Climate overview of Scotland
The wettest parts of Scotland experience an average of 250 days of rain per year, whereas the driest parts only experience an average of about 150 days of rain per year. The average number of days with snow falling in Scotland ranges from 15 to 20 days, whereas on the peaks and mountains the number of days with snow falling is on average 100 days.
Scotland is generally cloudier than England. The coldest parts of Scotland are the higher areas, with an average of only 1100 hours of sun per year. The wettest places in the highlands account for more than 3000 mm (118 in) annually, while many places along the east coast account for only 600 mm (24 in) to 800 mm (31 in).
Summers from June to September in Scotland are for most people too cold for a sun and beach vacation. In the central lowlands and along the eastern coastal areas, summer daytime temperatures can reach 17°C (63°F) to 19°C (66°F) on average. During warm spells temperatures can shoot toward 30°C (86°F). However, such summer conditions are an exception.
Explore Scotland by month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Scotland — and find the best time to visit. (based on Edinburgh)
Places in Scotland
Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.
Popular cities
Islands
Popular cities by month
Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.
Edinburgh
Aberdeen
Oban
Dundee
Balmacara
Shetland
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Monthly sunshine (hours)
Climate map
Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.
Avg day temp (°C)
0°
32°
Regional climate differences
Explore the climate diversity across Scotland.
South East Scotland
2°C (36°F) – 20°C (68°F)
915 mm (36 in)
/ year
1,431 hours
/ year
Based on Dundee
Highland
2°C (36°F) – 19°C (66°F)
950 mm (37 in)
/ year
1,428 hours
/ year
Based on Edinburgh
Isle of Arran
5°C (41°F) – 17°C (63°F)
1622 mm (64 in)
/ year
1,290 hours
/ year
Based on Lamlash
Inner Hebrides
4°C (39°F) – 17°C (63°F)
2115 mm (83 in)
/ year
1,208 hours
/ year
Based on Tobermory
Compare popular cities
Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.
| Edinburgh | 8°C (46°F) – 19°C (66°F) | 2°C (36°F) – 12°C (54°F) | 950 mm (37 in) | 1,428 hours |
| Aberdeen | 8°C (46°F) – 18°C (64°F) | 3°C (37°F) – 12°C (54°F) | 866 mm (34 in) | 1,455 hours |
| Oban | 8°C (46°F) – 17°C (63°F) | 3°C (37°F) – 11°C (52°F) | 2292 mm (90 in) | 1,208 hours |
| Dundee | 8°C (46°F) – 20°C (68°F) | 2°C (36°F) – 12°C (54°F) | 915 mm (36 in) | 1,431 hours |
| Balmacara | 7°C (45°F) – 17°C (63°F) | 2°C (36°F) – 11°C (52°F) | 2214 mm (87 in) | 1,170 hours |
| Shetland | 8°C (46°F) – 15°C (59°F) | 5°C (41°F) – 12°C (54°F) | 1165 mm (46 in) | 1,111 hours |
FAQ
What temperatures can I expect in Scotland?
Dundee is the warmest destination, reaching 20°C (68°F) in July with nights around 12°C (54°F). Edinburgh is the coolest, with December daytime highs of just 8°C (46°F) and nights dropping to 2°C (36°F). Temperatures vary significantly between regions and seasons. See the city comparison for a full overview.
How much rain does Scotland get?
Rainfall varies across Scotland. Oban is the wettest, receiving 2292 mm (90 in) per year, with January the wettest month at 254 mm (10 in). Shetland is the driest at 1165 mm (46 in) per year. Use the climate map to explore rainfall patterns across regions.
How sunny is Scotland?
Aberdeen is the sunniest destination in Scotland, enjoying 1,455 hours of sunshine per year, with May the brightest month at 203 hours. Compare sunshine across cities in the charts above.
What is the climate like across Scotland?
Edinburgh has pleasant summers reaching 19°C (66°F) in July and cold winters dropping to 8°C (46°F), with 1,428 hours of sunshine and 950 mm (37 in) of rain per year. Aberdeen has mild summers reaching 18°C (64°F) in August and cold winters dropping to 8°C (46°F), with 1,455 hours of sunshine and 866 mm (34 in) of rain per year. Oban has mild summers reaching 17°C (63°F) in August and cold winters dropping to 8°C (46°F), with 1,208 hours of sunshine and 2292 mm (90 in) of rain per year. Explore the climate charts and comparison table for more cities.
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GreeceTravel inspiration
Must-visit destinations and experiences across Scotland.
