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    Why Visit Scotland in May?

    By Ross Keddie, Marketing Assistant
    More by Ross

    Visiting Scotland in May - What Can You Expect?

    There are many reasons to visit Scotland at this time of year – May serves up warmer temperatures, longer days and beautiful scenery. To see Scotland in May is to see her at her best. From vibrant forests and animals to a people filled once more with life and the excitement of the warm months ahead. This coupling of spring rebirth and summery brightness opens the country in a welcome like no other. Like a nation throwing open the curtains to let the sunlight in, Scotland has woken up by May and is ready to make fresh memories as it tells old tales anew. Let us see what stories the last month in spring holds.

    All the spring months have something different to offer in Scotland. Find out more about coming in March or April on our spring page.

    May’s Mild Weather

    Sunny and dry spring day in Assynt

    May is a sunny and mild time in Scotland, and you can expect daytime highs of 15°C/59°F. It’s also one of our driest months, along with April. You’d be surprised that, on average, both these spring months are drier than the more popular summer months of June, July and August.

    May’s mild weather makes it an excellent month for activities, where you can enjoy the sun and a cool breeze on your face simultaneously. You’re more likely to stay dry and don’t risk overheating when you’re exerting yourself whilst out and about.

    *Weather data taken from the metoffice, with averages for the whole country.

    16 Hours Dawn to Dusk

    Sea kayaks on a beach

    In May, the longer days become considerably more noticeable. The start of the month offers about 15 hours of daylight and by the end of the month around 17.

    Longer daylight hours mean more time to explore and be outside. You can start embarking on longer hill days or start your cycle rides in the late afternoon without fear of getting caught in the dark.

    Having lots of daylight is also nicer for canoe and sea kayak expeditions. Setting up and taking down your camp, plus cooking dinner and breakfast outside, is much easier and enjoyable with natural light.

    Lush Landscapes


    Spring is magical the world over, but there’s something magical about highland glens coming to life. When highlighting the benefits of Visiting Scotland in April, we waxed lyrical about the wildflowers that start to erupt across the country in the springtime. Scotland’s flora gets only gets more beautiful in May – with the weather being consistently warmer, plant life starts to thrive. The whole country slowly turns even greener and more colourful.

    There is a freshness to the air which is undeniable. It’s as though this green all around resets and refreshes something deep down within us.

    If you want to see the city of Edinburgh turn pink, visit in May when the cherry blossoms are at their finest. May is also the best month to see rogue rhododendrons bloom across the Highlands, creating pockets of purple and pink in vast swathes of green.

    The Cusp of Summer Crowds

    The quiraing in skye

    Peak tourist season does not start till the end of the month when many of the schools break for summer, so to enjoy Scotland without the crowds whilst still having longer days and warmer weather, visit in early May.

    The benefit of the fast-approaching busier days is that all the restaurants, visitor centres, transport providers and accommodations are sporting their summer timetables in anticipation of the crowds, so you won’t encounter limited opening times and reduced capacity.

    Start of the Highland Games

    Highland dancing

    May is a busy month with various exciting events taking place. Scotland’s famous Highland Games break their winter hiatus in May, with the first games starting from the first weekend and running through till the end of September.

    Traditionally outdoors, Highland Games celebrate Scotland’s heritage and culture and feature events like the caber toss, tug of war, piping competitions, Highland dancing and much much more.

    Celebrating Whisky

    For the most part, we don’t need an excuse to enjoy Scotland’s most iconic drink. Known as ‘Uisge Beatha’, meaning the ‘water of life’, whisky is an essential part of Scotland’s economy as one of our largest exports and main tourist attractions. Thus, we dedicate a whole month to celebrating whisky, and that month is May.

    There are dedicated whisky-themed events, but you could also mark the occasion with a distillery tour or treat yourself to a delicious dram whilst out in Scotland.

    Seasonal Treats

    Spring salad

    May may be one of our most tasty months, with it being good for fresh seafood, leafy vegetables and lamb. Do keep an eye out for seasonal specials on restaurant menus to enjoy the best of Scotland’s natural larder.

    It’s also an excellent time for people who love foraging with common sorrel, wild garlic, chickweed, dandelions and hawthorn at perfect picking stage.

    *Please forage responsibly.

    Stunning Sunsets


    Sunsets are beautiful all year round, but they hit a bit differently in May. In the winter, the sun swiftly sets early in the day before you really get a chance to observe it. And then, at the height of summer, sunsets can be a bit too slow. Holding on for the sun to dip means a late one waiting around for that beautiful dusk light.

    In May, the sun sets at around 9:30pm, meaning you’re basking in golden rays when you’re more likely to enjoy them and they last for a bit longer. May sunsets are perfect for an after-dinner stroll to admire the warm hues dancing over the landscape before they, like you, turn in for the night.

    May Wildlife

    Sea eagle - Scottish wildlife

    Though few mammals hibernate in Scottish winters, spring is still a time of awakening. Red squirrels and pine martens venture out further from their dens. Deer are having calves, and lambs are springing happily in pasture. There is a certain youthful abandon to everything as you make your way through glens suddenly teeming with noise and life.

    Out to sea, the skies become crowded. Seabirds flock back to cliffside homes. Sea eagles are fletching from their nests for the first time. Butterflies bob and wheel across fresh fields of flowers recently risen, adding to the colour and vibrance here.

    Even as you gaze out across the waves, they seem busier. Minke whales and orcas have joined the sizeable seal populations and dolphins off rugged coasts. It’s no wonder that May in Scotland is a wildlife lover’s dream.

    May FAQs

    Is Scotland warm in May? Read More

    May is not a cold month in Scotland, although you can get colder days. On average, the temperature sits around 13°C/55.4°F, but you can get much warmer days. Scotland often gets warm sunny stretches in May interspersed with colder and greyer days.

    Is it rainy in Scotland in May? Read More

    May and April are the driest months on average in Scotland. Expect an average of 90mm of rainfall in the month, across less than half of the month. Still, waterproofs are essential as bouts of rain can appear out of nowhere.

    Is there snow in Scotland in May? Read More

    Although it’s highly unlikely, snow has been known to fall in May in the north of Scotland at the start of May.

    Do you get midges in Scotland in May? Read More

    Though May is warm and bright, the cooler months have just departed Scotland’s shores. That means that midges have yet to wake up for the year, so you can enjoy picnics and evening walks without these pesky party crashers. It makes star gazing and other late night activities best enjoyed in May, though September and October come a close second.

    There are plenty of ways to deal with midges, and we go into detail in this blog: The Real Story of this Fearsome Beastie – Your Guide to Midges in Scotland.

    Visit Scotland in May With Wilderness Scotland

    TripDatePriceAvailabilityBook
    Wildlife Adventures - The Scottish Highlands4th May - 10th May 2024£2,2758 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Glencoe and the Highlands4th May - 10th May 2024£2,4958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Sea Kayaking - The Atlantic Coast4th May - 9th May 2024£1,7952 place(s) leftBook Now
    Road Cycling - The Grand Tour4th May - 10th May 2024£2,5958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - The Coast of Cornwall4th May - 10th May 2024£2,3951 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - The Knoydart Peninsula4th May - 10th May 2024£1,8759 place(s) leftBook Now
    Road Cycling - Outer Hebrides4th May - 10th May 2024£2,7952 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of the Outer Hebrides4th May - 11th May 2024£2,3957 place(s) leftBook Now
    Road Cycling - North Coast 5004th May - 10th May 2024£2,7958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Sea Kayaking - Outer Hebrides4th May - 10th May 2024£1,6956 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Highlights of the Highlands6th May - 15th May 2024£4,9752 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way6th May - 13th May 2024£2,5958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course11th May - 15th May 2024£9954 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of the Outer Hebrides11th May - 18th May 2024£2,3955 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - Mull, Staffa and Iona11th May - 17th May 2024£2,5758 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Isle of Skye11th May - 17th May 2024£2,5756 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - The Shetland Isles11th May - 17th May 2024£2,5951 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - The Outer Hebrides & St Kilda11th May - 17th May 2024£2,5956 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra and Mingulay11th May - 17th May 2024£2,4752 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside11th May - 17th May 2024£2,3958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - Wild Isles11th May - 17th May 2024£2,2958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Road Cycling - Highland Coast to Coast11th May - 17th May 2024£2,4958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - National Parks of the UK12th May - 21st May 2024£3,0955 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way13th May - 20th May 2024£2,59512 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - The Scottish Highlands18th May - 24th May 2024£2,2756 place(s) leftBook Now
    Road Cycling - The Grand Tour18th May - 24th May 2024£2,5953 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Arran: Scotland in Miniature18th May - 24th May 2024£1,9452 place(s) leftBook Now
    Sea Kayaking - Outer Hebrides18th May - 24th May 2024£1,6957 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - The Orkney Islands18th May - 24th May 2024£2,5751 place(s) leftBook Now
    Road Cycling - North Coast 50018th May - 24th May 2024£2,7958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - The Shetland Isles18th May - 24th May 2024£2,595Trip Full
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of Torridon and Wester Ross18th May - 24th May 2024£1,9958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt18th May - 24th May 2024£2,2955 place(s) leftBook Now
    Road Cycling - The Five Countries19th May - 31st May 2024£4,6959 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside19th May - 25th May 2024£2,8457 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way20th May - 27th May 2024£2,5953 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - The Shetland Isles25th May - 31st May 2024£2,5952 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra and Mingulay25th May - 31st May 2024£2,4754 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Northumberland and the Lake District25th May - 31st May 2024£2,2954 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - The Knoydart Peninsula25th May - 31st May 2024£1,8758 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye25th May - 31st May 2024£2,5752 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - Mull, Staffa and Iona25th May - 31st May 2024£2,5753 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wildlife Adventures - A Rewilding Journey in the Cairngorms25th May - 30th May 2024£1,3654 place(s) leftBook Now
    Road Cycling - Outer Hebrides25th May - 31st May 2024£2,795Trip Full
    Wildlife Adventures - The Outer Hebrides & St Kilda25th May - 31st May 2024£2,5955 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - Glencoe and the Highlands25th May - 31st May 2024£2,4958 place(s) leftBook Now
    Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands25th May - 30th May 2024£1,8751 place(s) leftBook Now
    Wilderness Walking - The West Highland Way27th May - 3rd Jun 2024£2,5956 place(s) leftBook Now

    Meet the Author: Ross Keddie

    “Having grown up in Glasgow, I've always had restless feet. They've taken me across the ocean to North America, around Europe and all over Scotland. Having paused to get a degree in Adventure (yes, literally!) I'm incredibly lucky to be able to pursue my passion for writing and travel with Wilderness Scotland.”

    View profileMore by Ross

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