Home › Glasgow › Best time to visit
Best time to visit Glasgow: month by month
Short answer
May to September is the best time: highs of 14–19°C and very long days, light until after 22:00 in June. May has around 17 rainy days and June around 14, so rain is likely whatever the month. Winter is cold (about 6°C), dark and wet but lively with festivals.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 1°C | 16 | medium |
| Feb | 8°C | 3°C | 18 | low |
| Mar | 10°C | 2°C | 15 | low |
| Apr | 11°C | 3°C | 9 | medium |
| May | 14°C | 7°C | 17 | medium |
| Jun | 19°C | 10°C | 14 | high |
| Jul | 19°C | 12°C | 17 | high |
| Aug | 19°C | 11°C | 14 | high |
| Sep | 17°C | 10°C | 15 | medium |
| Oct | 13°C | 8°C | 20 | medium |
| Nov | 9°C | 4°C | 16 | low |
| Dec | 6°C | 2°C | 19 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Cool, with highs rising from 10°C to 14°C; April is one of the driest months, with about 9 rainy days.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of about 19°C and long evenings; rain still falls on 14–17 days a month. The best time for day trips to Loch Lomond and the Highlands.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from 17°C to 9°C, with October one of the wettest months (about 20 rainy days); good for indoor museums and live music.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold at 6–8°C by day, short days and frequent rain; Christmas markets in December and Celtic Connections in late January.
Events worth planning around
- Celtic Connections folk and roots festival (late January to early February)
- Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March)
- Christmas markets in George Square and St Enoch Square (late November–December)
- TRNSMT music festival on Glasgow Green (June or July)
When to avoid
November to February is dark, with sunset around 15:45 in December and frequent rain; fine for museums and gigs, less so for exploring outside. Hotel prices spike on big concert and football weekends.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
When is the best time to visit Glasgow?
May to September for long days and the mildest weather; late January for Celtic Connections.
Does it rain all the time in Glasgow?
It rains often, on about 170 days a year, but usually not all day. April is one of the drier months.
Is Glasgow good to visit in winter?
Yes, for museums, live music and Christmas markets. Days are short and often wet, so pack layers and waterproofs.