Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid

Scotland is an adventurer’s dream, but what is the ideal time of year to visit?

Scotland is a land of rugged beauty, with historic castles and stunning landscapes that attract visitors all year round. Despite its reputation for unpredictable weather, Scotland’s countryside is amazing regardless of the season, but choosing the best time to visit can make all the difference to your travel experience.

As a British family that has lived in and road-tripped across Scotland for many years, we can attest to it being a great country for adventures, especially with kids.

Whether you’re seeking warm weather, fewer crowds, no midges or cultural festivities, this guide will help you decide the best time to visit Scotland and, perhaps, when to avoid it.

The Best Time To Vist Scotland

Whenever you visit, you’ll be treated to unique views of Scotland’s landscape as it changes with each passing season. That said, some months are likely to suit your family more than others.

For the Best Weather: Visit From May To September

If you’re looking for the highest temperatures and the most sunshine, late spring (May) through to late summer (September) could be the best time to visit Scotland.

This period also offers the best conditions for hiking the Highlands, exploring historic cities, and enjoying Scotland’s stunning coastal views. To be in with a good chance of spotting dolphins and puffins, take time to look seaward, especially around the Northeast coast.

July and August are the warmest months, with average highs around 18°C. That said, we have seen 30°C, but don’t expect it! May is the ultimate time to visit Scotland for the best overall weather and fewer crowds than in summer.

When the sun shines, days out to petting farms, play parks, or visit one of the national parks are great activities for kids.

For Fewer Crowds & Lower Prices: Visit In April, May, September & October

Spring and early autumn are fantastic times to visit Scotland, with mild weather and the bonus of avoiding peak tourist crowds.

The fine weather allows families to enjoy carpets of wildflowers in spring and autumn foliage in September and October. You’ll still find plenty of activities readily available to keep your kids entertained.

Accommodation and flights are also more affordable during these shoulder months, another one of the many great reasons to visit Scotland!

For Festivals & Culture: Visit In Year round

Scotland hosts family-friendly festivals and fairs throughout the year. Perhaps the most famous is Hogmanay, which rings in the new year. It is followed by torchlit parades at Viking festivals and Burns Night celebrations in January.

Spring fairs and markets swiftly follow as the days get longer and temperatures rise.

Traditional Highland Games spring up in towns and villages across the country from May to September. Bagpipes, kilted caber tossers and highland dancers abound at what has to be one of the most entertaining Scottish spectacles.

Edinburgh takes the spotlight in August with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Large are entertained in the city’s castle and historic streets below.

The year ends with illuminated forest walks, winter festivals and Christmas markets across Scotland.

For Outdoor Adventures: Visit From May To September

Children love exploring outside, and the best conditions in Scotland are from late spring to early autumn. The weather is at its best for road trips, hiking, exploring a castle and family adventures.

Summer is the best time for family outdoor activities such as kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and surfing.

Longer daylight hours maximise what you can see and do if you visit in summer. If it’s snowsports you are after, February usually has the most reliable snow.

---

Best Time to Avoid Visiting Scotland

Scotland is worth visiting in any season, but the timing of your visit might make or break your trip. If you want to visit in the best weather, with the longest hours of daylight, or have the country’s hotspots to yourself, it might be worth choosing an optimum time to visit to suit your family.

For Harsh Weather & Short Days: November – February

Winter in Scotland can bring cold temperatures, strong winds, rain, ice, and as little as six hours of daylight. Sparkling frost or fresh snowfall can be magical, but it can also make driving conditions and outdoor adventures uncomfortable.

Many attractions, restaurants, and accommodation in rural areas are closed for the season. Even in mountain resorts, snowfall is not guaranteed to be good enough for winter sports.

For Overcrowding: July – August

While summer offers the best weather to visit Scotland, it is also peak tourist season. Crowds can overwhelm tourist attractions, and the routes to popular beauty spots like the Isle of Skye can be extremely busy.

Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow can feel uncomfortably crowded, and accommodation prices increase nationwide. Consider visiting in late May, June, or September for a quieter experience in good weather.

For Midges: June – August

The infamous Scottish midges can make summer visits challenging, especially for outdoor adventures.

These tiny biting insects love nothing more than warm, still conditions and can be particularly numerous on Scotland’s West Coast and around the many lochs.

If you’re travelling in summer, cover up in lightweight clothing and consider wearing insect repellent. If it is windy, you’re in luck; midges can fly in anything other than a light breeze.

Despite living in Scotland for many years, we have only experienced them twice, once while camping on the Isle of Skye and again while cycling around a loch in Fife. Whatever their fearsome reputation, don’t write off visiting Scotland in summer because of midges!

---

What To Expect In Scotlands Seasons

While there is overlap, Scotland traditionally has four distinct seasons. Temperatures range from sub-zero in winter to an average of 18°C in summer. Some of the best conditions are experienced in Spring and Autumn.

Spring Months | March, April & May

Spring is one of our favourite seasons and is a great time to explore Scotland. March to May is quieter than summer and offers fine, sunny days with snow-capped mountains. With fewer crowds, accommodation is easy to book in spring, making it a more affordable trip.

April sees hotels, campsites, and restaurants reopen after winter as families return to explore. After the Easter holidays, crowds are minimal as the days get longer; spring showcases Scotland in all its glory – without midges!

Best places to visit during spring in Scotland

• Visit Glencoe, Arran and the Isle of Mull
• Explore the Isle Of Skye
• Cities – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee

Best things to do during spring in Scotland

• Hiking trails with kids, spotting wildflowers and wildlife
• Visit castles, battlefields and national parks
• Road trip the North Coast 500

---

Summer Months | June, July & August

Scottish summers are green, with many sunny days and light evenings – perfect for exploring with kids! Along with the best weather, the school holidays also make it busy everywhere, and last-minute accommodation is hard to find or expensive.

Cities and popular areas and attractions become overcrowded, so for more comfort, pick less-visited areas to stay. The East Coast is less of a hotspot and still offers a variety of gems.

While enjoying the fine weather, be aware of midges and ticks during the summer. Take simple precautions, such as wearing insect repellant and protective, lightweight clothing when you are in high-risk areas.

Best places to visit during summer in Scotland

• Visit the Inner and Outer Hebrides or Northern Islands
• Glenfinnan Viaduct to ride or watch the ‘Harry Potter’ steam train
• Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
• East Coast – Lunan Bay, St Andrews, and Stonehaven

Best things to do during summer in Scotland

• Picnic on a beach with family
• Hike Scotland’s highest peak, Ben Nevis
• Cycle, wild swim, or other outdoor activities
• Watch the sunset
• Spot dolphins, whales and puffins

---

Autumn Months | September, October, & November

Autumn is another great time to visit Scotland with family. Although temperatures are cooler by night, days are often still warm and sunny, and there are fewer tourists.

Autumn changes leaves from green to stunning reds and yellows, enhancing the joy of outdoor activities. Be prepared for darker nights from mid-October as Scotland celebrates Halloween and family light festivals come to life.

Best places to visit during autumn in Scotland

• Visit the Outer Hebrides
• Cairngorm National Park
• Explore cities across the country

Best things to do during Autumn in Scotland

• Family hike – try Arthurs Seat or Prince Alberts Pyramid
• Visit Edinburgh or Stirling Castle

Winter Months In Scotland | December, January & February

Winter may be the coldest season for active families to visit Scotland, but there are many options for amazing activities, including Christmas markets, snow sports and Hogmanay.

Snow brings an elegance to the landscape that has to be seen, and skiing in the highlands maybe possible later in the season. Indoor activities, including ice skating and rock climbing, can keep children entertained when the weather outside is too cold or wet. Winter brings long dark nights, offering more chances to see the northern lights or to simply have a cosy night in with a hot chocolate!

The Scottish weather has been quite unpredictable over the last few winters. Be prepared with warm, waterproof clothing for windy, cold, and wet conditions so you can still enjoy your itinerary.

Best places to visit during winter in Scotland

• Winter snow resorts – Glenshee, Nevis Range, Cairngorms and the Lecht
• Glasgow, Edinburgh or the sunniest city in Scotland

Best things to do during winter in Scotland

• Explore Glasgow or Edinburgh Winter Wonderlands and Christmas Markets
• Visit a herd of reindeer in the Cairngorm National Park
• Explore interactive, family-friendly museums

---

What to pack for your trip to Scotland

Packing for Scotland requires being prepared for changing weather conditions. Plenty of layers for the whole family and wellies for kids is key, no matter the season!

Clothing: Waterproof jackets, lightweight but warm layers and good hiking boots are essential for hiking in Scotland. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes for exploring the cities, and a woolly hat and gloves are also recommended if you are visiting in winter.

For Kids: Pack extra layers, wellies or waterproof shoes, and waterproof trousers. Pack travel games, books, and snacks to keep kids entertained.

Essentials: Sunscreen, reusable water bottles and a power adapter for a UK plug.

Visiting Scotland FAQ’s

Here are a few commonly asked questions about visiting Scotland with kids:

Final Thoughts | The Best Time To Visit Scotland

Scotland is a great destination for a family trip. With warm weather and long days in the summer, fewer crowds in the spring and autumn and stunning winter scenery, there is a season to suit your family.

Whenever you visit, you’ll have a huge range of activities to choose from. The Highlands are perfect for exploring outdoors in the spring, summer and autumn, while cities offer culture and winter festivities.

Read More
Best Castles to Visit in Scotland with Kids
How to Visit Scotland on a Budget to Save Money
One Day Itinerary In Edinburgh