Scotland Travel Guide: Climate in Scotland

The climate in Scotland is known to change greatly from one minute to the next. It is characterized as being temperate and even though parts of the country lie within the Arctic Circle, it is relatively warmer than other regions that fall within the same latitude. This is due to the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current that flows from the Atlantic.

The average temperature in Scotland during the winter months can range from 41°F to 45.9 °F. During the summer, the temperature can go from 68 °F to 77 °F. The eastern coast of Scotland has a tendency to be cooler and drier than the rest of the country. In this region, winter temperatures are rarely known to drop below zero. On the west coast, the climate is known to be considerably milder and wetter than that of the inlands and the east coast. This is again attributed to the warm Atlantic current that flows along the region.

Because of its location, Scotland is known to be cloudy for long periods of time. It is observed that on average, the sun only shines about 35% during the year. Overcast weather occurs especially during winter when the days are shorter. During the summer solstice, the northern regions of Scotland will not experience total darkness. Rainfall could vary depending on the region. In the western highlands where the landscape is mostly mountainous, rainfall can go as far as 180 inches annually and is considered as one of the wettest regions in the continent. The eastern part of Scotland, on the other hand, experiences considerably less rainfall in a year. In the regions of Scotland that are higher in altitude, snow is more commonly found than in the lowlands. The Scottish Highlands, for example, could experience one to three months of snow per year. In the west coast, snow is experienced at a maximum of six days in a year.

The best time to travel to Scotland would be between April and September. If your travel itinerary requires good weather, it is advisable to travel there during the months of May and June. Depending on what your planned activities are, it is best to learn more about the climate of Scotland and the range of temperature that you will encounter. This will ensure that you are better prepared when you travel to Scotland.

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