Glasgow

Highland Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Highland, Scotland in May.

Considering a trip to Highland, Scotland this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Highland in May

Highland, Scotland is a region in Scotland. May in Highland generally has mild temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are mild and range from 12°C (54°F) in Lamlash to 15°C (59°F) in Glasgow. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 7°C (45°F) in Glasgow and 9°C (48°F) in Lamlash.

For specific regional insights in Highland, Scotland, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Edinburgh with an average of 67 mm (2.6 in) to high rainfall in Inverinate with 143 mm (5.6 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is generally plentiful throughout many areas. Edinburgh enjoys about 193 hours of sunlight, ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore Highland by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Highland — and find the best time to visit. (based on Edinburgh)

Best Places to Visit in Highland in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Highland.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Highland

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in Highland, Scotland?

Temperature range in Highland (May)

Precipitation variation in Highland (May)

Edinburgh

In May Edinburgh generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
15°C (59°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
5°C (41°F)
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
Monthly sun hours
155 hours
193 hours
162 hours
Monthly rainfall
66 mm (2.6 in)
67 mm (2.6 in)
79 mm (3.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
15 days
16 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Glasgow

In May Glasgow generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 7°C (45°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
12°C (54°F)
15°C (59°F)
18°C (64°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
7°C (45°F)
10°C (50°F)
Monthly sun hours
143 hours
188 hours
154 hours
Monthly rainfall
89 mm (3.5 in)
88 mm (3.5 in)
98 mm (3.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
17 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Balmacara

In May Balmacara generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
11°C (52°F)
14°C (57°F)
16°C (61°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
6°C (43°F)
9°C (48°F)
Monthly sun hours
140 hours
197 hours
157 hours
Monthly rainfall
135 mm (5.3 in)
137 mm (5.4 in)
140 mm (5.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
19 days
19 days
Weather conditions

Lamlash

In May Lamlash generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
12°C (54°F)
14°C (57°F)
Min temperature
6°C (43°F)
9°C (48°F)
11°C (52°F)
Monthly sun hours
143 hours
188 hours
154 hours
Monthly rainfall
89 mm (3.5 in)
81 mm (3.2 in)
94 mm (3.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
17 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Sallachy

In May Sallachy generally has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 14°C (57°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
11°C (52°F)
14°C (57°F)
16°C (61°F)
Min temperature
3°C (37°F)
6°C (43°F)
8°C (46°F)
Monthly sun hours
140 hours
197 hours
157 hours
Monthly rainfall
134 mm (5.3 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
141 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
19 days
19 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Highland, in Scotland.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Highland in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Edinburgh 15°C (59°F) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Balmacara 14°C (57°F) 6°C (43°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 7°C (45°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Lamlash 12°C (54°F) 9°C (48°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sallachy 14°C (57°F) 6°C (43°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Inverinate 14°C (57°F) 6°C (43°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)

Highland weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Highland, Scotland in May?

May in Highland, Scotland brings tolerable weather. In Edinburgh, daytime temperatures are typically around 15°C (59°F) and nighttime lows hover near 7°C (45°F).

What is the average temperature in Highland, Scotland in May?

Edinburgh averages a daytime maximum of 15°C (59°F) in May, with overnight lows close to 7°C (45°F).

Does Highland, Scotland get a lot of rain in May?

Rain is generally moderate to light in Highland, Scotland during May, with Edinburgh averaging close to 67 mm (2.6 in).

Is May a Good Time to Visit Highland, Scotland?

Given the typically tolerable weather conditions in Edinburgh, May might be a good time to visit Highland, Scotland. It's worth noting that weather conditions might differ depending on the location you visit.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in June, July and August offering mostly pleasant weather in Edinburgh. The weather in January, February, March, November and December, on the other hand, tends to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Highland.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Scotland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Scotland.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.