In July, Scotland experiences some of its warmest and driest weather. Average temperatures during the day range from highs of 19°C (66.2°F), and lows of 12°C (53.6°F). However, the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable. It’s always a good idea to bring layers and be prepared for rain, especially in higher elevations. Overall, July is a great time to visit Scotland for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with pleasant weather that’s not too hot or too cold.

All the Hours to Play With

Scotland experiences long daylight hours in July, particularly in the north, where the days are at their longest. The northernmost parts of Scotland, such as the Outer Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney, and the Highlands, experience around 18-19 hours of daylight daily. You’ll get 16-17 hours in the south of Scotland.

This means you can enjoy long days of outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring Scotland’s stunning natural landscapes. In the far north, the remaining hours are not fully dark as the sky retains a twilight glow known as the “simmer dim” in Shetlandic.

Find out more on our blog: What is a Scottish Summer Like?

Weather Data: metoffice.gov.uk and timeanddate.com

For wildlife lovers, there’s something to enjoy every month in Scotland, but July is undeniably one of the best. With its long, warm days and abundant food sources, it’s an ideal time to spot some of Scotland’s most iconic creatures in their natural habitats.

From dolphins and porpoises to seals and whales, there are countless opportunities to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitats. The warmer temperatures mean that Scotland’s coasts are teeming with life. Inevitably the smaller beasties attract larger ones. The most notable bigger resident of Scottish wasters in July is the impressive basking shark. They feed on the zooplankton that thrives between June and September.

For bird enthusiasts, Scotland’s coastal areas are also home to an array of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes. The Shetland Islands, the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides are particularly renowned for their birdlife, with their dramatic cliffs providing the perfect nesting spots.

But it’s not just marine and coastal wildlife that make July such an excellent month for animal lovers. Scotland’s inland areas are also busy and bustling, with osprey, eagles, deer, beavers, red squirrels, and otters all commonly spotted in the hills, woodlands and rivers.

July is the ultimate time to indulge in Scotland’s water sports. The warmer water temperatures and long days are perfect for experiencing sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and swimming along the country’s picturesque coastline, crystal-clear lochs, and scenic rivers.

It’s Not As Cold As You May Expect

The warmer weather that July offers definitely makes it more attractive to get out on the water, or even in it. By this time, the hills will have shed all their snow, so the rivers and lochs won’t be frigid with glacial melt. They’ve also had most of May and June to warm up. Equally, the water temperature of the sea is much more palatable in July – with averages of 13.5°C (56.3°F).

The white sand beaches, sea caves, and cliffs are perfect for sea kayaking, while the tranquil waters and challenging rapids of Scotland’s rivers and lochs are ideal for canoeing. Additionally, sailing enthusiasts can explore the scenic and wildlife-rich spots on the west coast of Scotland, including the Small Isles and the Isle of Skye, for an unforgettable experience.