Best time to vacation in Scotland.

**rondo** · 21st October 12, 12:21 PM

My wife and I are planning our next vacation. My wife is adverse to "cold and wet". I visited Scotland several times when I was in the US Navy, I recall a few nice days but lots of "cold and wet". I have been to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and a small town called Dunoon. For the best chance of [some] sunny weather what would be the best month/week for us to visit?

We would like to see the ruins of Dunbar castle, perhaps Edinburgh, and some out of the way towns/villages in the highlands.

Thanks for your responses.
Rondo

**Jock Scot** · 21st October 12, 12:53 PM

You have more chance of winning an International lottery three times in a row than picking a nice weather week in Scotland. As far as our weather is concerned, the only thing that you can rely on is that you cannot rely on it! If it is any help, we have had a fantastic early Autumn day today.

So come on Jock cut the waffle and commit yourself! So my two best bets for the Western Highlands could, possibly, might be, early May and Mid October with the added bonus of there being few midgies about. But---------never, NEVER forget a hat, water proof coat and a warm pullover.

**rondo** · 21st October 12, 12:58 PM

Thanks Jock,
My memory tells me I got wet quite a lot during those visits in the 80's...of course I was in my 20's then and up for anything. But now in my 50's my wife and I like to stay comfortably warm.

Any advice on nice places to go...walking tours and such? Thanks.
Rondo

**Lorna** · 21st October 12, 01:11 PM

Visited Scotland in July 2008. Absolutely loved it in spite of a little rain. Started off in Glasgow, then a three day tour of the Highlands based out of Inverness, then Edinburgh for a day. It was a whirlwind visit and not nearly long enough. I would love to return some day.

**Jock Scot** · 21st October 12, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by rondo

Thanks Jock,
My memory tells me I got wet quite a lot during those visits in the 80's...of course I was in my 20's then and up for anything. But now in my 50's my wife and I like to stay comfortably warm.

Any advice on nice places to go...walking tours and such? Thanks.
Rondo

Do you know I am not sure that asking a local is the best idea!

Walking tours eh? Humm given the size if Scotland is minute compared to the USA for example, well there is the West Highland Way walk from Glasgow to Fort William, that takes---I am told-----about five fairly robust days walking. With another wee walk of -----I am told ------another four days you can walk on to Inverness. Whilst in FW you could walk up and down Ben Nevis(UK's highest mountain) in about 7 hours. We have a right to roam policy in the Highlands so with a few exceptions you can wander the hills whenever you like. Being a shooting man can I ask you to plan your journies carefully during the grouse shooting and deer stalking seasons, although to be fair, hikers and shooters get along pretty well-------most of the time. It goes without saying, but I am going to say it anyway, the Highlands are a wild and under populated area where the weather can change abruptly, so maps, compass and sensible kit are more than a wise idea.

**madmacs** · 21st October 12, 04:50 PM

East coast isnt always as wet as the west... Still more than a fair chance of "dull and overcast" though...

**robthehiker** · 21st October 12, 05:20 PM

I used these guys back in 2001. They arranged for accommodations and luggage shuttles. I was pleased with the service and value.

We went in August. The weather was great and we were able to attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which we thoroughly enjoyed. YMMV.

**Laird_M** · 22nd October 12, 04:47 AM

I spent a fantastic week in the southwest back in August, and yes we had some rain, but I actually got 2nd degree sunburn from 2 hours kayak fishing, so no matter what the weatherman says, or what past experience is, you can never, ever say when you're gonna have good weather in Scotland.

As a radio presenter once said, "If you want to know what the weather's like, look out your window..."

**tulloch** · 22nd October 12, 07:52 AM

I have always understood that the best time to visit Scotland is February. It can only rain for 28 days.

**cessna152towser** · 22nd October 12, 08:06 AM

As Jock has already stated, predicting the weather can be a lottery.
This year, here in the south of Scotland the spring was exceptionally dry, with a spell of warm sunny weather in late March, yet the summer months of June, July and August were mostly cool and wet (though fortunately a nice sunny day for the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in August).
If you want to do some walking I would advise avoiding the coldest winter months which are usually from around mid-November till mid-February.
During the peak summer months of June, July, and August Transatlantic airfares are usually more expensive, with no guarantee of good weather.