guide) as to when may be the best time for you to visit, and enjoy a vacation in Bonnie Scotland.

Best Season to Visit Scotland: Quick Overview

Spring (March-May): Mild weather, blooming landscapes, reopening attractions, and Highland Games begin. Fewer crowds than in summer.

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, most extended daylight, peak festivals (Edinburgh Fringe, Royal Highland Show). Busy season with higher prices. Midges active.

Autumn (September-November): Stunning fall colours, cooler temperatures, midges gone, St Andrew’s Day celebrations. Many attractions close by November.

Winter (December-February): Festive Hogmanay celebrations, Burns Night, and potential Northern Lights. Shorter days, colder weather, but atmospheric Highland experiences.

For some, the best time to visit is in spring, when flowers and blossoms bloom. Others favour autumn (the fall), when golden colours make the scenery spectacular – everywhere you visit becomes a photograph-worthy moment.

However, most tourists from around the world visit Scotland in summer, when the Highland Games are in full swing, or when the Fringe or Edinburgh Tattoo is on in ‘Auld Reekie’. From May to September, the population in Scotland’s capital city can double.

The truth is we have visitors all year round, including winter months, when there’s nothing better than cosying up in front of a log fire in a remote Scottish glen, or by the bonnie banks of one of Scotland’s glistening lochs.

If that’s the top question, then by a close haggis hair, the next most frequently asked question is:

Being a native Scotsman I always quote the Big Yin, Billy Connolly “There’s no such thing as bad weather in Scotland, only inappropriate clothing” or “There are two seasons in Scotland: June and Winter”

Seriously, it is possible to experience four seasons in one day.

Take a look at our video below, which was filmed in the summer of 2017 at Loch Lomond.

All jokes aside, the weather is a huge factor to take into consideration when visiting Scotland. It’s not that it’s always dreich, cold, wet or windy, it’s just that it can be unpredictable. Historically, the weather can be warm and sunny in April, May and June, then you’ll experience hailstones the following day.

Traditionally, it may be pouring “cats and dogs” in July, especially at the ‘Glasgow Fair Fortnight’. It really can be a matter of pot luck.

But as we say in Scotland…

“Today’s Rain, is tomorrow’s Whisky”

To sum up, in my humble opinion, it’s all good, so get your case packed and visit Scotland whenever you can.

In late March or early April, nature lovers and bird watchers come to Scotland to see the colourful puffins arriving. Affectionately known by many Scots as the “Clowns of the Seas,” it’s a sign that spring is coming, and a spectacular place to get up close to these birds is by taking a boat trip to Staffa.

In April we can enjoy some sunny weather, and it’s a sight to see the newly born lambs frolicking in lush green fields. The air is fresh, and daffodils burst out in bright sunshine yellow. Around us, new life emerges, and the hope of new things to come.

Many rural hotels, bed-and-breakfast establishments, and guest houses reopen for the summer tourist season at this time too. This is also the reopening of Historic Scotland’s medieval castles, towers, and places of interest to discover. Before we know it, we’ll be skipping our way into May.

A famous Scots saying is, “Ne’er cast a cloot till May be oot” – simply meaning keep your clothes on until June; you can still catch a cold in May. Sunbathing in Scotland can happen… sometimes. I say to people, if you see the sun, then take a photograph of it and stick it on your mantelpiece (typical Scottish humour). So whenever you come to Scotland, be prepared for good humour with warm-hearted, welcoming people.

Scotland’s famous Highland Games and Gatherings begin in May. A spectacular show of strength and endurance, highland dancing and the skirl of the pipes dating as far back as 1314, to the oldest free games in Ceres, which marks “the glad return of Ceres men frae Bannockburn!” For the full calendar of dates and when you can attend a Highland Games or Gathering, visit the Scottish Highland Games Association website.

Explore our Highland Tours or multi-day tours to experience spring in Scotland.

May can also be regarded as one of the best times to visit Scotland, before peak travel season, making it ideal for finding low-season travel deals.

The Royal Highland Show is the main agricultural show, taking place in June at Ingliston near Edinburgh. It’s a popular event for visitors and Scots alike, attracting almost 200,000 people. The weather can be better during summer, and temperatures are typically warmer.

Alas though…this is also the start of the midgie season.

The ‘midgie’ is probably Scotland’s biggest – or should I say smallest – predator with the biggest teeth. It’s a small flying insect that takes no prisoners. Run for the hills, or better still, take cover in a local pub or inn. If hiding isn’t an option, repellent is advisable, or citronella candles and scents are thought to deter these wee terrors.

July is a very popular month to visit Scotland, and hotel and flight prices reflect that. It’s also advisable to book visits to whisky distilleries, golf courses, and activities such as the Jacobite Steam Train well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore our Speyside whisky tours or day tours from Edinburgh to experience summer in Scotland.

Scotland is at its busiest in August – peak travel time. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Edinburgh Military Tattoo attract thousands of visitors from around the world.

The World Pipe Band Championship takes place in Glasgow in August, also attracting thousands of visitors worldwide.

Discover our day tours from Glasgow to experience Glasgow’s summer events.

Visiting Scotland in Autumn (The Fall) – (September, October, November)

In autumn (the fall), temperatures are a wee bit cooler and the midgies return to hibernation… thank goodness.

The days start to draw in with less daylight, and the foliage on the trees turns into an outstanding variety of russet colours, making our scenic landscape a paradise for budding photographers.

On 30th November, Scotland celebrates St Andrew’s Day. He was made the official patron saint of Scotland at the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.

Many attractions are closed by November, however it’s still possible to have a splendid time in Scotland. Main attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle remain open all year round, as do many whisky distilleries around the country.

Visiting Scotland in Winter (December, January, February)

The Scottish Hogmanay is regarded as one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in the world. Many Scots start celebrations on Hogmanay, bringing in the New Year by singing “Auld Lang Syne” at ‘the bells’. The world-famous poem was written by one of Scotland’s most honoured sons, our National Bard, Robert Burns (born 25th January 1759 in Alloway).

From the lowlands to the highlands and the islands, Rabbie is toasted with the finest malt whisky and haggis on his birthday every year, traditionally named Burns Night. The glorious celebration is dedicated to his work and contribution to Scotland’s culture.

The Six Nations Rugby Tournament kicks off in February. If you’re lucky enough to get Scotland tickets, you may be in for a memorable experience at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. The rough and tough, spills and thrills of international rugby can be experienced in February and March in Scotland’s capital.

Win, lose or draw, it’s a great occasion where friendly fans from competing countries pack out Edinburgh’s many local bars and inns to support their favourite teams. I’m not biased at all, but C’mon Scotland.

Winter is also your best chance to see the Northern Lights in Scotland. From October through March, with peak activity in December to February, you may catch sight of ‘The Aurora Borealis’ dancing across Scotland’s winter skies.

You can head to dark-sky areas in the Highlands, Orkney, or the Isle of Skye for the best viewing. The further north and away from light pollution, the better your chances. Check aurora forecasts before your trip, as sightings are never guaranteed but absolutely magical when they occur.

Best Month to Visit Glasgow

Glasgow is at its best during summer (June-August) when festivals and outdoor events fill the calendar, including the World Pipe Band Championships in August. If you’re around, you’ll hear hundreds of pipers from around the world competing, and the sound of massed pipe bands is something you need to experience to believe!

For good weather without the peak crowds, May and September are your best bet. Glasgow’s museums and galleries stay open year-round, making it accessible whatever month you visit.

The city’s vibrant music scene, stunning architecture, and famously friendly locals (the “People Make Glasgow” slogan rings true!) welcome visitors all year-round.

Explore our day tours from Glasgow to discover the city and the surrounding areas.

Best Month to Visit Isle of Skye

The best months to visit Isle of Skye are May, June, and September. These periods offer relatively stable weather (by Scottish standards!), stunning landscapes, and fewer midges than July and August.

May brings wildflowers and baby lambs across the island, while September delivers autumn colours with quieter roads, making it a photographer’s dream.

Winter (November to March) can be dramatic, but expect road closures and limited services. Book accommodation well in advance as Skye is popular year-round, and places fill up fast.

Discover our Isle of Skye tours departing from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

When will you visit Scotland?

I’m hoping you’ve enjoyed our wee blog page on ‘When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland,’ and it inspires you to visit our beautiful wee country. No matter what the weather brings, Scotland has 12 glorious months when you can visit her shores.

A top tip for visiting Scotland is to plan and book well in advance. Regardless of when you’re planning to visit, accommodation in the Highlands can be fully booked months ahead. If you’re fortunate to find somewhere to stay, you may pay a premium.

Remember… come prepared for all weathers: wellies, brollies, jumpers, sunglasses, hiking boots, waterproofs, and flip flops… chances are you’ll be wearing them all in one day! 🙂

If you have any questions or would like to discuss planning a private tour to Scotland, drop me an email at info@kiltedpipertours.com. I would be delighted to help you realise your dream adventure.

Explore our guided tours of Scotland to start planning your visit, or read more on our Scotland travel blog.