- What are the seasons in Scotland? Read More
Scotland is definitely home to 4 seasons, and sometimes you get to experience them all in one day!
Winter takes place between December, January and February. These months are the darkest with the shortest days. Annually, snowfall varies, and it also varies across the country with typically more inches of snow in the Highlands. The daytime temperature during winter in Scotland is on average 4°C.
March, April and May are the spring months. The countryside comes to life again, with fields full of lambs and wildflowers. Maybe surprising to know, but April is on average the driest month of the year but also the most changeable. You can have some of the hottest days of the year in April, but also be treated to a decent amount of snow. Spring temperatures are on average a pleasant 8°C.
Summer ranges across June, July and August. These are typically the driest and warmest months and the most popular for visitors. Average temperature ranges between 14°C and 19°C.
Autumn starts in Scotland in September and goes on through to November. Generally, you won’t get the real autumn experience till mid-October when the landscape is at it’s most colourful. The temperature during autumn is on average 8°C.
*Weather data taken from the metoffice, with averages for the city of Inverness (capital of the Highlands).
- What is the weather like in Scotland in March? Read More
March is a bit warmer than it’s sister winter months, January and February, with average day time temperatures of 7°C. It can still get quite frosty in March and snow is not excluded with March being a viable month for skiing in the Highlands. You will get the occasional spring shower in March, but it’s not an overly wet month in Scotland with only 13.7 days of rainfall on average.
*Weather data taken from the metoffice, with averages for the city of Inverness (capital of the Highlands).
- What is the weather like in Scotland in April? Read More
April is statistically one of the driest months of the year and average daytime temperatures are a comfortable 9°C. The days are notably longer in April, with the recent clock change in March and naturally lengthening days. Snow still crests the summits in the Highlands, but generally, it no longer falls further down.
*Weather data taken from the metoffice, with averages for the city of Inverness (capital of the Highlands).
- What is the weather like in Scotland in May? Read More
May gives a good taster of summer with warmer and sunnier days than the preceding months. Expect the occasional heavy but brief spring shower.
*Weather data taken from the metoffice, with averages for the city of Inverness (capital of the Highlands).
- Does it snow in Scotland? Read More
Yes! On average there are 38 days of snow in Scotland, with 26 days of settled snow on the ground. Most of the snow falls in northern mountainous areas like the Cairngorms, Glencoe and Torridon. Generally, snow fall is in the colder months of January and February, but can arrive as early as November and stay as late as April.
*Weather data taken from the metoffice.
- Does it rain much in Scotland? Read More
Not as much as you’d think! Inverness on average receives around 30 inches of annual rainfall. This is little compared to more famous destinations like New York which gets 50 inches and notoriously sunny Milan with 37 inches. Scotland is famed for rain, but consider that it’s the rain that makes our landscapes so lush and green. Rain is what makes our rivers and waterfalls so impressive. Rain is at the heart of our whisky industry. But the best thing about Scottish rain? It never rains for long. Before you know it the sun is bursting through and warming you up again.
*Weather data taken from the metoffice, with averages for the city of Inverness (capital of the Highlands).
- What should I wear in Scotland? Read More
Layers. Scotland’s weather is known for its changeability, so prepare yourself for any eventuality. Be prepared to add and lose layers according to the temperature, and carry waterproofs with you if you are heading out into the countryside.
- Why should I visit Scotland in spring? Read More
Spring is a great time of year to come visit as there are plenty of things going on, but it’s much less busy than the summer months in Scotland. Spring highlights include the flowers blossoming, the sheer quantity of lambs populating the fields, and seasonal produce. Many visitor attractions like castles open their doors again around the 1st of April, so it’s the time of year to see the sights without the summer crowds. Spring is also a good time for wildlife watching with much of nature coming back to life this time of year.
- Do you get midges in spring? Read More
It depends on the severity of the winter preceding spring but in general, midges don’t arrive in Scotland till the end of May. March and April are guaranteed midge free months.
- Where can I see lambs in Scotland? Read More
Everywhere! There are more sheep than people in Scotland. Lambing can start as early as December but generally takes place in March and April.