Scotland has historic yet buzzing cities, amazing wildlife, epic wilds of the Highlands and more than 800 islands.
Scotland has more than 10% of Europe's total coastline and the weather here is hard to predict due to the windy North Atlantic weather. Scotland is more seasonal than other European destinations, so it's a good idea to visit before you go.
Edinburgh has a world-famous festival that comes to mind in the summer. The best time to stargaze and see the Northern Lights is during the winter season. During the shoulder season, it is dry and cheaper to visit. If you want to visit Scotland at the best times, grab a dram now.
In the summer, Scotland has a social calendar. Festivals and ceilidhs take place all over the mainland and islands during the month of August, as locals and tourists alike enjoy the long northern summer nights.
It's a good idea to book ahead during this time of year. Pack the waterproofs if you are going to get outside. The midges are at their worst on the west coast.
Explore the planet’s most surprising adventures with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.These months of dry and sunny weather are popular with savvy visitors. The machair dunes of the Hebrides are particularly attractive in May and June. Daylight is extended until 11pm in the Northern Isles in June. Restaurants and hotels that close in winter reopen.
Despite the influence of the Gulf Stream, the weather can be cold and wet from November to March. Most snow lasts for a short time in the mountains.
It's a good time to get coorie in a fire-warmed pub when the sun is setting. It's the best time of the year for stargazers and Northern Lights chasers, so make sure to check in advance if you want to see anything.
After taking a dip in the sea at South Queensferry and Broughty Ferry on New Year's Day, Scotland gets back to work a day later than the rest of the UK. Burns Night is held in Scotland. The best time to search for the Northern Lights is in January.
Burns Night, Celtic connections, and Up Helly Aa are some of the key events.
It's the best time of the year for winter mountaineers and ice climbers. There are six ski resorts in the country. Snowdrops start to bloom as the days get longer.
The key events are the Six Nations Rugby Tournament and the Scottish Snowdrop Festival.
As the weather improves, March can be a quiet month in Scotland. Laughter is in the air with Glasgow's comedy festival while its annual film festival continues the cultural vibe in Scotland's largest city
The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is one of the key events.
The bluebells bloom across Scotland as the woods on the shores of Loch Lomond come into flower. The weather is getting nicer. Rugby players take to the field in Melrose in the Borders at the world's oldest Sevens tournament.
The Rugby Sevens is one of the key events.
The best month for Scots is May, with long days, rising temperatures, and no bugs. The Hebridean machair and hawthorn hedges are in bloom. The first big Highland Games of the season will take place at the first festival on the island.
The key events are the Atholl Gathering and Fis le.
Argyll is ablaze with pink rhododendron blooms during the summer months. It's the best time to be in border country when bunting is strung around the town. Go on a cruise to Bass Rock and see the cute birds.
Common Ridings, Bass Rock Cruises, and the Royal Highland Show are some of the key events.
The busiest time of year for Scottish tourism is when school holidays start. It is a good time to visit the 100 islands of Shetland and the 80 islands of Orkney. It stays light late in Orkney, while darkness is notexistent in far- north Shetland. There are no West coast bugs. It is a good time to visit the Outer Hebrides and attend the biggest festival there.
The Hebridean Celtic Festival is one of the key events.
The population of Edinburgh double with visitors to the world's biggest arts festival. The program is close to half a dozen festivals than just one. The best time to see killer whales on the west coast is in this month.
The key events are Edinburgh Festivals, Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo, and Edinburgh Festival.
The school holidays are over and the weather is usually dry and mild, making it an excellent time of year for outdoor activities. Fort William and Aviemore are adventure sports hot spots.
Braemar Gathering is one of the key events.
Highland Perthshire and the Trossachs have some of the best reds, oranges and gold in the world. When the tourist season ends, people think of log fires and malts in country-house hotels.
The Wigtown Book Festival is one of the key events.
Fall colors are up there with those in New England. This is a good time to visit galleries and pubs in Scotland. The other four animals are harbor seals, otter, golden eagles and red squirrel, with the only island boasting all five. St Andrew's day is celebrated in Scotland. There are Christmas markets in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Edinburgh's Christmas is one of the key events.
As the shortest day of the year approaches, darkness falls in the afternoon and the weather gets nicer for Christmas and New Years. There is nothing quite like New Year's in Scotland as the capital has a huge street party on the big nights. There are many fire festivals in Comrie and Stonehaven. Reserve your accommodations in advance.
Stonehaven Fireballs is one of the key events.
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