Best Time to Visit Scotland

The best time to visit Scotland is from late March to May. Scotland is a great tourist destination with attractions for all kinds of travellers. So, whether you are looking for an adventure-filled holiday, a cultural trip, or a relaxing break, Scotland is the ideal place.

If you want to plan out a vacation, you will want to check out the best time to visit Scotland. This blog will cover the right time and places/activities for a perfect vacation.

Given below are details of an ideal time for tours to Scotland:

Spring

• Time Period: Late March to May
• Temperature Range: 9.4 to 16.1 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: Around 81 mm

During the spring months, temperatures are warm and pleasant. This is the best time to visit Scotland simply because the country shines during spring. From sun-kissed landscapes to waking up to a bright morning, you will witness the beauty of this country like never before.

Here are some fun activities to do in spring in Scotland:

1. Visit the meadows in Edinburgh

2. Explore the beauty of Dunure Castle in South Ayrshire

3. Visit North Berwick in East Lothian

4. Take in the beauty of nature at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow

5. Witness the beauty of Leadhills in South Lanarkshire

6. Take a stroll in Westburn Park in Aberdeen

7. Check out Inverness in the Highlands

Autumn

• Time Period: September to November
• Temperature Range: 9.4 to 16.6 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: Around 127 mm

This season presents Scotland in a memorable way. The country's beauty remains etched in the minds of those fortunate enough to visit during autumn. The glorious autumn foliage is a sight to behold.

The early autumn is a great time to visit castles and other historical sites. Now, let us look at the best things to do and places to visit in Scotland during autumn.

1. Witness the beauty of the dark sky on an October-evening

2. Celebrate Halloween in Scotland

3. Walk through the autumn woods of Scotland

4. Taste the delicious foods of the season

5. Check out the less crowded historical places

Given below are details of the time you should avoid visiting Scotland:

Summer

• Time Period: June to August
• Temperature Range: 14 to 19 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: Around 70 mm

You can travel to Scotland at any time of the year at your convenience. However, there is something you need to be aware of. Although the summer months are a popular time to visit Scotland, it is also the holiday season for Scottish people. Most educational institutions close for their summer vacations. As a result, families go on holiday during this time.

This leads to famous places in Scotland being crowded. Moreover, there might also be a rise in overall prices because demand is high during this season. Additionally, the summer months might also see an increase in midges, small flying insects that plague people.

In Scotland, people consider the months of July and August to be the worst for the onslaught of midges (tiny insects).

The months of December to Mid-March are the most suitable time for budget-conscious travellers. The maximum temperature during this period is 5 degrees Celsius, and there is a high chance of rainfall.

When temperatures decrease, Scotland also sees a decrease in the number of tourists. As a result, the cost of accommodation and overall prices tend to go down. So, this is an ideal time for tourists who travel on a budget to make their trips to Scotland.

Though many places and hotels remain closed, there is nothing to be disappointed with. Travellers on a budget can engage in other activities during the winter months. For instance, ice climbing at Kinlochleven promises to be a memorable experience. People who get a glimpse of the Northern Lights during these months can never forget them.

Additionally, going on an excursion at a Highland Chocolatier will be enjoyable. Skiing at Cairngorm Mountain is another pleasurable activity. Finally, if you wish to soak in the vibe of Christmas festivities, do not miss taking a stroll through the Christmas markets of Edinburgh.

Before travelling to a new place, it is a good idea to research well about the history and culture of that place. For example, if you are planning a trip to Scotland, these are the few things that you need to know before travelling:

• Scotland is not a part of England. It is a different nation with its distinct history, culture and heritage.
• The official currency of Scotland is Pound Sterling.
• Choose your accommodation well. While there are plenty of international hotels, staying at boutique hotels and guest houses run by locals will give you an enriching experience.
• The national dish of Scotland is haggis, a meat pudding. Whisky is their national drink.
• In Scotland, most people use plug type G, i.e., three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. So, do not forget to carry a good travel adaptor before travelling to Scotland.
• Scottish people are very warm and friendly and love having a good drink.
• However, drinking and driving are strictly prohibited.
• In Scotland, you can enjoy the 'freedom to roam.' So, people can roam in the countryside and on farms as they wish. But, they need to do it responsibly and safely. The exceptions include homes, gardens and military bases.
• The local people of Scotland prefer not to carry umbrellas. This is because umbrellas can be blown upside down by harsh winds. So instead, make sure you pack in raincoats in your luggage.

Given below are the top tips that would be helpful on your trip to Scotland:

• After making the necessary accommodation bookings, inform your guest house host when you will arrive in Scotland.
• While it is not essential to tip at the bar or salon, leaving a tip of around 10% is a common practice.
• You do not have to buy bottled water because tap water in Scotland is quite safe. Just refill your travel water bottle as required.
• Try all sorts of Scottish food. It varies from region to region—taste the delectable Scotch pie, fresh salmon, neeps and tatties and Cullen skink.
• When you are travelling in Scotland, beware of the midges. These tiny flying insects are greatly attracted to exposed areas of the body, including the nose, eyes and mouth.
• Keep to the left while driving for your safety. 
• It is a good idea to get travel insurance before travelling to Scotland.

English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic are the primary languages people speak in Scotland. If you are planning to travel to Scotland, knowing some Scottish phrases could be helpful:

• Hello - Awrite
• That – Yon
• How are you – Fit like min
• From – Fae
• To live (in a certain place) – Bide
• Old – Auld
• Excellent – Braw
• Careful – Canny
• Cheerio – Goodbye
• Close – Alley
• Excuse me – Ho ye!
• Small – Wee
• What time is it – Whit time is it
• I need a doctor – A need a doctor
• Call the police – Phone the polis
• I am allergic to – A’m allergic tae
• Can we have the bill, please – Can we hiv the bill, please
• What do you recommend – Whit dae ye recommend
• The meal was excellent – The meal was braw
• How much does that cost – How much dis that cost
• Can I have – Can A hiv
• I would like – A’d like
• Where is/are – Whaur is/ur
• I do not feel well – A don’t/dinnae feel well
• Where is the toilet – Whaur’s the toilet

When planning your next holiday, the best time to visit Scotland is spring and autumn. This is when you can witness the land's beauty in its full glory. However, you can visit the country at any time of the year.

Many tourists prefer visiting Scotland during the summers when the weather is warmer. But they may face huge crowds and high costs. On the other hand, budget travellers can travel to Scotland during winter to benefit from low prices.