:

  • English
  • Español
  • Italiano
  • Deutsch
  • Nederlands
  • Français
Navigation generated at 2026-5-25 14:41:24
    • All Places to go

      Cities

      • All Cities
      • Aberdeen
      • Dundee
      • Dunfermline
      • Edinburgh
      • Glasgow
      • Inverness
      • Perth
      • Stirling

      Popular Places

      • Ben Nevis
      • Glencoe
      • Loch Lomond
      • Loch Ness

      Towns

      • All Towns
      • Aviemore
      • Dumfries
      • Fort William
      • Kirkwall
      • Lerwick
      • Oban
      • Peebles
      • Pitlochry
      • St Andrews

      Islands

      • All Islands
      • Isle of Arran
      • Isle of Islay
      • Jura
      • Lewis & Harris
      • Mull
      • Orkney
      • Outer Hebrides
      • Shetland
      • Skye

      Regions

      • Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
      • Argyll & The Isles
      • Ayrshire & Arran
      • Dumfries & Galloway
      • Dundee & Angus
      • Edinburgh & The Lothians
      • Fife
      • Glasgow & Clyde Valley
      • Loch Lomond, Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
      • Highlands
      • Perthshire
      • Scottish Borders
    • All Things to do

      Attractions

      • All Attractions
      • 20 Top Attractions
      • Ancestry
      • Arts & Culture
      • Castles
      • Free Attractions
      • History & Heritage
      • TV & Film Locations

      Outdoor Activities

      • All Outdoor Activities
      • Cycling
      • Golf
      • Mountain Biking
      • Ski & Snowsports
      • Walking & Hiking
      • Watersports

      Food & Drink

      • All Food & Drink
      • Beer & Breweries
      • Gin tours & tastings
      • Scottish whisky

      Landscapes & Nature

      • All Landscapes & Nature
      • Beaches
      • Ben Nevis
      • Lochs
      • National Parks
      • Northern Lights
      • Standing Stones
      • Wildlife Watching

      Tours, Routes & Trails

      • All Tours, Routes & Trails
      • Islands & Island Hopping
      • Itineraries
      • Scotland's UNESCO Trail
      • Tours
      • Walking Trails

      Events

      • All Events
      • Edinburgh's Summer Festivals
      • Highland Games
      • Scottish music festivals
    • All Accommodation

      Hotels & Lodgings

      • B&Bs & Guesthouses
      • Hostels
      • Hotels

      Caravan & Camping

      • All Caravan & Camping
      • Glamping
      • Wild Camping

      Self Catering

      • All Self Catering
      • Cabins & Lodges
      • Cottages

      Unique Places

      • All Unique Places
      • Castles

      Other Accommodation

      • Luxury Accommodation
      • Pet Friendly Accommodation
      • Romantic
      • Wedding Venues
    • All Travel & planning

      Travel to Scotland

      • From England & Wales
      • From Europe
      • From Ireland
      • From North America
      • From Other Continents

      Travel in Scotland

      • Air
      • Bus & Coach
      • Ferry
      • Train

      Driving in Scotland

      • All Driving in Scotland
      • Car Hire
      • Driving Routes
      • Electric Vehicles

      When to visit

      • All When to visit
      • Spring & Easter
      • Summer Breaks
      • Autumn Breaks
      • Winter, Christmas & New Year

      Practical Information

      • Eco-Travel
      • FAQs
      • Holiday Carbon Calculator
      • Passes & Offers
      • Passports & Visas
      • Weather

      Ideas & Advice

      • Outdoor Safety Information
      • Travel Blog
      • Travel Newsletter

      Holiday Types

      • Accessible Holidays
      • Beauty Spots
      • Budget-Friendly Holidays
      • Countryside Breaks
      • Family Holidays
      • Farm Stays
      • Off the Beaten Track Holidays
      • Solo Travel
      • Weekend Breaks
      • Wellness Retreats
  • Explore Scotland
BETA: Our site is evolving to give you a better experience.
Your feedback helps us improve.

Giant Viking Statue at Largs seafront

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

  1. Home
  2. Travel & planning
  3. Weather

Weather in Scotland

Scotland’s varied landscapes means that every season offers something different to discover, from long summer days and colourful autumn forests to snowy mountain scenery and spring wildflowers. Whether you’re walking beneath dramatic clouds rolling across the Highlands, enjoying sunshine along a white-sand beach or a crisp evening beneath star-filled skies, here’s what to expect from Scotland’s weather, along with inspiration for things to do whatever the forecast brings. 

A guide to weather in Scotland

Discover how Scotland’s changing seasons shape the landscapes, wildlife and experiences you can enjoy throughout the year. 

Sorry, something's gone wrong. We can't display this content at the moment.

JavaScript needs to be enabled to watch this video. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Understanding the elements

Scotland’s weather is a whole other topic of conversation that typically comes up in everyday chat. The best advice we can give you is: be prepared!

Planning around the weather

Scotland’s weather can vary noticeably from region to region, particularly between the coast, islands, cities and mountain areas. Before setting off, it’s always worth checking the local forecast for your destination, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities or travelling to more remote parts of the country. 

The weather is also part of what gives Scotland its special character. Sea mist rolling across island beaches, golden evening light in the Highlands, or crisp winter air beneath star-filled dark skies can all become memorable parts of a trip. 

You can check the latest forecast for destinations including: 

  • Edinburgh forecast – where moody skies, passing light and long summer twilight add to the atmosphere of the city’s historic streets, festivals and skyline views.
  • Aviemore forecast – essential for planning walks, mountain biking and loch-side adventures in the ever-changing landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Fort William forecast – consult before exploring Ben Nevis and the west Highlands, where shifting clouds, fresh mountain air and dramatic scenery are all part of the experience.
  • Dundee forecast – often one of Scotland’s sunnier cities, with bright coastal weather well suited to waterfront walks, beaches and discovering the wider east coast. 
  • Stornoway forecast – a fantastic base for island adventures across the Outer Hebrides, where Atlantic skies, shifting light and turquoise seas create some of Scotland’s most striking coastal scenery.
  • Dumfries forecast – ideal for forest walks, peaceful coastal escapes and dark sky experiences on chill winter nights in one of Scotland’s sleepier regions.

Get the latest weather forecast from the Met Office.

Spring in Scotland (March – May)

You can expect average maximum temperatures to range from approximately 8–13°C (46–55°F) during the months of March, April and May. 

Edinburgh Castle with cherry blossom trees viewed from Princes Street

Crisp spring days 

Spring is a delightful time to visit Scotland, with snowdrops, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons bursting into bloom across the country. Wildlife becomes more active, the days gradually grow longer, and milder weather makes it ideal for getting around outdoors. 

Even if you experience an April shower or two, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy. 

What to do in spring 

  • Explore gardens, estates and woodland walks in bloom  
  • Spot wildlife including seabirds, red squirrels and Highland calves  
  • Enjoy scenic countryside drives and coastal walks  
  • Stay at a farm stay or rural retreat  
  • Visit galleries, museums and historic attractions on rainy days  

Enjoy a springtime farm stay or holiday in Scotland 

Plan a spring holiday in Scotland 

Old Man of Hoy

Summer in Scotland (June – August)

June, July and August are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures around 17°C (63°F). 

Long summer nights 

Scotland’s northern location means summer days are wonderfully long, with daylight stretching well into the evening. In the far north, the sky never becomes fully dark at midsummer, giving you even more time to explore. In fact, at the height of summer, Lerwick in Shetland has about four hours more daylight at midsummer than London!

Warm weather and extended daylight hours make summer ideal for island hopping, coastal adventures, festivals and outdoor activities. 

What to do in summer 

  • Relax on beaches and explore seaside towns  
  • Visit Scotland’s national parks and scenic walking routes  
  • Try watersports such as kayaking, paddleboarding and wild swimming  
  • Enjoy festivals, outdoor dining and harbour villages  
  • Take road trips through the Highlands and islands  

Discover beautiful beaches in Scotland 

Visit Scotland's national parks and natural heritage sites

Explore harbours and seaside towns in Scotland 

Plan a summer holiday in Scotland 

Autumn in Scotland (September – November)

In autumn, Scotland is likely to experience temperatures ranging from around 8–15°C (46–59°F) from September to November. 

Views of the Wallace Monument as seen from Dumyat

© Discover Clackmannanshire / Damian Shields

Amazing autumn colours 

Autumn brings vibrant shades of red, orange and gold to Scotland’s forests, parks and glens. Cooler air and quieter landscapes make this a wonderful season for exploring and hunkering down in cosy accommodation. 

As the days become shorter and the evenings draw in, autumn is also a great time for cosy breaks, seasonal food and drink experiences, and catching spectacular sunsets. 

What to do in autumn 

  • Take woodland walks to see the changing colours  
  • Visit lochs, glens and national parks for scenic views  
  • Enjoy photography, cycling and scenic rail journeys  
  • Discover seasonal food and drink experiences  
  • Relax with cosy breaks in cities, villages and countryside retreats  

Plan an autumn holiday in Scotland  

Loch Etive seen from Glen Etive

Winter in Scotland (December – February)

December, January and February are generally the coldest months in Scotland, with the average maximum temperature usually around 6°C (43°F). 

Dreamy winter landscapes 

The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 10–20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience heavier snowfall providing ideal conditions for winter sports. 

The snowsports season varies each year but generally runs from November to April. Scotland’s five ski centres offer skiing and snowboarding, while shorter days and darker skies make winter a wonderful time for stargazing, festive events and cosy escapes. 

What to do in winter 

  • Try skiing and snowboarding at Scotland’s ski centres  
  • Experience Christmas markets and winter festivals  
  • Visit dark sky locations for stargazing  
  • Enjoy winter walks wrapped up against crisp Highland air  
  • Try unique winter activities including wildlife tours, luxurious spas and visits to outdoor saunas 

Experiencing snowboarding & skiing in Scotland 

Enjoy Christmas events and winter festivals in Scotland                                                                 

Plan Christmas and winter holiday in Scotland 

Explore Scotland safely in all weather

From mountain adventures and island walks to cycling routes, lochside trails and windsurfing, Scotland’s landscapes and coasts are made for exploring. Plan ahead, check local conditions, and discover how to stay safe while making the most of the outdoors, whatever the weather. 

Outdoor safety in Scotland

Scotland in winter - what to wear

The Lecht Pass on the SnowRoads Scenic Route

Exploring Scotland this winter? Whether you’re walking in the city, hiking, climbing or backcountry skiing, make sure you wear the right clothing. The key is to pack lots of warm layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm hat, scarf or balaclava, gloves, thick woolly socks, and sturdy boots with a good grip. A backpack is good to have, to carry the things you might need. 

If you’re in the hills you should consider taking crampons and an ice-axe for difficult terrain. Once again, a decent-sized, comfortable backpack with food, water, maps, compass, torch, and a packable survival shelter or survival bag is essential. The cold weather can also prevent batteries from working in mobile and GPS devices, so bringing a map is important #ThinkWINTER 

Share on

Facebook
Pinterest
WhatsApp
Twitter
Email

Other things you might like

Category: Things to do

Fun outdoor activities in Scotland

Category: Places to go

Short & weekend breaks in Scotland

Category: Places to go

Scotland's islands

Category: Travel & planning

A Guide to midges & ticks in Scotland

Category: Travel & planning

Passports, visas & customs

Category: Travel & planning

Frequently asked questions about Scotland

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

Get in touch

  • Contact us
  • Feedback & Complaints
  • Submit an event

Our other sites

  • Business Events
  • Business Support Hub
  • Travel Trade
  • Asset library
  • Corporate
  • Brand Scotland

Find us on

Find us on

  • About us
  • Accessibility
  • Acceptable use
  • Cookies
  • Environmental policy
  • Privacy
  • Social media
  • Terms of use
Brand Scotland

© 2026 VisitScotland. All rights reserved.