Best time to visit Scotland

January in Scotland

Snowy weather, huddle up for coorie Winter walking and wildlife Burns Night

January in Scotland is quiet and cold – perfect for cosying up by the fire with a glass of whiskey. Coorie is the Scottish equivalent of Denmark’s hygge and translates as ‘snuggle’ or ‘nestle’. Many parts of the Highlands and mountainous areas are blanketed in thick snow, for winter hikes led by expert local guides and wildlife watching, with red deer particularly visible against the snow. Burns Night on 25 January celebrates Robert Burns, the national bard, with readings of his poetry accompanied by haggis and whisky. Keep your eyes open when leaving pubs in the far north for the Northern Lights.

February in Scotland

Wildlife watching against the snow Snowdrop Festival Winter walking in the Cairngorms

The rugby Six Nations Championship gets underway in February, Scotland being cheered on in pubs and homes across the nation. But you can also partake in sports yourself whether it’s cross country skiing, snowshoeing or learning how to dig a snow hole in the Cairngorms. Wrapped up warm in southern Scotland, wildlife aficionados can see migratory ducks, geese and swans sheltering from Greenland’s harsher winter. Scotland in February also sees the lovely Snowdrop Festival taking place. One of the best places to see them in bloom is at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden.

March in Scotland

Often dry and sunny Six Nations in full swing Hebrides ferry schedules reopen

March in Scotland sees the snow beginning to melt away at lower altitudes. This month generally sees ferry timetables around the Hebrides and Orkney returning to normality as well. The Six Nations rugby championship is underway, with pubs packed when Scotland are playing. Weather-wise, it can be surprisingly dry and sunny. It’s a good time to visit Glasgow, which is in festival mode in March, celebrating everything from film to comedy and country music.

April in Scotland

Early bird cruising in the Hebrides Spring rail tours Beltane Fire Festival

Intrepid hikers and cyclists risking the weather will delight at the number of lambs jumping around the fields in April. Meanwhile, the winter sport season draws to a close, with ski areas closing. April in Scotland is the start of the small ship cruising season, but it’s also a good time to see the Highlands by rail; the spring foliage through the windows is glorious. Gaelic arts and rituals are honoured at the Beltane Fire Festival, which celebrates the fertility of the land.

April is great for a Scotland railway vacation

May in Scotland

Small ship cruising Whisky tastings Highland Games begin

May in Scotland is Whisky Month. As the Scots celebrate the ‘water of life’, you will find many distilleries offering special tasting sessions. May is also the month when small ship cruising around the islands off the west coast in search of marine wildlife begins in earnest – and when midges become a bit of a hassle, especially close to water at dusk. And if you’ve ever wanted to see a caber being tossed by a chap in a kilt, now’s your chance, with Highland Games taking place from May to September.

May is great for a wildlife vacation on Mull

June in Scotland

Dolphins off the west coast and islands Ideal walking and cycling weather Lovely time for traveling by rail

June can be the best time of year to visit Scotland for outdoors-lovers. Hikers and cyclists are flocking to Highland trails and there are crowds in Edinburgh, but it’s not quite peak season yet. The Scottish weather is generally warm and clement (though we recommend packing for all seasons because it’s so changeable). June in Scotland is one of the best months for wildlife watching too, especially for dolphins which can be seen both from land and cruises.

Burns Night (25 January)

Robert – or Rabbie – Burns was an 18th-century Romantic poet who is considered Scotland’s national bard. Burns Night is 25 January, during which readings of works such as To a Mouse, A Red, Red Rose and – his most famous poem – Auld Lang Syne are performed, accompanied by whisky and haggis.

Highland Games (May to September)

Taking place across Scotland all summer long from May to September, the Highland Games celebrate athletic prowess through competitions in tossing the caber, tug of war and throwing the hammer. It’s not all muscle power, though – there are displays of dancing and bagpiping too.

Orkney Folk Festival (late May)

This four-day folk festival carefully balances its roster of artists to ensure local talent gets just as much attention as visiting singers and musicians. Held in Stromness, there are 30-odd ticketed events, but many more free concerts held in pubs where you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere.

Hebridean Celtic Festival (mid-July)

Taking place in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in mid-July, this award-winning multi-day festival celebrates the Gaelic language and culture. Artists performing traditional music will often put on a show at in-demand late-night ceilidhs too.