Winter is a great time to experience the Highlands’ spectacular coastline. Venture north and breathe in the crisp winter air and witness crashing white horses from Caithness & Sutherland’s dramatic clifftops or take a relaxing stroll on the sandy beaches of Nairn.
What is there to do in the Scottish Highlands in the winter?
9 Ideas for a Perfect Winter Break in the Highlands
- Ski across snowy mountains.
- Gaze up at the wonderful dark skies.
- Clear your mind on a refreshing winter walk.
- Get ready for unforgettable winter adventures.
- Spot incredible winter wildlife.
- Marvel at snow castles and ancient mysteries.
- Cosy up by the fire in a luxury retreat.
Is it worth visiting Scotland in winter?
Is it worth travelling to Scotland in winter? Absolutely! There are so many reasons why travelling to Scotland in the offseason is a good idea – it’s cheaper, less crowded and the snow-capped peaks of the Highlands are breathtaking.
Is Inverness worth visiting in December?
From mountain sledging to the northern lights, relaxing spas to crisp winter walks, and distillery tours to snow-covered castles, there are so many ways to experience Inverness & Loch Ness this winter.
What is the best time of year to visit the Scottish Highlands?
Most people visit the Scottish Highlands between May and September which is when we have the best weather and also the most daylight. Avoiding the peak months of July and August is a wise move if you can manage it, although given the nature of the Highlands there is plenty of wide open spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Is it worth visiting Scotland in January?
January is a wonderful month to visit, but there’s plenty to see and do throughout the year too. Find out when to visit Scotland and start making plans!
Is it safe to drive in the Highlands in winter?
Most of us who live in the North manage perfectly well with ordinary 2WD drive cars all the year round without any problems – just make sure you have decent tyres in good condition. Remember that when Police close a road because of snow it’s closed to 4WDs too!
Where should I go in winter in Scotland?
14 Best Places to Visit in Scotland in Winter
- Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle dusted with snow.
- Inverness. Inverness Castle on a winter’s day.
- Glasgow. Glasgow in the winter.
- Fort William. Aerial view of Fort William.
- Ben Nevis. Snowcapped Ben Nevis.
- Isle of Skye.
- Cairngorms National Park.
- Loch Leven.
Is it a good idea to visit Scotland in December?
December is a great month to travel to Scotland. It’s still easy to drive around and visit the top attractions, including its lovely towns, historic sites and natural highlights. Here are some of the best places to visit in Scotland in December: Visit, shop and eat your way around the historic capital, Edinburgh.
Can you see the northern lights in Scotland?
While the northern reaches of Scotland offer better chances of spotting the ‘Mirrie Dancers’, the aurora can be seen anywhere in Scotland when the right conditions are met and where the light pollution is at a minimum. Here’s a list of some of the best places to see this marvel: Shetland, Orkney and Caithness (eg.
Does it snow a lot in the Scottish Highlands?
The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days. However, the peaks and mountains of the Highlands experience around 100 days of falling snow. The snowsports season varies each year, but generally it runs from November to April.
How many days do you need in the Scottish Highlands?
With one week, you can roam much of the highlands, and 10 days would allow you to explore both the Lowlands and Highlands in depth. And two weeks would give time to explore the Isle of Skye or one or two of the other whisky-scented islands.
What is the most beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands?
10 Awesomely Beautiful Places to See in the Scottish Highlands
- Ben Nevis.
- Glen Coe. Glen Coe is Scotland’s most famous, and most romantic glen.
- Cairngorms.
- Loch Ness.
- Isle of Skye.
- Loch Sunart.
- The Trossachs.
- Ullapool.
How cold is the Scottish Highlands?
January and February are the coldest months, averaging 37°F (3°C), and summer has average temperatures of 55°F (13°C) during its warmest months of July and August. Temperatures can be extreme in the Highlands, with a record winter low of -16°F (-27°C), and a record summer high of 87°F (31°C).
How cold do the Scottish Highlands get?
Generally, January and February are the coldest months, but even then the daytime maximum temperatures average from 5 °C (41 °F) to 7 °C (45 °F) – much higher than other places on the same latitude, such as Hudson Bay in Canada, Stavanger in Norway or Nunivak Island in Alaska.
How cold is in in the Scottish Highlands in October?
Scotland Weather in October
Temperatures across Scotland dip steadily during this month, with the average highs of 13 °C and lows of 7 °C. While it is not uncommon to come across a fresh cover of snow in high mountains, the rest of the country generally enjoys mild weather conditions in October.
Can you visit Isle of Skye in January?
You have to be a wee bit crazy to go to Scotland’s Isle of Skye in January. It’s cold, it’s dark, and it’s empty. Except if it’s unseasonably warm, the sun rises late enough to see the sky glowing orange and pink at nine in the morning, and you like visiting beautiful places free of crowds.
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.
Can you see the northern lights in Scotland in January?
The best time to see the celestial displays are in the autumn and winter months when nights are darker and the skies are clear. The most common months to see the northern lights in Scotland is December through February.
Can you see the northern lights in the Highlands?
The Highland regions of Sutherland and Caithness are prime areas for spotting the northern lights in Scotland.
Are the Scottish Highlands cold?
The region has an oceanic climate with typically warm rather than hot summers and cool to cold winters. The Scottish Highlands do get periods of cold, snowy and extreme weather however for the majority of the time the Highlands can be visited throughout the year.