Hello, I would like to know if it is worth it to go to Scotland in mid February. We plan to rent a car for a week and drive from Inverness along Loch Ness to Fort William, Glencoe, Stirling and Edinburg. Is the weather too bad in Feb? And has any of you experience with seeing northern lights in Scotland in February? Thanks for advice. Lenka
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1120 posts
It wouldn't be my choice of time to come to Scotland and I live here! In the Highlands you are likely to encounter icy conditions on the roads. Parts of the A9 (the main route south from Inverness towards Stirling and Edinburgh) can become snow bound, especially the higher sections near Dalwhinnie, as can the A82 - the road through Glencoe.
As for the northern lights, it depends on conditions. You need to get an aurora app such as this one and bear in mind that most auroras here in Scotland are visible in monochrome. We don't tend to see the bright pinks and reds with the naked eye, although I can usually see the greens and recently there have been some very strong auroras where I've seen pink with the naked eye. You also need clear skies and a good view of the northern horizon. They are rarely seen right overhead as our latitude is too far south for that.
Posted by
755 posts
My very first trip to Europe was in the month of February, visiting England and Scotland and it was freezing. I lived in Minnesota as a child which was almost balmy compared to the icy wind blowing off the North Sea. Plus, the days are very short, so no it’s not a great time to go.