The East Beach at Lossiemouth
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Summer
June, July and August are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures ranging from approximately 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F). Scotland's high latitude means that we enjoy lovely long summer days and often an extended twilight. In the north of the country, Lerwick in Shetland has about four hours more daylight at midsummer than London. At this time of year there is actually no complete darkness in the far north of Scotland. And, with the extra hours of daylight, you can pack a lot into your summer holiday. Round of golf at midnight, anyone?
The Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Autumn
In the Autumn (or Fall), Scotland is likely to experience temperatures ranging from around 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F) from September to November. The colours of autumn are eye-catching and vibrant, as the trees change from green to fiery reds, oranges and yellows. It's a perfect time of year to snap some photographs as you take an invigorating autumn amble through the forest.
The snow-capped peaks of Ben Lui
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Winter
December, January and February are generally the coldest months in Scotland, with the average maximum temperature usually around 5°C (41°F). The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 100 days of falling snow. The snowsports season varies each year, but generally it runs from November to April. Scotland's five ski centres provide some of the best value snowboarding and skiing in Europe.
Plan a winter break in Scotland
Source for average maximum temperatures: Met Office
Looking out to Loch Lomond from Luss
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
DID YOU KNOW?
- In Scotland, we have an old proverb that goes, 'today's rain is tomorrow's whisky.'
- Strong winds driving in from the Atlantic and North Sea make the Outer Hebrides and Sutherland a paradise for windsurfers.
- The eastern part of the country, from Inverness across to Aberdeenshire and down to Angus, Fife and the Lothians, enjoys an annual rainfall that is actually similar to (or less than) New York, Barcelona, Rome or even Rabat in Morocco.
- The long daylight hours means that you could play a round of golf in the middle of the night on Orkney and Shetland.
- Long dark winter nights are the best time to see amazing constellations of stars at Scotland's designated Dark Sky areas.
- The Gulf Stream brings warm winds to Scotland's west coast. You can find palm trees in the Highland coastal town of Plockton.
- Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city, with an average of 1,523 hours of sunshine per year.
