Best time to visit Scotland

Find the best time to visit Scotland and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

Scotland by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Recommended for Scotland

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Top Scotland destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Scotland. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All Scotland destinations

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

The best time to visit Scotland (Edinburgh) is June, July and August based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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Max Day Temperature (°C)

  • 6°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Scotland (Edinburgh)6
    Jan
  • 6°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Scotland (Edinburgh)6
    Feb
  • 8°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Scotland (Edinburgh)8
    Mar
  • 11°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Scotland (Edinburgh)11
    Apr
  • 14°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Scotland (Edinburgh)14
    May
  • 17°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Scotland (Edinburgh)17
    Jun
  • 18°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Scotland (Edinburgh)18
    Jul
  • 18°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Scotland (Edinburgh)18
    Aug
  • 16°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Scotland (Edinburgh)16
    Sep
  • 13°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Scotland (Edinburgh)13
    Oct
  • 8°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Scotland (Edinburgh)8
    Nov
  • 6°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Scotland (Edinburgh)6
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Best time to visit

The weather guide for Scotland (Edinburgh) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm)  |  Imperial (°F / inches)

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More about Scotland

Explore our complete guide to Scotland with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Scotland.

Scotland travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Scotland with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Scotland - quick facts
Time difference UK +0 hours
Language(s) English
Currency Pound Sterling
Electricity G plug (230V)
Driving side Left

Why visit Scotland?

Considering a holiday to the Scotland? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for culture or nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

  • Culture vultures
    Culture
  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature

Scotland tourist information

Travelling to Scotland?
  Hotels  Car hire  eSIMs 

Scotland travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting Scotland from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Scotland.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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Scotland travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Scotland with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Scotland, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Scotland travel features

Do you want to learn more about Scotland? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Scotland.

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Scotland FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Scotland including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which month has the most rain in Scotland?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Edinburgh, Scotland with 0mm on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Scotland?

The sunniest time of year in Edinburgh, Scotland is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Scotland?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Edinburgh, Scotland in January when the water temperature reaches 0°C.

What is the time difference between Scotland and the UK?

The time difference between Scotland and the UK is UK time+0 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Scotland?

The main language spoken in Scotland is English.

Learn a language for Scotland with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Rocket Languages*.

What is the currency in Scotland?

The currency in Scotland is the Pound Sterling (GBP).

Send money to Scotland with TransferGo*.

Which plugs are used in Scotland?

Scotland uses electrical plug type G (230 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Scotland?

They drive on the left side of the road in Scotland.

Find out more about driving in UK with International Drivers Association*.

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Scotland travel deals

Holidays to Scotland

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to Scotland in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.

  • Book UK breaks in September from £665 with Forest Holidays
  • Choose from 13 locations across England, Scotland & Wales
  • Including Delamere Forest, Forest of Dean & Strathyre

Expires at 23:59 on Sunday 31st Aug 2025 · View all Forest Holidays offers

Forest HolidaysUK holiday finder

  • Pay just £25 deposits to secure your next UK holiday
  • Bookings for £200 or more at least 16 weeks before travel
  • Final installment four weeks + one day before arrival
  • Pay £25 deposit on log cabins & lodges with hot tubs
  • Book holidays in the UK. 13 locations to choose from
  • Arrival dates at least 4 weeks after booking date

Expires at 23:59 on Sunday 31st Aug 2025 · View all Forest Holidays offers

  • Save on summer holiday accommodation with VRBO
  • Explore top deals on houses, apartments, cabins & more
  • Book holiday rentals in the UK, Europe & beyond
  • Book early for 2026 UK holidays & save online
  • Pay low deposits from £25 & spread the cost
  • Check out deals for half terms, summer & more
  • Book 4 night stays for the price of 3 at Rural Retreats
  • Check out breaks across England, Wales, Scotland & beyond
  • Filter stays by dates of arrival, number of guests & more
  • Save on May half term holidays in the UK in 2025
  • Book family breaks to holiday parks across the UK
  • Prices from £249 for 7 nights & £139 for 3 nights
  • Save up to £20 on coach holidays with Alfa Travels
  • Filter deals by length of stay, destination & more
  • Book breaks across Devon, Eastbourne, Bristol & beyond
  • Save 10% on last minute breaks with National Holidays
  • Book coach breaks across the England, Wales & beyond
  • Use promo code at check out for offer to apply
  • Book early & save on 2026 river cruises with Avalon Waterways
  • Filter deals by promotion, month, destination & more
  • Travel between 1st Jan & 31st Dec 2026 (inclusive)

Expires at 23:59 on Thursday 31st Dec 2026 · View all Avalon Waterways offers

Flights to Scotland

Hotel chains in Scotland

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