Scotland - Best time of year

[Nigel L]

Looking to spend two/three weeks exploring Scotland this year, trying to miss the busy season and more importantly, the midges!
So, although weather is always going to be a gamble, do people think earlier on, (April/May) or a bit later in the year (Sept/Oct) is a better prospect, and when do the midges generally start and end?
Many thanks.

 

[lorger]

First it depends where you want to go as midges aren’t all over Scotland, they are worse on the west coast and none in the cities. Both times of year you mentioned would be good, maybe miss Easter holidays though as can get busy.

 

[Puddleduck]

April / May and Sept / Oct are great times to visit

 

[Andy MacD]

Personally I’d say April / May will normally be warmer than Sept / Oct however if you don’t like the weather it’ll change in an hour or so anyway .

Of course saying that we’ll now have an autumn heat wave but that could encourage a late 3rd midge hatching.

 

[Grianan]

Varies year on year but * generally * May is best month.

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[B-well]

take a look at NC500 sw coast I went Sept 10 days relax drive and then you can take a look at the weather and plan more travel route

 

[BooBooKing]

Consider also the light levels-much lighter in May so you can do more on holiday as more hours in the day.

 

[Chris]

Years ago I spent a week in Banff I think it was in early May

The weather was great and we had a lovely time, except it was at the time Aryton Senna died so about 1994 I guess

 

[TheAleMan]

Looking to spend two/three weeks exploring Scotland this year, trying to miss the busy season and more importantly, the midges!
So, although weather is always going to be a gamble, do people think earlier on, (April/May) or a bit later in the year (Sept/Oct) is a better prospect, and when do the midges generally start and end?
Many thanks.

Now the kids are off hand we always go up end of April, beginning of May every year. Basically we get there when the Cuckoo’s arrive as they are one of my favourite birds. Also very few midges around at that time and we find that the weather can be more favourable at that time of year too.

 

[dawsey]

I always loved it in later September due to the changing colours of the trees.

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[maison]

Nigel L
Just a warning.

We are heading to Scotland in September/October this year. The last twice we have had fabulous weather at that period. Our luck is due to run out.

If you head to Scotland this year in Sept/October be aware we may have worn out the good weather in previous years.

 

[WESTY66]

I would say between Christmas Day and Boxing Day

 

[Nigel L]

Nigel L
Just a warning.

We are heading to Scotland in September/October this year. The last twice we have had fabulous weather at that period. Our luck is due to run out.

If you head to Scotland this year in Sept/October be aware we may have worn out the good weather in previous years.

We have now been here for 14 nights, and have to say, have been very luck with the weather, with only a couple of showers.
In fact, we are already thinking of returning later in sept, so hope you are wrong

 

[Puddleduck]

It's always sunny in this part of Scotland - and I can prove it!

 

[seasideBill]

My son lives near Inverness and (after living in Cornwall) reckons east Scotland is a much drier place. That’s been borne out by our experiences when visiting and Moray is lovely, never had a problem with midges and not overrun with tourists doing the NC500. Some great Speyside sampling opportunities! So, all you need is a coat and Scotland us a great time to visit anytime. The aire at Findhorn is my favourite.

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