Scotland in June or September?

Hi Arlecia

While these are not school holidays (Scottish schools usually break up right at the start of July and go back at the end of August), both months will still see a fair number of visitors. Weather wise, no body can reliably say what the weather will be doing in those months. You will have lots of daylight in June, here on Skye it never gets properly dark in mid June, and September would still be fine for daylight, although the days will be getting shorter (obviously). As far as the dreaded midge is concerned, you may encounter them in either month, although July and August tend to be worse.

I think it comes down to whichever you prefer!

Jacqui (Skyegirl)

June and September are not really shoulder season, as both months are very busy with those not tied to school holidays. I would say shoulder season is May and October.

I would opt for June as there will be more colour in the gardens and there is more daylight.

If you are thinking about this year, be aware that many lodgings on and near the islands may be full. I have no idea whether that situation is more likely for June than for September, but July was a real challenge. If you're driving, you'll have an easier time of it because you won't be limited to places within a reasonable walk of a bus stop. Even so, rural Scotland has quite a short tourist season, so you should nail down your itinerary as soon as you can and find places to sleep.

June for the long hours of daylight

Hi, Arlecia,

I would definitely go with June. As Jennifer said, there's lots more daylight, and the countryside will in full bloom. (Except for heather, which doesn't come out until later)

The weather's a crap shoot. You could have gorgeous weather in June, and lousy weather in September, or vice versa.

June used to be shoulder season decades ago. No longer. If you decide to go in June this year, be sure to start making lodging reservations in the more remote areas very soon. You shouldn't have any trouble in the cities - I've made July reservations for Inverness as late as June. However, the later you wait, the more limited your selection of accommodation will be, and you'll probably end up paying more.

Whichever choice you make, you'll have a wonderful time!

Mike (Auchterless)

Join the first Best Of Scotland of the 2019 season in April. That’s the shoulder.

I would venture to suggest that even April is now getting really busy. In 2019 Easter falls in mid April, so the schools will be on holiday and there will be plenty of people travelling about. Even right now, here on Skye, there are some rental cars, camper vans and foreign registered vehicles around, noticeably more than last winter. This despite the fact that most smaller accommodation providers are still closed! Plenty of people like to come to the Highlands for winter walking and climbing, not to mention skiing (not quite the Alps or the Rockies but hey!), so whenever you come you are likely to want to plan well ahead for hotel and B&B bookings.

Thank you for all of your input. I have decided on June.