Three sides of Scotland are washed by the seas so the country has moderate oceanic type of climate with high humidity. Weather is much colder than in the rest of Great Britain. Peak of precipitation intensity is at summer and autumn. Most of it falls in northern and mountainous regions. In coasts and southern regions there are frequent storms instead.

The Gulf Stream smoothes weather conditions of Scotland however in inland and alpine regions daily average temperatures are lower. In general summer in Scotland summer is rainy and not very warm. Winter is humid and cool in south and snowy with slight frosts in north.

Seasons

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Scotland

Beginning of spring in Scotland is still quite cool even despite slight growth of temperature. Weather is uncertain. Southern coasts are having gradual decrease of precipitation comparing to winter. While in north-east regions snowfalls are possible even at the beginning of April.

Actually snows aren’t common for this season but at last year they have become more frequent. At the middle of spring warming continues slowly but surely. Second half of the season is the driest time of a year on coasts. Temperature reaches 10 °C (50 °F) and ski resorts start to close due to melting. May is one of sunniest month with temperature up to 15 °C (59 °F) so it marks the opening of tourist’s season.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Min average t°: +1,5 °C (35 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 32 mm (1,3")

April Max average t°: +12 °C (53 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (38 °F) Sundial in the day: 6,5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 55 mm (2.2")

May Max average t°: +14,5 °C (58 °F) Min average t°: +6 °C (43 °F) Sundial in the day 7,5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 65 mm (2,6")

(Edinburgh)

Spring Holidays

Easter celebrations in March-April with variable dates.

First Monday in May – May Day.
Last Monday in May – Spring Holiday.

Summer in Scotland

Summer is the warmest season in Scotland yet it is cool comparing to other parts of the Great Britain Island. At hottest days of July and August temperature reaches 23 °C (73 °F). But frequent rains often bring cold snap especially in western regions of Scotland. So packing for voyage to Scotland at summer some sweaters or jackets are still necessary.

Other reason to have warm clothes is significant difference between temperatures of day and night. It may reach 9 °C (≈16 °C). But summer in Scotland is beautiful. At the middle of season heather starts to bloom covering meadows and highlands with carpet of all shades of pink and cherry.

Climate of the Summer Months

June Max average t°: +17,5 °C (64 °F) Min average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 88 mm (3,5")

July Max average t°: +19 °C (66 °F) Min average t°: +10 °C (51 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 82 mm (3,2")

August Max average t°: +18,5 °C (65 °F) Min average t°: +10,5 °C (50 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 83 mm (3,2")

(Edinburgh)

Summer Holidays

June 24 – Scottish independence.

First Monday in August – Summer Holiday.

Autumn in Scotland

At September weather remains almost same as at May with exception of more frequent precipitation especially in the west of the country. For instance in Glasgow there is daily rains with thunder. Luckily they don’t last long. In the capital frequency of rains is lower.

Average temperature at September is about 15 °C (59 °F). At October weather spoils. Sky covers with heavy clouds, frequency of rains grows and air smells damp. Frequent fogs and strong winds on coasts are common for the middle of the season. Last month of autumn brings snow and cold to highland regions. Meantime southern regions of Scotland are blown by raging storms. Although temperature is about 8 °C (46 °F) winds and dampness make it feel rather uncomfortable.

Climate of the Autumn Months

September Max average t°: +16 °C (61 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (47 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 35 mm (1,4")

October Max average t°: +13 °C (56 °F) Min average t°: +6 °C (43 °F) Sundial in the day: 4,5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 48 mm (1,9")

November Max average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Min average t°:+2,5 °C (37 °F) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 48 mm (1,9")

(Edinburgh)

Autumn Holidays

November 30 – St. Andrew’s Day.

Winter in Scotland

Climate of Scotland is formed under influence of warm Atlantic air masses thus winter in the country is warmer than in Norway for example. On the other hand average daily temperatures here are lower than in the rest of United Kingdom.

Coasts are significantly warmer than central of northern regions. Temperature range is higher in the west is higher than in the east due to cold air from the North Sea. In the south daytime temperature is about 5 °C (41 °F) while at night drops to about -1 °C (30 °F). Weather is tending to be rainy with wet snow. Mountainous regions are colder with about -10 °C (14 °F) and stable snow cover through whole season.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Min average t°: +1 °C (34 °F) Sundial in the day: 3 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 60 mm (2,4")

January Max average t°: +6 °C (43 °F) Min average t°: 0 °C (32 °F) Sundial in the day: 3,5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 57 mm (2,2")

February Max average t°:+6 °C (43 °F) Min average t°: 0 °C (32 °F) Sundial in the day: 4,5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 40 mm (1,6")

(Edinburgh)

Winter Holidays

December 25 – Christmas.
December 26 – Boxing Day.

January 1 – New Year.
January 25 – Barns supper.