Hello all!
I am planning on taking the Best of Scotland tour this fall.
I am debating between a few of the dates:
Sep 20–Oct 2 (Su–Fr),
Sep 27–Oct 9 (Su–Fr),
Sep 29–Oct 11 (Tu–Su)
I want to experience the autumn foliage, but want decent weather (by Scotland standards)
Is there much of a difference?
What have your experiences been?
I want to book before New Year's, so your prompt responses are appreciated!
~Lizzy
Theres only a difference of 9 days, max. Foliage colour start dates and intensity is dependant, in great part, on weather, which can vary greatly from year to year. And it will start much sooner in the Highlands than in the lowlands. That was our experience when we were in Scotland in late September 2024. Either of the latter 2 choices would work, providing early storms dont strip the leaves from the trees. Roll the dice.
As explained, colours can vary greatly from year to year. Different species of tree also begin to change colour at different times. I was there the week before your earliest date in 2025 and the leaves were only just beginning to show signs of changing colour. I reckoned it would be another 3 weeks or so before you get the full benefit of the changes.
This comes from AI:
Start: Mid-September.
Peak: Mid-October to early November (especially in central and southern areas).
Duration: Late September through November
Working on this, Sept29-Oct 11 is probably your best chance for the best colours.
As for weather - who knows!
