THE SEASON AHEAD
October is one of my favourite months to be in Scotland. The Highlands and Perthshire turn rich shades of russet and gold, and the air has that first unmistakable autumn chill. It’s a lovely time for woodland walks, when the paths come with the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot and the changing light brings a brooding air to the glens and lochs. After a bracing day outside there are few things better than returning to a roaring fire, a venison supper and a dram of whisky.
As winter settles in, Scotland embraces the season wholeheartedly. Edinburgh’s Christmas markets bring a festive buzz and the scent of mulled wine to the capital from November, before Hogmanay takes over at New Year in a blaze of torchlight and celebration. Further north, snow dusts the Highland peaks, making country-house stays feel all the more atmospheric. Burns Night on 25th January adds another dose of Scottish tradition to the calendar, and by March the lengthening days bring the first hint of spring. I love Scotland at this time of year for its atmosphere: elemental, intimate and full of character.
Camilla – October 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Scotland?
Summer (June to early September) is the most popular time for a Scotland vacation. The longer days and higher chances of dry, sunny weather mean you can spend plenty of time outdoors. You can hike in dramatic national parks, go fishing, play endless golf, take boat trips to wild islands, and discover magnificent white-sand beaches in the Highlands and in the Scottish Borders. Summer is also a lively time in Scotland’s cultural calendar with plenty of festivals and events. Average temperatures in Scotland are always determined by the region, but can range from 16C to 26C (60F – 78F) during the summer months.
Summer aside, Scotland is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. Autumn (September to November) brings rich colour to the Highlands, as forests and glens turn deep shades of red and gold. Temperatures typically range from 8C to 14C (46F–57F), making conditions very comfortable for exploring outdoors, whether that’s a hike in the Cairngorms National Park, a visit to a country estate, or a foraging expedition in search of seasonal wild mushrooms and berries.
The arrival of winter in Scotland usually coincides with St Andrew’s Day in late November. If you happen to be in Scotland on St Andrew’s Day you can enjoy plenty of festivities including live music, processions and ceilidh dances. There are countless winter attractions in Scotland beyond St Andrew’s and the famous New Year Hogmanay. Sparkling frost on the glens and snowfall on higher peaks make visiting national parks a photographer’s paradise. Castles and national parks are quieter, and you can warm up with hearty meals and fine whisky in front of cosy fires. If you are visiting Scotland later in January, Burns Night on January 25th is also very special celebration, with traditional Burns Night dinners taking place across the country. Winter temperatures in Scotland average at between 2C – 8C (47 -35F) but there is huge regional variation, with snowfall and freezing temperatures a possibility in the Highlands.
Spring in Scotland typically arrives in late March. This is a very special time to visit Scotland as attractions are quieter, but milder days are arriving and landscapes are reawakening. Spring showers and mountain snowmelt mean waterfalls and rivers are bursting with energy. Glens are becoming greener, red deer graze, and woodland flowers begin to blanket the forests. Exploring the landscaped gardens of country estates is also a treat as spring progresses. Temperatures in spring typically sit between 7C and 16C (45F–61F), gradually warming from March through to May.
Where are the best places to visit in Scotland?
Scotland is blessed with a wealth of breathtaking natural landscapes, historical and cultural treasures. The best places to visit in Scotland on a luxury vacation in part depend on how much time you have, but highlights include:
- Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital sits between the sea and a ring of volcanic hills, combining centuries of history with a thriving cultural scene. The medieval Old Town climbs The Royal Mile toward Edinburgh Castle, while the elegant Georgian New Town spreads north in a grid of grand terraces and squares. World-class festivals, restaurants and museums can all be found, while nearby coastal villages and golf courses make Edinburgh the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of Scotland.
- The Borders: Stretching south from Edinburgh towards northern England, the Scottish Borders are a place to enjoy undulating countryside, pretty market towns, and undiscovered beaches. The region is shaped by centuries of frontier history, reflected in abbey ruins such as Melrose. It is also scattered with the former residences of significant figures such as Mary Queen of Scotts and Sir Walter Scott. Elsewhere, you can go fishing in the River Tweed, find a golf course for every day of the week, and shop for fine knitwear in historic border towns.
- Highland Perthshire (Southern Highlands): Often described as the gateway to the Highlands, Perthshire marks the transition between Scotland’s fertile Lowlands and the more rugged landscapes further north. Rolling farmland gradually gives way to glorious scenes of wooded hills, rivers, and glens. These landscapes come alive with woodland flowers in spring and a tapestry of reds and golds in the autumn. Historic estates such as Scone Palace and Blair Castle add plenty of cultural interest, as do towns like Dunkeld with its magnificent cathedral.
