May is a sunny and mild time in Scotland, and you can expect daytime highs of 15°C/59°F. It’s also one of our driest months, along with April.
What is Scotlands weather like in May?
You can expect average maximum temperatures to range from approximately 7°C (45°F) to 13 °C (55°F) during the months of March, April and May. A beautiful time to visit, this season sees daffodils, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons bursting into bloom.
Is May a good month to visit Scotland?
The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 43°F to 59°F, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms.
How rainy is Scotland in May?
Although rainfall decreases considerably in May (only 85 mm in total), keep a waterproof rain jacket handy, just in case. This month also sees daylight hours lengthening. Scotland enjoys a total of 178 hours of sunshine throughout the month.
What month is typically the sunniest in Scotland?
The peak in sunshine hours falls in May and June and the least sunshine is for December and January. Because of the high latitude the winter days are very short but are compensated with long summer days with only 5 hours of ‘almost darkness’.
What should I wear in Scotland in May?
What to add to your basic Scotland packing list for March, April, and May:
- Lighter hat.
- Pair of sunglasses.
- Light travel scarf.
- Lighter dress/shirt in case of a warmer than usual day.
Should I visit Scotland in May or September?
From May until September, travelers have a high chance of running into midges, especially in the Highlands. These flying, biting insects prefer wet, humid, and cloudy conditions and come out in full force in July and August. To avoid the midges, book your trip to Scotland between late September and early May.
Does Scotland have midges in May?
Come between late September and late May
Midges can’t survive a frost. If you arrive in Scotland, before the weather has warmed up too much you are unlikely to see many midges. Also if you visit in May or early September, you are also likely to encounter the best weather conditions Scotland has to offer.
Can you see the northern lights in Scotland in May?
Can you see the Northern Lights in the summer? During the summer months it’s virtually impossible to see the Northern Lights because summer nights are very light in the north of Scotland (and the rest of the aurora-watching places). The Northern Lights can happen at any time of year but you need dark skies to see them.
What is the rainiest month in Scotland?
Whilst it rains all year round in Scotland, the wettest periods are autumn and winter. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 winter was by far the wettest season, with volumes reaching 739 millimeters in the latter.
Monthly amount of rainfall in Scotland from 2015 to 2022 (in millimeters)
| Characteristic | Rainfall in millimeters |
|---|---|
| – | – |
What is the best month to visit Scotland?
The best time to visit the Scottish Highlands is from June to August. Summer temperatures are best for exploring the Highlands, however, with Scotland’s location so far up north on the globe, don’t expect a traditionally hot summer. During the country’s warmest month (August), highs rarely surpass the 70-degree mark.
Is Scotland Green in May?
Spring is a season of change. From greyer landscape, in April and May, you’ll be able to witness the fresh greens and newly budded trees of Scotland.
Is it cold in Edinburgh in May?
In May, the weather in Edinburgh is usually mild. The average temperature is of 10.3 °C (50 °F), with a minimum of 6 °C (42.8 °F) and a maximum of 14.6 °C (58.2 °F). On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -0.5 °C (31.5 °F).
Where in Scotland gets the most sunshine?
Dundee and Aberdeen are the sunniest cities in Scotland. On the longest day of the year there is no complete darkness over the northern isles of Scotland. Lerwick, Shetland, has about four hours more daylight at midsummer than London, although this is reversed in midwinter.
What is the driest month to visit Scotland?
The best time to visit Scotland is in spring (May – June), and fall (September – October). This is when the weather is most likely to be dry, and pleasant. The high season is in the summer, from July – August, but the crowds will be quite high, and there are chances of rain as well.
Which is the most beautiful part of Scotland?
20 Most Beautiful Places In Scotland
- 01 Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire.
- 02 Bow Fiddle Rock, Moray.
- 03 Isle of Iona.
- 04 Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands, North Uist.
- 05 Bealach Na Ba, Wester Ross.
- 06 Loch Ken, Galloway Forest Park.
- 07 Glenfinnan, Fort William.
- 08 Eoligarry Beach, Isle of Barra.
Is May warm in Scotland?
May is not a cold month in Scotland, although you can get colder days. On average, the temperature sits around 13°C/55.4°F, but you can get much warmer days. Scotland often gets warm sunny stretches in May interspersed with colder and greyer days.
Are there mosquitoes in Scotland in May?
The western highlands of the Scottish mainland, and also the Scottish islands. The Great Glen, Glen Coe, Fort William – any of the main nature/hiking areas – will have a problem with Scottish midges on warm wet still days between May and September. Midges love damp, boggy areas and acidic peatlands especially.
Do people wear jeans in Scotland?
Hiking/rain pants – Again, jeans are usually fine for everyday wear, unless you’re doing some hiking. If you’re planning on hiking, bring a pair of specialized pants: Men / Women.
What is the cheapest month to go to Scotland?
The cheapest time to travel to Scotland is off season: November 1 to December 12 and December 26 to March 14. In the past few years, airlines have been offering irresistible fares during these periods. And weekday flights are cheaper than weekend fares, often by 10% or more.
How many days are sufficient for Scotland?
We recommend you allow 9 – 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country’s diverse scenery and history. A 10 day itinerary, such as the Best of Scotland tour plan, would let you spend: 2 days in Edinburgh walking the historical streets and enjoying the cosmopolitan buzz.