Scottish Summertime
The 21st June 2021 is the summer solstice or to many the first day of Summer in Scotland and we are very excited!
Summer in Scotland means a lot of things. The sun appears a little more and the rain a little less. Summer holidays are on the horizon with school children eagerly waiting for school to end. (normally our schools end in the last week of June). BBQs and picnics become commonplace and there’s always an excuse for an ice cream.
We often get asked what summer is like in Scotland. Below you can find out some facts about our wonderful Scottish summers. We hope you can enjoy summertime in Scotland too.
Did you know?
The hottest temperature recorded in Scotland was just 32.9 °C (91.2 °F). We know that’s much cooler than summer in many other countries.
Did you know?
The phrase ‘British Summer Time’ (BST) actually refers to the time when our clocks move forward 1 hour for daylight saving time. In 2021 BST is from 28th March – 31st October.
FAQs
Does it get warm during summertime in Scotland?
In comparison to our winters, yes it is warm but it’s much cooler than other countries. The weather depends on where you are in the country but most Scottish people would consider 17°c and above as warm. There are often a few weeks of the summer where we get temperatures above 20°c but that is definitely not the average temperature.
Does it rain in Scotland during the summer?
Yes, there is never a time in Scotland when you can guarantee it won’t rain. In Spring & Autumn it’s normal to see what we call ‘4 seasons in one day’ e.g. rain, wind, sun, snow and possibly hail. In summer normally the chance of rain is less however in 2020, SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) measured more rainfall in Glasgow in July than any other month of the year (133.4mm).
I’m visiting Scotland in the summer, what type of clothes should I bring?
We always advise to be prepared for everything. There are many days during summertime in Scotland where you can wear traditional summer clothes such as shorts & t-shirt or a nice summer dress but that’s not always the case. Having light layers that you can add on or remove is a great way to ensure you stay comfortable. A light rain jacket or umbrella is also a good idea just in case. If you are walking trails then you’ll want to wear comfortable trainers or hiking shoes/boots no matter the weather. The terrain isn’t normally kind to sandals or unstructured shoes.
What are midges and how can I avoid being bitten?
Midges are small flies that are often found near damp areas or non-running water. They are more prominent in the summer due to the warmer temperatures and lack of strong winds. To most people they are harmless but they can be annoying. Midge repellents can be purchased to help you avoid those little red bite marks ruining your holiday photos.
Would you like to visit Scotland this summer?
We would love to show you some of Scotland this summer. Click the link to view all of our scheduled small group Tours of Scotland.
If you are looking for a more personalised experience then our bespoke private tours are a great way to tailor your experience further. By completing the form on our Private Tour page you can make contact with our Travel Experts who are waiting to plan you perfect trip.
