Scotland in August: When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland?
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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.
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!
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.
You might also like:
- EDINBURGH VERSUS GLASGOW: WHICH SCOTTISH CITY SHOULD YOU VISIT?
- GLASGOW FOODIE GUIDE: 9 PLACES TO EAT & DRINK IN GLASGOW SCOTLAND
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!
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!
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
- The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
- The Potter Trail Private Tour
- 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour Including “Hogwarts Express” Ride
- 5-Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Jacobite Steam Train
Things to do in (and around) Glasgow in August
- Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle Tour
- Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour
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!
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.
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.
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.
Luxury
Mid-Range
Budget
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.
Luxury
Mid-Range
Budget
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!
You might also like:
- EDINBURGH VERSUS GLASGOW: WHICH SCOTTISH CITY SHOULD YOU VISIT?
- GLASGOW FOODIE GUIDE: 9 PLACES TO EAT & DRINK IN GLASGOW SCOTLAND
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:
- Rain coat: The chance of rain is also pretty high so pack a waterproof jacket no matter what the season.
- Comfortable shoes: As expected, you’ll walk a lot, so opt for comfortable but stylish sneakers that you’ve worn in. In the summer I love a good sandal like this.
- Warm layer: A good sweater is always worth packing, even in summer!
- Floaty dress: In the summer opt for a long floaty dress so you stay cool, and bring a light scarf so you are always prepared to enter religious sites and cover your shoulders.
- Sunscreen: Nothing spoils your trip (and your photos!) more than sunburn. Remember to prepare with a good, natural sunscreen and stay protected.
- Umbrella: If you manage to avoid the rain you will be very lucky! Bring an umbrella even for summer showers.
- Reusable water bottle: Remember to keep hydrated during your adventures; it can’t all be wine and coffee all the time! Bring a reusable water bottle so you can keep topped up.
- Tote bag: For those souvenirs and treasures found on your travels
- Travel insurance: As with any trip, you should ALWAYS purchase travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps!
Quick Tips for Scotland
- HOTEL: I use this website for scoring amazing deals on accommodation worldwide. Find amazing deals on accommodation here.
- HOSTELWORLD: If you’re traveling on a budget, this is the best website to score cheap hostel deals.
- VACATION RENTAL: I use this site for finding the perfect vacation rental for an unforgettable getaway.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: Never go on a trip without travel insurance! It isn’t worth the risk if something goes wrong.
- GUIDED TOURS & EXCURSIONS: Many of the tours I recommend are hosted with Viator, which also works with local tour operators. Search them all here. I loved the Underground Vaults Historical Walking Tour in Edinburgh.
- CHEAP FLIGHTS: Get great deals on flights using my favorite flight fare aggregator.
- TRAVEL GEAR: A collection of all of my must-have travel gear are all listed here. Most important to remember is comfortable shoes and an umbrella, the chances of rain are high, even in summer!
- CAR RENTAL: If you are taking a longer road trip book car rental in advance here for the best deals.
Have you visited Scotland in August before? When is your favorite time to visit?
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!
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. :)
Totally agree with you! Thanks for your comment :)
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! :)
It was pretty awesome :)
And it’s definitely still chilly in August, but I bet not as cold as November…
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!
You definitely got lucky! That’s awesome. Would highly recommend a visit in the summer, even though it is a bit pricier.
Stunning! I love Scotland and everything about it. Great work:)
Agreed! We loved everything about it. Hoping we can live in Glasgow at some point! ;)
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.
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. :)
Okayyy let me know when you’re free to roam around San Diego! Things are finally settling down in my universe :)
how do i get more info about the festivals and the bookings? I’m thinking of visiting Scotland this august… please help :)
We are thinking of doing the 500 but I’m worried about midges in July. What do your think ?
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 :)