Climate & Weather
The climate of the Highlands of Scotland is temperate and
changeable, but rarely extreme. The varied landscape means
that it varies dramatically throughout the different regions
of the Highlands at any one time. One huge plus point of
this is that it’s always exhilarating and dramatic which in
turn makes the landscape even more impressive with plenty of
amazing photographic opportunities!
Due to the weather being fairly unpredictable it is always wise to be well prepared with plenty of options for clothes and footwear. You really can see four seasons in one day in the Highlands! Even in the summer the daytime temperatures don’t always reflect the evenings (it can tend to chill down) so make sure you always carry extra layers!
June, July and August are regarded as the main peak season (summer) in the Highlands when the weather, although still unpredictable, can be great and temperatures can reach mid 20′s! Being peak season it means that at this time of the year it is wise to book well in advance, especially if you want to stay, see, or do something in particular.
The summer also tends to be the time when the mischievous Midges (small, flying insects with a big appetite) make an appearance, but some simple precautionary measures like insect repellent and wearing long sleeve shirts and trousers wherever possible can help keep the worst of them away. You will normally find them at their worst at dusk, dawn and in damp conditions but rarely in strong sunlight.
Spring and autumn can also be very good seasons to experience the Highlands with temperatures sometimes exceeding the summer! This is when you will see the changing colours of the landscape and can be the best time to spot the abundance of local wildlife.
November to March is classed as winter in the Highlands and is when the most dramatic but photogenic weather changes can take place. The days do tend to be shorter and colder but it is the best time to experience snow sports in the Highlands when the Cairngorm, Nevis and Glenshee ski ranges all offer fantastic activities and facilities.
No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, make sure you embrace the Highlands, and most importantly – enjoy it!
Due to the weather being fairly unpredictable it is always wise to be well prepared with plenty of options for clothes and footwear. You really can see four seasons in one day in the Highlands! Even in the summer the daytime temperatures don’t always reflect the evenings (it can tend to chill down) so make sure you always carry extra layers!
June, July and August are regarded as the main peak season (summer) in the Highlands when the weather, although still unpredictable, can be great and temperatures can reach mid 20′s! Being peak season it means that at this time of the year it is wise to book well in advance, especially if you want to stay, see, or do something in particular.
The summer also tends to be the time when the mischievous Midges (small, flying insects with a big appetite) make an appearance, but some simple precautionary measures like insect repellent and wearing long sleeve shirts and trousers wherever possible can help keep the worst of them away. You will normally find them at their worst at dusk, dawn and in damp conditions but rarely in strong sunlight.
Spring and autumn can also be very good seasons to experience the Highlands with temperatures sometimes exceeding the summer! This is when you will see the changing colours of the landscape and can be the best time to spot the abundance of local wildlife.
November to March is classed as winter in the Highlands and is when the most dramatic but photogenic weather changes can take place. The days do tend to be shorter and colder but it is the best time to experience snow sports in the Highlands when the Cairngorm, Nevis and Glenshee ski ranges all offer fantastic activities and facilities.
No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, make sure you embrace the Highlands, and most importantly – enjoy it!
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