Visit Scotland in the winter

Why? Let me tell you: You should visit in the winter, which is from November to April, as that’s considered the low tourist season. That means less people, lower prices, and more availability of goods and services. Here are my top five reasons why visiting in the winter is your best bet for Scotland.

1. Less tourists, Smaller Crowds

  • There will be less tourists and the crowds are smaller. When we visited in March, aside from our time in major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, we had most popular attractions and places completely to ourselves. No lines, no crowded trails, no waiting, no people in our photographs.

2. Lowest Pricing in Winter

  • Prices are so much cheaper in the so called off-season. For example, we rented an amazing, fully-loaded camper van for almost two weeks and paid the “winter rates,” saving us almost $500 on the price it would have cost had we gone over the summertime. We also stayed in the popular, and beautiful, Dean Village for a fraction of the price it would have cost during peak tourist season.

3. Stunning Winter Scenery

  • The scenery is stunning. Scotland’s snow-capped mountains, moody lochs, and sparkling rivers are even more beautiful in the winter. We all know this country isn’t known for its great weather, so plan to see Scotland in all her moody glory over the winter months. Try for early winter, November/December, or late winter, March/April.

4. Chance to see the Northern Lights

  • You’ll have a chance to see the Northern Lights. Scotland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, from September to April. Try your luck in the Highlands, Cairngorms National Park, or the Isle of Skye.

5. Scotland has Winter Activities Galore

  • There are plenty of winter activities to enjoy. Go skiing or snowboarding in the Highlights, go for winter walks in Scotland’s two National Parks, visit Christmas markets, eat a hearty bowl of soup or sip coffee with a view, drink a warming glass of whisky, the list is endless. It’s also worth noting that winter months don’t always mean winter weather – it depends on your location & luck! In March, we had sunny picnics in t-shirts and hikes dressed in our snow gear.

Scotland’s Rich History is available Year Round

Rich history and culture: Scotland has a rich history and culture that dates back thousands of years. Visitors can learn about this history and culture by visiting castles, museums, and historical sites. There are also many festivals and events held throughout the year that celebrate Scottish culture.

Scotland is the perfect place all year!

Scotland is also a great place to visit for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, biking, and fishing. There are also many opportunities for wildlife watching, as Scotland is home to a variety of animals, including red deer, golden eagles, and dolphins.

Overall, Scotland is an amazing country to visit for its stunning scenery, rich history and culture, friendly people, and delicious food and drink. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Scotland, and visitors are sure to have a memorable time. I’ve been twice and if I get the opportunity to go a third time, I’ll jump at it!

Have I convinced you to visit in the winter? Great! Now check out my itinerary for the perfect ten day roadtrip around Scotland.