Scotland in August: When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

When you start daydreaming about your trip to Scotland, one all-important question will come to mind: When is the best time to visit Scotland? And the short answer is this: August.

August is your best bet when it comes to weather, scenery, and festivals, though of course, the prices are a bit steeper.

Here’s why visiting Scotland in August is best…

Scotland in August: What to expect.

Beautiful field filled with purple heather in Scotland in August

The heather is (usually) in full bloom.

Scotland is gorgeous enough as it is. But when the Highlands explode into a picture-perfect postcard of purple heather, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

While there’s never a guarantee that you’ll see heather during your trip, it usually begins blooming late-July or early-August!

Beautiful buildings and architecture of Scotland

It’s (somewhat) warm.

Let’s face it. You don’t travel to Scotland for its weather.

However, August is usually Scotland’s warmest month. During August, temperatures average at around 19 °C (or 66 °F), though you can get lucky with a random heatwave. Overall, you can expect mild temperatures during Scotland’s summer months.

With that said, temperatures in August are near perfect for traveling. It’s not too hot, and it’s not too cold. With all the hiking, walking, and exploring you’ll do, Scotland’s moderate climate is just right.

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Maddy, blogger, standing on an open field with grass and flowers while traveling in Scotland in August

It doesn’t rain (as much).

Scotland’s weather is 100% unpredictable, except for one general rule: it will rain.

As far as rain goes, you should always be prepared. It might rain a little during your trip, or it might rain a lot. But you can bet that it will.

Scotland in August can be anything from clear skies and sunshine, to grey, cloudy days. However, August usually sees less rain than other months!

Amazing view of green craggy mountains in the Isle of Skye

Options for exploring outdoors are endless.

Since the weather is “good” in August, you’ll have endless opportunity to explore everything Scotland has to offer. From hiking to castle-view picnics, there’s no shortage of things to do.

One of the best things you can do? Get out of the city! Rent a car and explore the rugged coastlines, cruise through the Highlands, wander the quaint towns, and visit all the castles you can.

If you’re keen for a self-driving adventure, I recommend you use this website to find the best rental car deals!

Beautiful and colorful architecture in Edinburgh

In addition, when I visited Scotland in August, I booked quite a few guided tours in and around the cities.

These are the ones I recommend.

Things to do in (and around) Edinburgh in August

Serene waters at Loch Lomond in Scotland

Things to do in (and around) Glasgow in August

Celebration of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival in Scotland in August
Image by Susan McNaughton/Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Military Tattoo Festival is in full swing.

With Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an unforgettable celebration of Scottish dance, music, and military processions. As the castle lights up in pink, blue, and purple hues, nearly 1,000 different dancers, singers, bagpipers, and drummers regale an eager crowd.

Throughout August, the bagpipes’ music emanates throughout the city, but this spectacle is best experienced up close and personal. You won’t want to miss it!

Circus performer surrounded by his amazed audience during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Image from Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

The world’s largest arts festival takes place.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival turns Scotland’s capital into one giant party, for three whole weeks, every August. From opera and theatre, to circus and comedy, this arts festival floods the street with thousands of performances.

No matter what, you’re bound to have a great time at the Fringe!

*In addition to the Tattoo and the Fringe, loads of other festivals occur throughout Scotland during August.

People gathered in a field during the Highland Games in Scotland in August
Image by Chris Bis/Highland Games

The Highland Games are on.

Between Scottish dances, traditional sports, bagpipes, and kilts galore, the Highland Games are the perfect way to learn about Scottish heritage. Every year, from May to September, visitors can enjoy over 80 different Highland Games throughout the country.

Beautiful architecture in Glasgow

Where to Stay in Glasgow in August

Planning to stay in Glasgow for a few days during your trip? (You should! Glasgow was my favorite stop, by far.)

It’s busy in August in Glasgow, so make sure to book in advance to secure the best price! This website has the best deals on Glasgow accommodation – and most of the accommodation options offer free cancellation.

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Facade of a beautiful old hotel in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town

Where to Stay in Edinburgh in August

Whether you’re in town for the Fringe or to explore Edinburgh’s many attractions (like the Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, the “haunted” underground vaults, or Harry Potter filming locations), you should plan to stay for 3 days at least.

As we’ve established, August is Edinburgh’s busiest month. So if you wait to secure accommodation, you’ll be sorry! This website has the best deals on Edinburgh accommodation – and usually, there’s a free cancellation option in case your plans change.

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Scotland in August: When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Scotland in August:
When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, I can say for sure, the best time to go is August. With so many exciting cultural events going on (like the Fringe, the Military Tattoo, and the Highland Games) and the best possible weather, visiting Scotland in August is worth the higher prices. Enjoy!

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What to Pack for Scotland

The season of your visit to Scotland will help determine what you need to pack!

Summer in Scotland can still be variable weather. It can be lovely and warm but still with expected rain showers and random cold days. Prepare for most eventualities.

Here are a few top tips of what to wear in Scotland:

Quick Tips for Scotland

Have you visited Scotland in August before? When is your favorite time to visit?

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15 Comments

  1. August certainly sounds to be the best month to visit Scotland – it is high on my list and I would love to see the heather in full bloom!

    1. Scotland is so beautiful. I have driven down through the Northern Highlands when all the heather was in full bloom. It was incredible! Well worth a visit. :)

  2. I would LOVE to go back to Scotland during the Fringe Festival–I’ve always thought it sounded like the coolest festival! We’ve been during November, and it was fun traveling in the off season (and who doesn’t like those prices!), but we definitely had to work around the chilly weather. I don’t ever need another excuse to go back to Scotland, but you’ve given me several here! :)

  3. I went to Scotland in November and it was surprisingly nice! It wasn’t too cold and it didn’t rain so I guess we got lucky. I’d love to go back and visit during the summer though, your photos look lovely!

    1. You definitely got lucky! That’s awesome. Would highly recommend a visit in the summer, even though it is a bit pricier.

  4. It’s on my bucket list to go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I grew up doing theatre and I love the performance arts, so I think it would be awesome to go and I’d enjoy that a lot :) Did you get to experience the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

    1. The Fringe sounds right up your alley then, doesn’t it? We were in Edinburgh just before the festival officially started, but there were still plenty of performances going on. We left for a few days for the Highlands and Isle of Skye, and when we returned, the festival was in full swing! So in short, we were there for one day of the actual festival and it was really quite cool. :)

  5. how do i get more info about the festivals and the bookings? I’m thinking of visiting Scotland this august… please help :)

    1. There will definitely be midges in July… but also a higher probability of good weather compared to most months. I would say cover yourself up, use a natural repellent, and just go for it :)

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