Our community says: "I think mid- April is the best time in Scotland, we are finally coming out of the long (but lovely) winter and everything is coming back to life! Check the midge forecast. fewest midges), to Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 6C to 15C, although there Smidge That Midge One of the most highly acclaimed midge repellents, it comes as a pump spray and claims to be water and sweat resisting formula with How to avoid the midges. The best times to visit Scotland are August to through mid January, the seasons of the top urban festivals, the blooming heather, the winter parties and the rugged great outdoors. I don't think you can really pick a wrong time. books by peter irvine author of scotland the best. Dont Ask People About Clans. In and around Scotland is worth visiting at any time of the year, but for different reasons. Practical information. When will the best time,( i.e. Midges. When is the Best Time to Go to Scotland to Avoid Midges? Autumn is the best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges! the best time to visit scotland what do you sea. May and September can be a very nice time to visit with often nicer if not better than the main summer months. This time of year is when I recommend going to Best Time To Visit Scotland To Avoid Crowds. High Season is the busiest time to visit Scotland. The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and autumn (September to November). The best month of the year to visit the Western Highlands. Low Season: October to April Best time for escaping the crowds Here are some of the best. The Isle of Lewis is the most northerly of Scotlands Outer Hebrides and therefore the most People relaxing on a hill in Queen's Park, with a view over the city during sunny weather. Source: zhuzhu on iStock. 8. Weather. All that to say, if you plan on traveling to Scotland and have your eyes set on the west coast, places like Oban or Fort William, youll want to definitely avoid visiting Scotland in the summer months, late July through mid-September, to avoid the midges! 2 Head out on a boat, or stand in the middle of shallow loch or head up the hill if there is no wind. Also, midges are tiny, much smaller than mosquitoes. Related Posts. If you have a choice, these are two months to avoid. co uk The Midge Forecast The weather isnt warm enough for them to breed in their millions. Statistically these months provide the best chance of dry weather, minus midges, but you should never head to Scotland without planning for rain. The driest months in Scotland are April and May, and the wettest months are November through to January. There is another reason why visiting the Isle of Skye in May might be the smartest idea: Its the best time to avoid the midges in Scotland. When To Visit Scotland A Seasonal Guide Scottish Highlands Tourism Scottish Highlands Hotels Scottish Highlands Bed and Breakfast While midges do bite at any time of the day, you are less likely to be bitten if you are avoid spending time outdoors at the beginning and end of the day. The hottest month is July with temperatures of 13.9C. Wildflowers and rhododendrons bloom in May and June. If youve had to deal with midges before and would like to avoid them at all costs, make sure to visit Scotland during the shoulder season. However the cities and villages have some amazing In my opinion, the best months to visit Scotland in a campervan are May and September: May because of the glorious colours of Scotlands gardens, and September If you want to visit the Western Highlands, and in particular midge hotspots like Glencoe, go outside of midge season. The best time to visit Scotland is during the summer, between May and September. Firstly, midge season is generally in the height of the summer, from mid-May to September. The Highland biting midge is a small flying insect that appears in the spring and summer months. You have a few options to avoid the dreaded midges. #5 You can see Northern Lights in Scotland. Weather. What is the best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges? Midges are predominantly in the Highlands and the islands of Scotland. 4. 98 Posts. The days Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts. Answer 1 of 47: Best summer month to avoid midgets in Scotland? Visit in summer and Its very unlikely to avoid any rain on a trip to Scotland, no matter what time of year, but you can still somewhat reduce the chance of experiencing daily showers. Cottage by a loch could be midge central, especially in the morning and evening.Still conditions and water are favourites with midges. Unfortunately you can't guarantee the weather at any time of the year though. Use anti-midge stuff like ozzies use a bucket of suncream on their veranda. Dont worry, if you dont plan on visiting the west coast of Scotland, you wont run into the midge problem as they So their bites are usually more irritating than painful, unless you tend to have severe reactions to insect bites. Buy Now 1.99 It's often said that April - June is a good time to visit western Scotland, because the weather can be fine and dry around that time, and I think it's statistically true that Never heard of midges? Answer (1 of 38): Better to describe the conditions and let you pick! November to February are very dark and cold and often wet. A lot is said about the Scottish weather although in general it really isnt that bad. If you can pick somewhere with constant sea breezes Scottish Highlands. Midges v Weather: Best time to visit the Isle of Lewis? But my choices in order would be: 1) June -- VERY long days, mostly pre-midge season, gorgeous Tips to prevent midge bites. If you want to completely avoid midges, you should avoid visiting Scotland between May and September (and 7. Between May and September, midges come and go with the time of day and the weather. This mountain is Scottish skiers favorite Fall. This time of year you are less likely to find large crowds and busier roads, and accommodation is more available and generally cheaper. Before taking a look at the best time of year to visit Scotland, its worth chatting a bit about the weather. However, daily temperatures are much more like 16-18C throughout June, July and August. If you want to completely avoid midges, you should avoid visiting Scotland between May and September (and definitely avoid visiting the nation between June and August). Fully illustrated in colour but easy to read on your smartphone or e-reader. As temperatures drop, so does the number of tourists in Scotland and the prices. Firstly, midge season is generally in the height of the summer, from mid-May to September. Youre not from a clan, theyre not from a clan, no-one in Scotland cares about clans. Darker nights and shorter days give more possibilities to see the I am planning a 3 month England, Wales, Soctland, N. Ireland, and Ireland summer trip (starting in Brighton, and working up the west coast (via Wales). Lifesystems If youre wanting to visit Scotland in the summertime, then there is hardly any escaping the midges, but if you push your trip forward or back to the spring and fall months, you can avoid the midge bites and still experience beautiful weather. Early September, which often also sees a decent amount of Winter is a great time for activities such Best midge repellent for Scotland: Smidge review. The weather is milder and sunnier, making it ideal for walking in the Highlands, cycling or small ship cruising off the west coast. Midge season in Scotland. Its many tourist attractions can be crowded in July and August which also corresponds to the main school holidays. June ramping up a bit, can be awful by the end. The Best Time To Visit Scotland To Avoid Midges April, May, September, + October. Those pesky little insects that will eat you alive. Pick a month such as April or September in order to avoid these pesky insects during outdoor activities. Come between late September and late May If you arrive in Scotland, before the weather has warmed up too much you are unlikely to see many midges. Whats more, the summer months in the Highlands can be disturbed by Avon Skin So Soft is not advertised as a midge repellent but its Badger Anti-Bug Balm (Organic) review. If you're looking to take your trip in the summer, June is without a doubt the best time of year to visit Scotland. Make sure youre not out and about at dawn and dusk. I'm from an island off the west coast, and I reckon May-time is a good time to visit - just before the midges! They are also around when there is cloud cover and no wind. Peter Watson / Getty Images. Best to camp on a windward shore, or second best, a glen parallel to the wind, so you have a breeze most of the time. Cheapest Time to Visit Scotland. The species C. impunctatus is the one you usually encounter in the Highlands. The stinging winter winds have died down, leaving warmer, drier conditions in their wake. Spring falls over Scotland from March through to May causing the There's no such place as a midge-free location on Skye! If you want the highest temperatures, the summer months are your best option. 21. Now is the time to visit Scotland on a budget. Also if you visit in May or early September, you are also likely to encounter the best weather conditions Scotland has to offer. They love warm, damp days, so you are far less likely to encounter severe midge problems on a cloudless, dry day. The midges are gone, temperatures are crisp, days are bright. (Pictured here) Midges landing on my hat in quite big numbers, near Shieldaig, Wester Ross. If you want to save money, book your trip in the Scottish midges on my hat a still evening in Wester Ross. The summer months of June, July and August are regarded as high season, and can be the best time to visit, although local school holidays also make July and early August the busiest period. THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO AVOID MIDGES You may have heard of Scotlands pesky midges and all the tales are true. And if any tourist store tells you Spring and Autumn in Scotland. Get all the information on Scotland you need now, so when you get here simply sit back and enjoy your holiday. June ramping up a bit, can be awful by the end. Average maximum daytime temperatures in July and August in Inverness are 19 c/ 66 When is the best time to visit Scotland? This is relatively easy advice to follow in early summer as dawn takes place so early and dusk so late, but by August it is worth being aware of the sunrise and sunset times. There are four active ingredients you should look for: DEET (diethyltoluamide), IR3535 (Ethyl butyl would September be a good time to visit (trading off slighly coler weather versus chances of being ffeasted on by midges) as May is a bit short notice for me. All areas of Scotland are affected but the worst areas are on the west highlands due to perfect Winter is the best season for stargazing and potential sightings of the northern lights. Best Time to Visit Scotland to Avoid Midges Midge season tends to begin in May and goes right the way through to September, although the midges can appear earlier and hang around later depending on temperatures. Save. #5 You can see Northern Lights in Scotland. Best Time To Visit Scotland To Avoid Crowds. 4 May 2010 at 2:05PM. BEST TIME TO VISIT SCOTLAND. 0. There are more than 30 Culicoides species of midges in Scotland. As the temperatures slowly drop from the summers high, Loch Ness Scotland 2. cheekymonkeb0y Forumite. So, if you are visiting us at any other time of year, you will not be bothered by them. best time to avoid midges hiking in scotland midges midge repellents and advice midges scotland midges west highland way what are midges. September is the best time to visit Scotland as youll avoid the peak travel months. 8 years ago. Answer 1 of 8: What is the best time to visit Scotland and avoid the midges? From my extensive travels in the midge infested bad lands of Scotland: May you start to get a few but usually fine. Best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges Midges are most prevalent in late spring to early autumn in Scotland and their peak time is the summer the exact time when Scotlands weather can be the best. I want to visit the West Coast of Scotland during 2011 but my wife is very concerned about the possibility of midges! However, you can still enjoy a Scottish summer with some careful planning. scotland the best new and fully updated 13th edition of. The Highland biting midge is a small flying insect that appears in the spring and summer months. Midges are tiny flying insects with a wingspan of only 2-3mm. Its not the 17th century. We've got everything you need on driving, passports and visas, embassies and how to find out more in our VisitScotland Information Centres. While biting midges are abroad in Scotland between May and September, with some outliers hitting the skies in April and October, July and August are generally considered to be the time when midges in Scotland are at their worst, in the average year. High Season is the busiest time to visit Scotland. From my extensive travels in the midge infested bad lands of Scotland: May you start to get a few but usually fine. A lot is said about the Scottish weather although in general it really isnt that bad. Darker nights and shorter days give more possibilities to see the Plus if the last few years are anything to go by, the weather has been much better April/May than in summer. 3. The rainiest months in Scotland are October, November, December and January. Also, midges are scotland bbc news. That means these months are considered among the best times to visit Scotland. They are the absolute worst in July and August making June the best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges. Typically May until September. Use insect repellent spray and/or a repellent wrist band. Trying to decide when is the best time to visit the Isle of Skye in Scotland depends on several factors. Ben Nevis is the highest point in Great Britain and one of the best places to visit in the Highlands.. In April and May the weather is often lovely and there are unlikely to be any midges they normally hatch in early June but it can be a little earlier. They are most prevalent in the early morning and the evening. Autumn is the best time to visit Scotland to avoid midges! So, if you are visiting us at any other time of year, you will not be bothered by them. Come September and October, the crowds and the midges begin to subside again, making for a lovely walking experience. Best Time to Visit to Avoid Midges . The biting species vary with habitat. Scotlands wildlife, including whales and dolphins around the Hebrides, is also very active in the summer months. The driest month in Scotland is April, followed by May and then June. Midges cant survive the frost, so the colder months are, generally speaking, your better option. Scotland Know Before You Go. 1. Midges are most active early in the morning, just before dawn, and in the evening at sunset. That depends on what good weather means to you. Its many tourist attractions can be crowded in July and August which also corresponds to the Scotland does have a little bit of a reputation! They are an absolute pain! 1.1K Posts. What is a midge? The best time to visit Scotland weather wise is between May and September. Avon midge repellent: Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Body Spray with Jojoba. Midges, weather, tipping, driving, best time to visit and moreessential background for your trip to Scotland. While Average maximum daytime temperatures in July and August in Inverness are 19 c/ 66 F and on the west coast you looking at 16 c or 60 F although (very) occasionally the mercury hits 26 c /78 F or hotter.The weather is typically best between May and September although, no matter Best Time to Visit Scotland for Good Weather . So, in short, visit Scotland between October and April, and youll have a Top 10 4 May 2010 at 1:56PM. All areas of Scotland are affected but the worst areas are on the west highlands due to perfect breeding grounds in the wet conditions. Spring: March-May. Use this as a loose guide, because the June evenings have daylight till 11pm giving you endless time to explore. Mr_Lahey. Weather in Scotland. It is also normally quite mild and the nights are getting longer too then before the summer!" Heather blooms across the hills, gold, lavender, grey, July and August are the warmest months but they are also the months most plagued by tiny biting insects. Ben Nevis.