When to get to Spain and Scotland

We visited northern Spain in October 2013, and although it rained 2 of the days, the temperature was mild, not cold. We were in Bilbao and then east, not to Galicia, but I would bet that the northwest and northeast coasts of Spain aren’t appreciably different temperature-wise, and we were there a month later than you’re planning. The days it didn’t rain were sunny and very pleasant.

Our experience in many parts of Scotland is that it rains. Any. Time. Of. Year.

If you’re planning on hiking where shelter isn’t close by, then adequate waterproof but breathable outerwear is advisable. And take care with your footwear - soggy boots and/or socks are just going to cause trouble. Scotland’s breathtaking terrain and scenery are worth making the effort to be comfortable enough to enjoy it.

The Fringe runs most of the month of August in Edinburgh [at least it did, pre-covid.] It's an incredible performing arts experience, but the city is more crowded, and hotel prices increase considerably. I've been to The Fringe twice, and plan to return.

So- one either plans to attend, or plans to avoid August, but in either case, knowledge is power!
Safe travels!

In Spain we have a nice little rhyme - "en Abril aguas mil" literally means "a thousand waters in April", this is doubly so in the north of the country. I would recommend June or late September for exploring Northern Spain.

As far as Scotland is concerned then whenever you come you will need proper wet weather hiking gear. The best way to describe the weather here is 'unsettled' and 'changeable' and those descriptions apply year round. The west of Scotland including much of the Highlands can be wet and windy at any time as the climate is influenced by the Atlantic. The east of Scotland and the Cairngorms tend to be a little drier but colder. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September) are equally good times to come in my opinion. Personally I would avoid July and August as they do seem to be wet and you will also have the nuisance of midges (small biting insects that are a real pain) to deal with.

My recommendation for gear would be as a minimum you will need good stout, waterproof walking boots, waterproof over trousers, windproof hiking trousers, a waterproof and windproof jacket, hat, gloves and gaiters (the trails can be boggy). You might also benefit from bringing collapsible walking poles. Check out Walk Highlands - one of the most comprehensive hiking sites around with detailed maps and descriptions of the hikes, including a reliable grading system.

I hope this helps.
Jacqui (Skyegirl)

what good advice - great even - you have already received so I won't attempt to make my feeble addition, but just to say, HAPPY PLANNING and preparing yourself for when you can get to one or both of these most excellent destinations.

When we visited Scotland it was May 2008. It was cool and we needed light jackets or long sleeves most days. We did get some rain, but not much. We’ve been to northern Spain in both May 2017 (the entire north coast) and September 2019 (mainly Galicia). In May, it was cold in the mountains by Alto de Cebreiro, but otherwise, the weather was fine. In September, the temperatures were generally in the upper 50s but since we were hiking, it was nice. Like all trips, one always gets some rain but we don’t let that prevent us from doing things.