Best Time To Visit Scotland
Travelling In Scotland > Best Time to Visit Scotland
There's one question that crops up time and again, and that is, "When is the best time to visit Scotland?" And my answer is : Any time at all, but what you're looking for will determine the best time for YOU to visit.
You see, there's so much to see and do, whatever the time of year, with summer and winter festivals, excellent conditions in spring and autumn (fall) for outdoor activities, and culture and history that is not dependent on the season or what the weather is like. So, unless you're looking for a couple of weeks lying on a beach with sun, sea and sand, then Scotland offers the ideal solution for the perfect holiday.
I have to tell you that our weather can be pretty changeable, but it's not that bad, and anyway, there's so much going on you probably won't mind. Let's have a look at what's happening throughout the year, and hopefully we'll answer the question about when's the best time for YOU to visit the country.
Spring : A beautiful time of year to visit Scotland for clean fresh air, and to see the mountains, lochs and countryside in all their scenic splendour. An ideal time for outdoor actvities like hiking, cycling, fishing, golfing and sea kayaking. Great too, for Guided Tours, where you can explore our castles with their history and stories of ghosts, maybe take in a whisky tour and sample the finest malt whiskey, or visit our many attractions.
Some great events take place in May, including the Aviemore and Cairngorms Walking and Mountain Festival, the Arran Wildlife Festival, and the Isle of Bute Jazz Festival. Check the Scotland Events page for month by month events listings, and see what's on for music and theatre.
Summer : Another nice time to visit Scotland, and to be honest, some years there's not much of a difference weather wise, between spring and summer. The good thing about the summer is that Edinburgh, our capital is buzzing. The streets are alive with not only visitors, but performers from all over the world, here for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which runs for a full three weeks in August. Also in August you can take in the fabulous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the biggest event of its kind in the world.
Summer also has a full calendar of Highland Games, including the North Berwick International Highland Games, and the Cowal Gathering, the largest of the Games events, and the finale is the Braemar Gathering.
Autumn : Purely as a personal opinion, I would say that the Scottish countryside is at its best this time of year, with gold and brown colours dominating countryside walks. Again, a great time for the outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the best of walking, cycling and climbing. Summer events give way to the more relaxed pace of Autumn with the Scottish Countryside Festival in Glamis, Angus. This event is held in the grounds of Glamis Castle, with great fun for everyone, including the children.
Whisky lovers are on a winner, touring some of scotlands most famous distilleries at the Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival in Dufftown, Moray, and the Scottish Book Town Festival is on in Dumfries & Galloway.
Winter : With winter approaching, many tourists visit Scotland to sample the shopping experience that Glasgow and Edinburgh have to offer. Some stay for the winter events, and there are some spectaculars with Glasgow On Ice from late November to late December, with non-stop music and ice dancing. Those who really want to let their hair down return year after year for the fabulous Edinburgh Hogmanay Party.
Many visitors come for the skiing in Scotland, to enjoy the fantastic slopes and stunning scenery, but there's no rush to get here in January or February, because we can sometimes get snowfalls until March.
Well that covers the seasons and the events that take place at certain times of the year, but much of what Scotland has to offer can be sampled at any time. Outdoor activities are available all year, as are a host of magnificent Attractions, shopping, nightlife, and the scenery.
You will get a warm welcome no matter what time of year you visit Scotland, and you will be fascinated with our history and culture.
So to go back to the question : When is the best time to visit? I think the answer is obvious now : You have to answer that for yourself.
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