Best time of year to visit Scotland

**kiltedsawyer** · 12th February 25, 05:48 AM

My wife and I spent the last two weeks of May in Scotland two years ago and the weather couldn't have been better. It rained a little, (on our trip to Skye it rained most all day on the way there,) but still lots of sunshine and mild temperatures and no midgies. As for tours, I can recommedn Rabbies. Small groups, friendly and knowledgable guides. We hope to return in another year or so.

Cheers,

David

**CBH** · 12th February 25, 07:55 AM

Thanks for the tips.

Hopefully I have plenty of lead time for a trip in 2026.

Looks like Spring or Fall is the consensus. Agreed that a little cool weather is far better than fighting (bigger) crowds.

I hope to see the big cities, play golf, and visit Islay to tour Lagavulin and Ardbeg's distilleries. Apparently it takes half a day just to get there, so that will consume a day or two on its own.

Cragganmore in Speyside is another must-see distillery for me. Those are the three I share with friends and family on occasion.

Any other recommendations ?

**jsrnephdoc** · 12th February 25, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by CBH

Thanks for the tips.

Looks like Spring or Fall is the consensus. Agreed that a little cool weather is far better than fighting (bigger) crowds.

I hope to see the big cities, play golf, and visit Islay to tour Lagavulin and Ardbeg's distilleries. Apparently it takes half a day just to get there, so that will consume a day or two on its own.

Cragganmore in Speyside is another must-see distillery for me. Those are the three I share with friends and family on occasion.

Any other recommendations ?

I disagree about August. Yes, it's busy, but not NYC busy. I was able to put my nose 2 feet away from the Stone of Scone at the Edinburgh Castle, and I suspect that if/when I go back it will be in August, because the Royal Military Tattoo is spectacular (I'd suggest trying to go during it's second week, because when we were there for the first weekend in 2023, the light shows were not as cool as later in the run (based on You Tube videos I've watched since returning home), and with organizations from all over the world participating, I suspect there's still a bit of "beta testing" in the first few performances.

We did a self-drive tour. We were plunked into a HUGE Mercedes SUV, and many of the rural roads in Scotland are barely wider than paved sheep's paths. We blew a tire hitting a rock at one of the little aneurysms in those tiny roads the Scots call "passing places." The narrow roads also meant we arrived at Glennlivet an hour late, so we had a very nice tasting flight session but lost our chance at a tour. Among the things I really liked in Edinburgh was a self-guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, and it's just a few blocks away from the Kinloch Anderson clothier. The only escorted tour we did was a small bus trip from Inverness out to Skye, but it lasted all day and we did some of the same pavement on our own getting to Ft. William from Inverness. We also went to the Scottish Borders, where one of the real treats was a tour of Lochcarron Mills in Selkirk. Although we had two nights in Glasgow, we didn't see much there because the World Cycling Championships were on, and that caused us a great deal of inconvenience (trying to park in center city).

We also went to Culloden; the museum is VERY good

**figheadair** · 13th February 25, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by jsrnephdoc

II was able to put my nose 2 feet away from the Stone of Scone at the Edinburgh Castle,

For reference, it's now housed in the Perth Museum.

**Hirsty** · 13th February 25, 07:44 PM

I may be a masochist but my favourite time of year is middle of winter. Nothing beats seeing the lights of a top boozer like The Three Judge, the Anderson, Jolly Judge, Bow Bar, Halfway House, etc on a cold, dreich night and knowing that there will be guid beer, whisky, and chat in there.

**Madadh** · 26th February 25, 08:49 PM

October has always been my favorite time. All the kids are back in school and all the merchants are trying to unload their wears before the end of the season.

**Tomo** · 14th February 25, 04:27 AM

Originally Posted by CBH

Any other recommendations ?

In terms of distilleries - if you are heading to Skye a side trip to Raasay is worthwhile - great to see how one of the newer distilleries is looking to add some 'maturity' into the process. Torabhaig (another newbie on Skye) has adopted a different method - and it's quite easy to do both (for the sake of comparison, of course) - and maybe throw in a trip to Carbost and the old stager Talisker, if you fancy something more traditional.

In other terms, I love visiting Kilmartin Glen (so much to see) and easy enough to include if you are heading to Isaly, Kintyre, Cambeltown or Oban.

**Hirsty** · 14th February 25, 05:47 PM

Strathearn distillery is well worth a visit. Ken and Craig are excellent distillers.

**SF Jeff** · 19th February 25, 04:51 PM

I've been twice - mid April and mid September. By my standards (YMMV), we had great weather both times. On the April trip, we hit Ben Nevis on a perfectly warm and clear spring day and inquired at the visitor center about climbing it. "Do it!" was the reply. "We rarely get weather this nice!" so we hiked up the trail on the backside to the summit. Spectacular views.

Headed to Skye the next day and drove past the north face and it was all socked in with clouds and rain, couldn't even see the summit. Perfect timing on that one.

**OC Richard** · 21st February 25, 10:31 AM

This is a handy list (I can't vouch for its accuracy) https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland/festivals

One thing to be aware of is that many tourist attractions (castles, museums, etc) have limited hours and/or are only open certain days of the week during the offseason.

I know people who live in Edinburgh hate Festival season, and if you don't like crowds it's to be avoided, however there's a unique vibe to the city at that time. (People who live in New Orleans feel the same about Mardi Gras.)

YouTube is great because there are videos of people doing all the various "walks" which will aid in putting together a schedule if walking is your thing. My wife and I have been going through these in planning our next Britain holiday which will primarily consists of walks.

But it's always wise to have a Plan B if weather is horrid.

And you'll want a rainproof (not "rain resistant") jacket with hood, or anorak as the Brits say.

And one of those umbrellas that folds up really small, because you'll likely be taking it with you wherever you go.

And waterproof shoes. I dislike cheap vinyl athletic shoes because they bake your feet in California sun but they're brilliant in the UK. (Here we wear mesh breathable trainers which keep your feet cool but are worthless for walking in the mud and/or rain.)