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Best time to visit Scotland: month by month
Short answer
May to September is best, with highs of about 14–19°C and very long days; in June it stays light until about 23:00 in the north. Scotland is changeable all year (10–19 rainy days a month), so pack layers; midges bite on the west coast from June to August.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 2°C | 13 | low |
| Feb | 8°C | 3°C | 13 | low |
| Mar | 9°C | 3°C | 15 | low |
| Apr | 10°C | 3°C | 12 | medium |
| May | 14°C | 7°C | 16 | high |
| Jun | 18°C | 11°C | 10 | high |
| Jul | 19°C | 12°C | 17 | very high |
| Aug | 18°C | 12°C | 13 | very high |
| Sep | 17°C | 11°C | 13 | high |
| Oct | 13°C | 9°C | 19 | medium |
| Nov | 10°C | 5°C | 14 | low |
| Dec | 7°C | 3°C | 16 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 9°C in March to 14°C in May; May is often one of the driest, sunniest months, with fewer midges.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Mild at about 18–19°C, with long days, festivals in Edinburgh in August, and midges in the west Highlands.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September (about 17°C) is often settled and quieter; October (about 13°C) brings autumn colours and more rain; November is short-day and wet.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold and dark, with highs of about 6–8°C in Edinburgh, snow in the Highlands, and many Skye businesses closed; Hogmanay at New Year.
Events worth planning around
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe and International Festival (August)
- Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August)
- Hogmanay, Edinburgh's New Year celebrations (31 December–1 January)
- Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, Shetland (last Tuesday of January)
When to avoid
August in Edinburgh, when room prices can triple; from November to March many Highland and Skye businesses close and days are very short.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Scotland?
May, June or September: long days, highs of about 14–19°C and fewer midges than July–August.
How long are summer days in Scotland?
In June it stays light until about 23:00 in the north.
Is Scotland worth visiting in winter?
Edinburgh is atmospheric at Christmas and Hogmanay; the Highlands are beautiful but many businesses close and days are short.