Snow in April in Scotland?

Pam- can't really speak to April, but when we went in Nov/Dec. snow didn't stop things much. At least not very long. It will really depend on exactly where you are. I understand Aviemore (in the Caringorm Moutains and one of my FAVORITE spots) got snow as late as May last winter, but that is very unusual. In the bigger cities, I don't think you'd have a problem getting around to sites- places like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness. Smaller villages and car travel will be more impacted (we always use trains and they are seldom more than delayed or canceled for a day).

Hi Pam, it does snow in the UK in April...but since Easter is at the end of April the 24th it's more likely that it won't snow..but now since I've said that, it will :). As for businesses closing down due to snow..it all depends on how much snow there is, so it's hard to tell you if they would. I know one year my mother, aunt and grandmother was in the UK the first of April, they were in Yorkshire and got up to 10" of snow and everything was closed down that day. You should go, you will have a great time.

Hi Toni & Robin,
Thank you both for your input. I'm thinking that the snow wouldn't be a problem, but of course I'd like to not have it snow. I'd like it to be a lovely spring in Scotland to maximize the experience and get the best photos for painting. Although it would be wonderful to also get some photos of lovely Scotish landscapes in the snow to paint. I'd just rather have spring/summer type scenery to paint. Pam

Hi! It was me that said we had snow in Scotland in April. There really was no accummulation...just sleet. In any case...expect rain and dress for it. You're not going to have really warm weather...so just layer up with fleece and a waterproof windbreaker and you'll do just fine. It didn't rain everyday....the clouds scoot by like sailing ships with some sunbreaks. Check the BBC weather site. We had a great time and stayed in some really cosy B & Bs. You won't have any trouble finding rooms in the countryside. Some of the real touristy places like London do book up with French School breakers during Easter. You will have daffodills.

Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for the great information. I was thinking of bringing a heavy fleece jacket and my LLBean windbreaker with the hood to layer with and long sleeved tops that wash & dry really great. I'm looking forward to this. Now can you guys just break it to my father and sisters? And take the flake too? ;-) Daffodils will be lovely. It gives me a good mental picture of what to expect. I know I'm not going in the summer, that it will be spring. But it sounds like it is a similar spring to what we have here in upstate NY. Edinburgh is about 13 degrees further north than we are here in Albany. But the weather isn't that much different. Granted we've had snow in May and June and even in July one summer. Pam

Pam, I would suggest that rather than a heavy fleece you bring different layers including a medium weight fleece. You'll want flexibility. Also, watch that wind breaker. It has to be water proof not water resistant. I take my goretex jacket with a hood. I prefer the hood to an umbrella as I want my hands free to take pictures! Yes, even in the rain. The trick to enjoying a trip to Scotland is to have the right clothes. My mom still talks about how glad she was to have a pair of LL Bean flannel lined jeans for her trip to Orkney in June! Also, put a little money aside to buy a sweater when you're there. ; ) Pam

There are mountains in Scotland. Getting, or seeing, snow in those areas in April would be no surprise. I've seen it in May. Odds are strong that it won't snow, but somewhat larger that you will see the remains of old snow at higher elevations. Just check the weather forecast online at the last possible moment before you pack. But, do take or buy an umbrella or a hat or a hood.

You just don't know. I've seen sleet in London in May. Not often, but I've seen it.

I went the 3rd week of April in '08 and '09 to Edinburgh. Each time the locals spoke of terrible weather just before I arrived, but my time there was sunny, great 45-50F temps, only 15 minutes with a downpour. Easter is at the end of the 3rd week, going into the 4th week of April this year. Past weather is certainly no guarantee of future weather, but my bet would be on nice weather .. for Edinburgh, anyway. It would probably depend on location. Each morning I would see some "possible" showers mentioned for the western side, but not so much on the eastern side of Scotland. I wore a spring coat and took clothes that I could layer if necessary. Also took scarf (didn't use), gloves (used once or twice), and hat (didn't use). I'd definitely take the gloves, and also scarf/hat, because there's reasonable chance of needing at some point. Or, you could shop for a local scarf/hat when there for "useful" souvenirs.

Hi Everyone, As I heard said, and love to repeat... "Anything is possible, until it doesn't happen." Yeah, we could get snow in April, or even later. Hopefully it will be one of those beautiful mild springs. And as you both suggest, Pam & Betsey, I'm planning on shopping for "useful souvenirs"... I want a piece of jewelry and a bit of wool, a sweater or maybe a cape/shawl. I'm usually cold & have to keep a fleece jacket at work to wear over my sweaters. I hate being cold. I'd like to be able to get something that I can wear and blend in a bit with the locals. Granted as soon as I open my mouth, they'll know I'm a tourist... as if my camera won't tip them off first. ;-)
Pam

Hi Pam! We were in Scotland in mid January and we only had a few snow flurries. We traveled as far north as Inverness and to Glencoe, again, cold (but not intolerable) and only some flurries. We actually had more sunshine while in Scotland than we did in England. They did have a wee bit of flooding in some areas but again, nothing that prevented any of our excursions. I did find that layering was key. As were ear warmers when the icy winds blew. But again, that was January and April is not as likely to be as cold. Waterproof items are essential and will enable you to enjoy your time outdoors without becoming soaked. I prefer a rain type coat with hood or hat as to an umbrella but I always take an umbrella. Another thing that came in handy for us, but which you may not need in April, is a few packs of "Hot Hands" which can be stuffed inside your gloves, boots or pockets and will radiate heat for as long as 8 hours. Enjoy your trip!