So, you decided to visit the Scottish Highlands in winter and I bet you wonder what it’s like to travel around Scotland during this season. How cold is it? Will there be snow? Are roads likely to be blocked? And what should you wear? This post contains everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland during the winter months along with my best tips for making your winter holiday in Scotland a memorable experience!
This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here. All opinions are my own.
Travelling to Scotland in winter is absolutely doable and contrary to popular belief, really worth it! Visiting Scotland during the offseason has a lot of benefits and there are tons of things to do during the coldest (but also the cosiest) time of the year.
In this post, you will find a list of my top travel tips for winter, from things to consider when you put your itinerary together, my favourite activities and things to do, and tons of practical advice regarding temperatures, weather and packing.
Scotland in Winter FAQ
First, let’s go through some of the basics:
When is winter in Scotland? Winter in Scotland lasts roughly from December to February, however, it can already be quite cold or even snow in November, and sometimes still in March. In 2018, the storm nicknamed “Beast from the East” brought a lot of snow to Scotland at the beginning of March. It really is a long winter season!
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. If you’re not convinced, read a more detailed post about why I think you should travel to Scotland in autumn and winter here!
You might also like: 10 Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Scotland



How cold is Scotland in winter? If you compare Scotland to some Central European countries like Austria or Germany, it really is not that cold in the winter. The average winter temperatures in Scotland are somewhere between 0 and 10 degrees C (50 F). On really cold days the thermometer can drop to about -5 C (23 F) or slightly below, but that kind of iciness rarely sticks around for too long. What makes the winters in Scotland feel cold, however, is the wind – always consider windchill which can make it feel significantly colder than it actually is!
What is the weather like in winter? When travelling to Scotland always remember one thing: it is almost impossible to predict the weather. The different regions in the Scottish Highlands and Islands are influenced by micro-climates, which means it could be snowing in one place and 20 kilometres down the road it’s beautiful sunshine. Anything is possible really, but expect cool and crisp weather and potentially rain, snowfall and ice.
Will there be snow in Scotland? Chances are high that you will see snow when you visit Scotland in the winter – although it will most likely stick to the peaks in the Highlands. Unless a storm is bringing a lot of snow, the valleys in the mountains, the roads leading through them and the coastal roads are usually snow-free and are gritted to avoid road closures.
However, things happen and you should prepare for potential changes of plans. Here are two examples: Last year I did a road trip to Fort William on the coldest weekend of the winter, and there was absolutely no snow on the roads we were taking. A few months later during the “Beast from the East” some roads had to be closed because the gritter trucks could not keep up with the weather. My tips below will help you to find a way to deal with situations like that!
Can you see the northern lights in Scotland? It is theoretically possible to see the northern lights in Scotland. However, due to the typical Scottish weather conditions (overcast skies), sightings are a lot less common than in countries further north. You’ll find some tips for seeing the northern lights below!
When does it get dark in winter? The hardest thing about Scottish winters is arguably not the weather or the cold, but rather the darkness – at least according to many of my friends who moved here from further south. The shortest day of the year lasts from about 8.45 am to 3.30 pm, but the average length of winter days in Scotland is about 8 am to 4.30 pm. That gives you around 8.5 hours of daylight to play with.
What to wear in Scotland in Winter? Because of the considerate windchill and potential for any kind of weather at any point of your Scotland trip, it is important to pack wisely. I have included a few of my top tips for what to wear in Scotland in winter in my tips below, but you should also have a look at my packing list to help you pack the right things.

20 top tips for Scotland in Winter
Planning your Winter Itinerary
Shorten driving distances
Since the days are shorter in the winter you must consider that when planning your route. My classic 8-day itinerary, for example, is made in mind with long summer days, so if you follow it during the winter, you might have to leave out some stops or do some of the driving in the dark.
I recommend cutting your itinerary down and reducing your mileage. Driving in the dark is not fun – especially not when on narrow winding roads when it’s cold or potentially snowing.
On my last winter trip, we never covered more than 40-80 miles per day, which allowed for plenty of time out and about in the daylight and we barely had to do any driving after sunset.
Rise early
To get the most out of these short winter days, get up and hit the road early!
Remember, you only have about 6-8 hours of daylight in winter, so you want to maximise the time you spend exploring.

Plan a smart schedule
Schedule activities that require daylight, like guided tours, hikes or photo walks, for the middle of the day when it’s light outside. Schedule activities that are independent of daylight or the weather towards the end of the day.
It gets dark early in winter, but you won’t mind if you keep activities like whisky distilleries or museums for the late afternoon.
You might also like: Tips for bad weather photography in Scotland
The best winter accommodation in Scotland
The best accommodation for a winter getaway in Scotland, in my opinion, always has one of the following options: a sauna, an (outdoor) hot tub or a fireplace – ideally all three.
It’s coorie or còsagach, you’re after – the Gaelic word describing the feeling of being warm, cosy, and sheltered. There is nothing quite like a crackling fire, a comfy couch and a dram of your favourite whisky in your hand to end a perfect day on the road in wintery Scotland!
Personally, I prefer booking accommodations that either have these winter comforts on site, or at least are within walking distance from a cosy pub, so I can escape there for a bit of coorie at night.
Looking for unique experiences? Check out my Favourite Unique Places to Stay in Scotland – from hotels to B&Bs!

Check your cancellation policies
When you book accommodation, a rental car or activities for your trip to Scotland in the winter, make sure to check your cancellation policies. On the rare occasion of a snowstorm hitting the country, you might want to reconsider driving yourself; or if you have to change your itinerary due to road closures or ferry cancellations, you’ll be glad if you booked accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy!
Many activities in Scotland run regardless of the weather (refer back to my packing tips for a rainy day), but some might get cancelled in strong winds or snow conditions. Again, it is unlikely that the weather will impact your trip to such an extreme extent, but it’s best to come prepared.
Check year-round opening times
Find out about attractions that are open year-round. Many tours or activities in the Scottish Highlands and islands only run throughout the busy summer months. Even some castles and museums are closed over the winter, so it is crucial to check opening times before planning your itinerary.
Don’t miss out on these Edinburgh museums, galleries and monuments off the beaten path!
Map out cosy rural pubs and cafes
Travelling Scotland as a vegan, I spent even more time researching and saving restaurants, pubs and cafes to my Google Maps. In winter, this is particularly important, whether you have dietary requirements or not.
Some places close for the winter season, while others open especially for the festive period – avoid disappointment by checking opening times in advance. When the weather is bad, turn your road trip into a cosy pub or cafe crawl through the Scottish Highlands.

Driving in winter
Check forecasts
I know it sounds redundant to check forecasts considering how hard it is to predict the weather in Scottish winters. Long-term predictions rarely hold up, but forecasts for the next or the same day are usually pretty accurate. It is important to look out for weather warnings on the days you are travelling and check the Met Office for any signs of extreme weather coming up. When a storm is on the way, the Met Office may declare orange or red weather warnings and advise people not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.
This is particularly important if you have booked a ferry crossing as these are often cancelled or delayed during adverse weather. The ferry operators Calmac and Northlink are very quick in updating their schedules. The easiest thing to do is to follow them on Twitter and keep an eye out for your specific crossing.
If the weather is really bad, gritters are crisscrossing the country to make the roads fit for traffic again. You can follow live updates of the gritters online – they have names like “Gritty Gritty Bang Bang” and “Sir Salter Scott”.
Know how to drive in bad weather
Here is the thing: driving in Scotland in winter is not hard (or any harder than in the summer) – if you know how to drive safely in winter conditions (lots of darkness, potentially strong winds or snow on the road). If you know you are not confident enough to drive a manual car through bad weather, maybe a road trip in the middle of winter is not the best idea. If you don’t drive a lot – and I’m the first to take my own advice here – reduce your daily itinerary and avoid stressing out over driving too much.
If you’re not sure you’re fit for Scottish winter roads, check out my driving tips, or these bad weather driving tips by Transport Scotland.
Don’t want to drive yourself? There are many guided tours from Glasgow and from Edinburgh (one day to multiple days), that run throughout the winter months!

Packing for winter trips to Scotland
Pack layers & be prepared for anything
People often ask what to wear in Scotland in winter – you might be one of them. The thing is, the weather is really unpredictable. It could be sunny, snowing or raining, ice-cold, windy or mild – sometimes all in one day. The most important rule for packing for Scotland is to pack layers, particularly a warm and insulating layer for the colder days and a high-quality waterproof jacket for wet days. I like throwing in a pair of waterproof trousers too, whether it is to go hiking regardless of the weather or simply to wander to the pub down the road from your B&B. Finally, a waterproof daypack can keep your things dry during a sudden downpour.
For more specific advice, check out my packing list which also contains tips for winter travel in Scotland specifically. And if you plan to go mountaineering, check out this list of essential hiking gear for winter.
Pack a thermos flask
In winter, I never track without my little thermos flask. I fill it with my favourite tea in the morning and whenever I feel like a pick me up, I will stop, breathe in the crisp countryside air and sip on a cup of steaming tea from my flask. For the really cold days (and when I’m not driving) I also bring my hipflask – nothing warms like a dram of whisky.
Pack waterproof shoes with good grip
While I’m not a winter hiker, I always bring my hiking boots on winter road trips through Scotland. When it’s cold outside – whether it’s wet, muddy, snowy or icy – you need to wear warm, waterproof boots with a good grip. I swear by my Zamberlan boots, but I also recently got some vegan lace-up boots (in a Timberland style) which are a perfect compromise for light walks and city trips.
Don’t forget your sun lotion
I’m not even joking! Especially if there is snow, the sun can burn your skin even as far north as Scotland. I prefer applying a bit of sun lotion when I go outdoors in Scotland, even in the winter.

Things to do in Winter in Scotland
Go stargazing
There are several dark sky discovery spots all over Scotland – you can find them all here. These sites are always away from local light pollution, have a good view of the sky and are easily accessible, usually also for wheelchair users, and always free. At “Orion” sites, you can see at least the seven stars of the Orion star constellation, while at “Milkyway” sites you can see the milky way with the naked eye.
There are also three Dark Sky Parks in Scotland, at the Galloway Forest Park, the Isle of Coll and in the Cairngorms National Park. These are internationally recognised areas with high-quality dark skies and great visibility of the stars!
Want to stay in the middle of nowhere? Check out my Loch Ossian Youth Hostel review!
How to see the northern lights
Everybody loves the northern lights, but did you know that you don’t have to travel as far north as Norway or Iceland to see them dancing in the sky? Even as far south as Edinburgh, you can sometimes see the northern lights in the Scottish sky.
he main issue if spotting the northern lights in Scotland is visibility – of course, the sky has to be clear in order to be able to see the lights and that can prove tricky.
It’s still a good idea to keep an eye on the aurora forecast. I use the app by Aurora Watch UK which sends me a push notification if there is an amber or red aurora alert.
Prepare to head out around midnight when the night is at its darkest and coldest. Chances are better when you travel north to the Highlands or Orkney – or at one of Scotland’s many Dark Sky designated areas.
Try snowshoeing in the Highlands
Snowshoeing is a great activity that doesn’t require a lot of skill, any prior knowledge or any more than average fitness. I’ve always wanted to try it back home in the Austrian Alps, but it took a few years of living in Scotland until I finally gave it a shot. And it was amazing – read more about my experience here!
Unfortunately, the Nevis Range no longer hires out snowshoes, so this activity is longer possible – unless you have your own snowshoes.
You might also like: 14 Romantic Getaways in Scotland

Go skiing in Scotland
If you are more skilled and seek the thrill of the mountain slopes, try your hand at skiing in one of Scotland’s five ski resorts. Two of them are in the western Highlands: the Glencoe Mountain Resort with some of the best natural terrain in Scotland, and the Nevis Range Mountain Resort with its challenging terrain and dramatic scenery.
The three other resorts are in the Cairngorms National Park: the family- & beginner-friendly Lecht Ski Centre, the large and varied Glenshee Ski Centre and the Cairngorm Mountain Resort, which gets the most snow and the longest season of all five resorts.
Hike to Scotland’s reindeer herd
Did you know that Scotland had reindeer?
The reindeer were introduced to the Cairngorms in 1952 by Mikel Utsi and his wife Dr. Ethel Lindgren. Today, the herd roams freely around the plateau of the Cairngorms National Park.
You can learn more about the herd at the Reindeer Centre near Loch Morlich. From February to December, you can also join one of the centre’s daily Hill Trips. Together with knowledgable rangers, you’ll walk to meet the reindeer in the hills. You get to hand-feed them and take lots of pictures.
Note that from February to April conditions can be pretty extreme, so this is not an activity for small children. The age limit during those months is 4 years old. You must be prepared with the right clothes and shoes, and be fit enough to walk on pathless hill ground.


Try winter mountaineering
The Scottish mountains are not to be underestimated during the winter months. They might not be as high as other mountain chains in Europe, but the weather is unpredictable and the summits get a lot of snow and ice, even if the valleys below are fine. It is important that you only hike during the winter if you have access to crampons and an ice axe and know how to use both.
If you are keen though, there are many opportunities to join winter mountaineering courses – Mountaineering Scotland is a reliable site to find reputable and trustworthy courses and instructors, or check out the courses offered at Glenmore Lodge.
Visit a whisky distillery or a museum
If the weather is dreich and all attempts for outdoor activities fail, visit a whisky distillery or a museum – you can find both all over Scotland.
You might also like: An Essential Guide to Scottish Whisky
Try an outdoor sauna
The weather in Scotland is almost never too hot to try an outdoor sauna, but I find sweating in a sauna the most rewarding when it’s cold and stormy outside.
There are many outdoor saunas across Scotland, and the trend is growing! Find an overview here.
I personally have tried Wild Scottish Sauna in Kingsbarns and Watershed Sauna in Findhorn in winter – both were an absolute delight!


Attend a winter festival
There are many festivals in Scotland throughout the winter months. The winter festivals are traditionally Christmas festivals including markets, special concerts and lots of festive food. They happen in Oban, Inverness, Perth, Stirling and a few other places. However, there are also other festivals in Scotland during the cold season, such as the biggest Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh (that’s New Year’s Eve in Scotland), Celtic Connections music festival in Glasgow or the Up Helly Aa Viking festivals in Shetland.
Other unique Scottish holidays in winter include St Andrews Day (Nov 30) and Burns Night (Jan 25). If you visit during those dates, make sure to join a local celebration!
You might also like: The best Winter Festivals and Christmas Markets in Scotland

You see, travelling to Scotland in winter can be filled with exciting adventures and relaxing getaways – there is no reason why you should not take advantage of the cheaper flights and affordable accommodation during off season!
Pin this post for later:



Pingback: ‘A Coorie Winter’ - A Winter trip to the Cairngorms & Moray Coast - Wild for Scotland Podcast
Hello, Kathi!
My partner and I are traveling to Scotland for my birthday and Valentine’s Day in 2024. We plan to take the Scottish Grand Tour railway trip to pack in as much as possible (Inverness to Edinburgh to Glasgow, to Isle of Skye back to Inverness – we have also considered going counterclockwise…which way would you recommend – either starting by going to Edinburgh or first to Isle of Skye?). Do you have any tips or thoughts on traveling Scotland via Train? Do you have thoughts on the Scottish Grand Tour in general (is this a good plan)? Then finally, do you have any Valentine’s Day itineraries handy ? Lots of questions!
Your resources have been so incredibly helpful!
Thank you and happy holidays!
Grace & Wilson
Hi Grace, here are some resources for you:
My public transport guide: https://watchmesee.com/blog/scotland-by-public-transport/
Roughly your itinerary by public transport: https://watchmesee.com/blog/scotland-itinerary-by-public-transport/
A detailed itinerary guide: https://watchmesee.com/shop/best-of-scotland-itinerary-1/ – it’s designed for driving, but you can use it in combination with that blog post above. I’d probably start with Skye and then go to the cities, but there’s no right or wrong way, I’d say.
Keep in mind that you have shorter days in February, so depending on how much time you have, you may have to adjust your itinerary – otherwise you might spend a lot of time on trains in the darkness… If you need hands-on help with your trip, email me at kathi@watchmesee.com – I offer 1:1 travel consultation calls! Cheers, Kathi
Thank you, Kathi! I may take you up on your offer for more hands-on assistance. Will reach out if we do!
Happy weekend! Grace
Super!! Get in touch anytime ☺️
Hi , Im planing road trip in December to Scotland . Day 1 Glasgow to Fort Agusta , Day 2 Fort Agusta to Portree , Day 3 Portree to Port William and Day 4 Port William to Edinburg . Please give some recommendations and ideas . Thank You !
Hi Desmond, you can purchase my Best of Scotland itinerary with all my tips and recommendations for that route here: https://watchmesee.com/shop/best-of-scotland-itinerary-1/ Mind that in winter you have a lot less day light, so you’ll have to be more picky with what stops to make in order to avoid driving in the dark too much. Usually I recommend spending at least 2 nights on Skye in order to see the highlights. Cheers, Kathi
Loved this! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Scotland from Australia for January 2020. Do you have any recommendations on where to stay in the Highlands? Or any ideas for a quick 3-day Highlands drive?
Cheers!
Hi Dani, it really depends on the places you are interested in – you could spend three days exploring Oban and Argyll or the area around Glencoe and Fort William. I would limit distances due to the short days and not try to go too far north if you start in Glasgow/Edinburgh. If you’d like more help with a concrete itinerary, check out my consultation service: https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/ Cheers, Kathi
I love the highlands in winter! So underrated! Great tips too, especially on checking opening times. I’ve been caught out before!
I’m all in for a walk in the snow, followed by a dram, a port or red wine by the fire. There’s so much more to do but I’ll take that for starters 🙂
Yes, the sun lotion tip… That would be me… 🙂
I love the combination of cozy indoors and stunning outdoor activities in this list, as well as the fact that you point out not to forget about some practicalities that can make your life so much more comfortable!
I’d be burnt all the time if I didn’t pack at least a light sun lotion! Glad you liked the list!!
Great post and such useful tips. I can’t believe I’ve never been further north than Edinburgh but maybe this winter is the time to finally go to the Highlands!
The idea of sitting in a cozy Scottish pub on a cold day sounds lovely! It would be great fun to take the train to see the scenery – I hear it’s absolutely gorgeous there. And, I’m a big fan of Christmas Markets & Festivities, so would love to see all of those!
You’d have an amazing time here in winter then. The Christmas lights are gorgeous and there is just no view like the Scottish Highlands in the snow!
I don’t think a lot of people see Scotland as a winter destination, but you proved then wrong. I got the desire to ski down the Scottish slope, finishing up with a whiskey and cozying-up at a Christmas market ;D
Yas! Do it 🙂 It’s such a great destination for winter!
Having a glass of whiskey in a Scottish Highlands cabin sounds like my perfect winter holiday 🙂 I can’t wait to make a return visit to Scotland. I’d love to see the Northern Lights and didn’t realize they were visible as far south as Edinburgh. Thanks for the great tips!
They are indeed! I’ve never seen them myself – but that’s more because I’m lazy and usually tucked into bed by the time they come out ha ha
Great post, love all the tips! I’ve been to Scotland thrice now and the last trip was in winter 🙂 There was a whole lot of snow in the highlands and we had a fantastic road trip. Scotland is beautiful in all seasons but I think my winter one was the best!
That’s so nice to hear! We had a lot of snow last year. This year there is already a bit on the mountain tops, but it’s still very pretty and autumnal right now!
What a fantastic and inspiring post – with fantastic photography as usual! Scotland is high on my list, and winter seems just like the perfect time, it’s just too bad that both my husband and I have a very demanding seasonal job in the winter. Maybe one year we’ll manage to sneak in 3-4 days to enjoy Scotland in the winter as it really seems a pearl!
Aw that’s a shame – how long is your winter season though? It can still be really wintery here in March, if that makes planning a bit easier!
Great list! I am not sure if I would go visit the Scottish Highlands in wintertime, but the Harry Potter train sounds fun and I would like to try snowshoeing sometime. Ughh but I live in Canada and it’s hard not to go somewhere warm during the winter 🙂
I get that – but depending on where you live in Canada, it will probably be warmer here too 😀 Early Spring might be a good compromise – a lot of winter perks still apply in March and April!