We are planning a trip to Scotland, mostly around Edinburgh with several additional days to see other areas. We need to go either in mid-August or late September. My husband wants to play golf and we want to take photos of the beautiful sites. For those who have been to Scotland, do you recommend mid-August or late September?
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
August is festival month in Edinburgh. If you LOVE crowds, are willing to pay a bit higher premium for things like rooms, food, etc. and enjoy performing arts, then you might like being there in August. Personally, I'd wait until Sept. Weather should still be good (or as good as it can be in the UK where if you don't like what it is at the moment... just wait an hour.. it will be different). Frankly, I can't think of a bad time to go to Scotland. We have some lovely photos after more than 40 trips to the UK.. we usually went in July and again in Nov/Dec.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
In England last May, I found it interesting that almost every English person we spoke with recommended above all to see Scotland. But, they said to avoid a month when the midges(?)or some insects were horrible. It wasn't really on my radar and I don't recall which month, but that advice also came back often. ??
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I think Toni summed up the issues with Scotland in August. Look at the Festival. If you want to participate then go in August. If you just want to tour, wait until September. Your days are a little shorter, but not so much that it will hamper your touring. Bear in mind that the costs in August are higher. But, the festival is a wonderful explosion of culture and peoples. Pam
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Midges are the national bird. They are never out on the third day after the fifth freeze following the new moon. At other times beware.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I would pick September but the normally unreliable weather will be somewhat less reliable then.
You will save money and experience far less crowds than visiting in August.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Midges can be very annoying. But I have to say that in all my trips to Scotland, I've only had to wear my midgie hat three times. Once was on Harris on a late afternoon walk north of Tarbert. Once was on a walk north of the Black Isle at mid day. And I can't remember where the other time was, but it was no doubt on a walk likely beside a loch. ; ) Like mosquitos midges come out when the air is still. They also seem to be more prevalent in the countryside. I don't think I've seen them in the cities. It you think you'll do any walks and are worried about this, get a midgie hat (basically a net that you put over your head. I put mine right over my hat. It looks very silly, but the midges can't get at your face, which is the most annoying place a midge can go. The odds are that you will just carry it around and never use it. Pam