Does It Snow In Scotland? What To Expect In Winter In Scotland

So you’re planning a winter trip to Scotland and you’re wondering: does it snow in Scotland? The quick answer is yes, it does snow in Scotland! But depending where in the country you go will determine when it starts to snow, how much snow could fall, and how cold it may get. 

Scotland is a fascinating country and my personal favorite place in the world. It’s known for its dramatic highlands, picturesque lochs, and rich cultural heritage. It’s often associated with rolling green hills, historic castles, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. 

So it’s not surprising that Scotland is a popular destination for travelers in the summer. I mean, who can resist this wonderful country? The summertime has the best weather and long days that are perfect for hours of exploring.

But for those traveling at other times of the year, you might be wondering about the potential for snow and what the weather could be like in the winter. So here’s what you need to know!

Does It Snow In Scotland? 

Scotland is located in Northern Europe and is part of the United Kingdom. 

It’s a fascinating country with a varied landscape ranging from rolling hills and stunning coastlines to lush forests and majestic highlands. This diverse landscape, along with its maritime climate, means that snowfall amounts will vary throughout the country. 

Areas near the coast have more moderate temperatures and receive less snow, while the higher mountain regions receive more snow throughout the year and will get colder.

When Does It Start To Snow In Scotland?

Snowfall in Scotland typically begins around the middle of November, with the first snowflakes falling in the higher mountainous regions as early as late October. 

Snow can be expected to fall through the winter months until early March, and as late as the end of April in higher elevations. 

How Much Snow Does Scotland Get?

The amount of snow that Scotland receives varies significantly depending on the region and altitude. 

In general, Scotland experiences snowfalls about 15-20 days a year. The majority of the country, when it does snow, doesn’t see a lot of accumulation.

The mountainous areas, such as the Cairngorms and the Scottish Highlands, receive the most snowfall. These regions can experience heavy snowfalls with accumulations reaching several feet during the winter months. 

In contrast, the low-lying areas on the east coast and cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow tend to receive less snow.

Where Is The Snowiest Place In Scotland? 

The Cairngorms National Park in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland is the snowiest place in Scotland. With high mountain peaks and deep valleys, it boasts an ideal climate for heavy snowfall.

Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the British Isles, also receives a significant amount of snowfall due to its high elevation. This mountain is located on the west coast near the city of Fort William.

How Cold Is It In The Winter In Scotland? 

Winter temperatures in Scotland are fairly temperate due to the country’s maritime climate. 

However, since they are at higher elevations, areas in the northern and mountainous regions can be quite a bit chillier than other areas near the coast. 

January and February are the coldest months, with daytime temperatures averaging between 5-7°C (41-45°F) and nighttime temperatures dropping close to 0°C. 

What To Wear In The Winter In Scotland 

To stay comfortable during winter in Scotland, it’s essential to dress appropriately. Layering is key to adapting to the changing temperatures and weather conditions. Anyone visiting during the colder months should make sure they pack at minimum the following clothing items.

Thermal base

Start with a thermal base to provide insulation. Wool is always a great option as it keeps you dry and warm and regulates your body temperature.

Sweater/fleece

 A warm sweater or fleece layer is going to be important. Pack a few of these along to have as an option for the coldest days.

Windproof/waterproof jacket

A windproof and waterproof layer, such as a heavy winter jacket, is crucial to protect against the elements. Scotland is quite windy all year round, and there is always the chance of precipitation, no matter the time of year.

Hat, scarf, and gloves

Don’t forget to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep warm. I personally like to have both a waterproof pair of gloves and a thinner set that I can either layer together or use individually.

Wool socks

For your feet, wool socks are necessary to keep your feet warm in Scottish winters. As I mentioned above, wool is the perfect material for regulating your temperature and keeping your feet dry, whether from sweat or the elements.

Hiking boots

If you’re planning on exploring the countryside, warm hiking boots with good traction are a must to navigate the snowy or icy terrain. If you aren’t a hiker and will mostly be walking around towns, hiking boots aren’t necessary, but you still want to have waterproof shoes with good traction for the slippery streets and puddles.

Thermos

Packing a thermos for warm drinks while you’re out exploring is a great idea. You should always have water when you’re out hiking, but knowing you have a warm drink waiting for you is always a great motivation and something to look forward to after your adventure.

Things To Do In Scotland In The Winter 

Scotland boasts a variety of fun activities and experiences to enjoy during the winter months. Whether you’re into outdoor adventure, festive experiences, or indoor activities, there are plenty of things to do in Scotland in the winter.  

Skiing

The Scottish Highlands are perfect for skiing enthusiasts. Of the five ski resorts in Scotland, three are found in Cairngorms National Park. 

Cairngorm Mountain is one of the most popular ski destinations in Scotland. With its high elevation, it has the most guaranteed snowfall and offers fantastic skiing opportunities. 

You can also hit the slopes at Glencoe Mountain Resort, the oldest ski centre in Scotland, and take in the amazing views from the summit.

Other opportunities to ski can be found at Glenshee, Nevis Range, and Lecht 2090, which is close to Cairngorm Mountain. 

Festivals

Scotland really gets into the festive season with plenty of chances to celebrate throughout the winter months. 

From St. Andrew’s Day celebrations at the end of November, to Burns Night festivities in January, to the ever-popular Hogmanay over New Years, there’s always something happening in Scotland, even in the colder weather.

You can check out a list of festivals and events here.

Christmas Markets

From the end of November through the beginning of January, Scotland’s cities come alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and an array of stalls selling unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. 

Edinburgh hosts the largest Christmas Market in Scotland, right in the heart of the city. When I visited in late November, this was one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh and I’d highly recommend it if you plan to visit this time of year.

Glasgow’s George Square offers a magnificent Christmas market, complete with an ice rink and rides in addition to the festive stalls. There are also plenty of other Christmas markets throughout the country, including Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Oban, and Inverness.

Sip on mulled wine and soak up the festive spirit of the season while experiencing the warmth and cheer of Scottish winter traditions. 

Stargazing

Scotland’s remote and untouched landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing. The best time for this activity is in the winter months when the skies are at their darkest. 

On clear winter nights, venture out to Galloway Forest Park, one of only two dark sky parks in Europe, or to the Isle of Skye, which is one of the darkest places in Europe. 

Cairngorms National Park is another great place to see the stars. You can also venture to the West Coast of Kintyre, where on a clear night you can even see the Milky Way!

Hiking

Winter hiking in Scotland is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the snowy season. Lace up your boots, grab your walking poles, and explore the numerous trails that wind through Scotland’s stunning scenery. 

The country has a long tradition of “right to roam” throughout the countryside, so everyone is welcome to stroll, walk, or hike through any land, even if it’s privately owned.

A great app to find winter hiking trails is AllTrails, where hikers give reviews of the trails and what the current conditions are.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

A visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is a unique and memorable experience. 

This is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer, and most of the 150 reindeer call Cairngorm Mountain home. The remaining reindeer roam on Glenlivet Estate, some 30 miles away. 

While there are no guarantees you’ll see these impressive animals since the reindeer have free range of the mountains, guided trips are available where you’ll have a good chance to see the reindeer.

We had the opportunity to visit the reindeer on our winter visit to Scotland and it was absolutely one of the highlights of my trip. The hike to the reindeer was beautiful, and once we found them, we got to pet and feed them while learning all about the herd. I felt like a little kid! I highly recommend this activity if you are in Scotland in the winter.

See The Northern Lights

Scotland’s northern regions, such as the Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands, offer excellent opportunities to witness the stunning Northern Lights. Known officially as the Aurora Borealis, these shimmering lights paint the night sky with vibrant colors. 

 While it’s never a guarantee, winter nights with clear skies and high solar activity increase the chances of catching this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

Indoor Activities

On days when the weather isn’t great, or if you prefer to stay warm inside, Scotland offers a variety of indoor activities during the winter season. 

Explore fascinating museums and galleries in cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen, where you can learn about Scotland’s rich history, art, and culture. 

Treat yourself to a whiskey-tasting tour at a distillery or enjoy traditional Scottish music and dancing at a ceilidh. 

There are also plenty of opportunities to shop, visit the theatre, or try some delicious comfort food at a local restaurant. Whatever your interests, there is something to experience during the colder months.

How To Get Around Scotland In The Winter

While visiting Scotland in the winter, there are plenty of options to get around the country.

Renting a car provides flexibility, and the roads are fairly well-maintained and cleared quickly after it snows. However, it’s always a good idea to check road conditions before setting out and adjust your driving to the conditions. Stick to the main roads when possible and be aware of the possibility of slippery conditions.

I highly recommend Discover Cars for your car rental. They search over 500 trusted providers to find you the best price and all the features you need with free cancellation, no hidden fees, and 24/7 support.

If you are not familiar with driving in winter weather, you might want to consider another method of transportation. Driving on the other side of the road and also dealing with unpredictable weather is not a good combination.

Public transportation is also a possibility for getting around Scotland in the winter. Trains and buses run all year round and are fairly reliable, and the ferries that run to Scotland’s many islands are also still available, although they may have adjusted timetables.

Whether you are traveling by car, bus, train, or ferry, severe weather can impact your travel, so I highly recommend having some wiggle room in your plans in the winter in case you are delayed.

Is Scotland Worth Visiting In Winter?

So, with the chance of snow and colder temperatures, is Scotland worth visiting in the winter? In my opinion, absolutely! Yes, it may be colder and the days shorter, but there are plenty of reasons why Scotland is still a great destination to visit during the winter months.

Fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and stunning scenery make winter a perfect time to visit Scotland. The country’s landscapes are beautiful, with snow-capped mountains, frozen lochs, and frost-covered forests creating a magical atmosphere. And after exploring the outdoors, take advantage of the hot tubs and fireplaces, where you can warm up and experience true Scottish warmth and hospitality.

We visited Scotland the end of November to the beginning of December and would do it again in a heartbeat. There is still so much to see but without the crowds. We even had a few of the really popular attractions, like the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye, to ourselves!

If you are looking for some itinerary ideas for a Scotland winter road trip, here are some fantastic choices:

The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Highlands Road Trip
The Best 7-Day Scotland Road Trip For First Timers

Conclusion: Does It Snow In Scotland?

With its diverse landscapes and array of winter activities and experiences, Scotland is a great destination for those seeking snow-filled adventures. 

Whether you’re skiing in the Cairngorms, exploring festive markets, witnessing the Northern Lights, or just enjoying the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside in the winter, embrace the chill and have an unforgettable experience in Scotland!