When to Go & Travel Tips
Pack layers whatever the month — Scottish weather can change several times in a day. Seasons, getting around, entry for Canadians and the small things that make the days easier are here.
When to go
Spring (April and May)
Longer days, fewer crowds and fresh green hills. May is often one of the drier months, and it comes before midge season really starts in the Highlands.
Summer (June to August)
Very long days — in Edinburgh, around 17 and a half hours of daylight near the June solstice. August is Edinburgh’s festival month, with the Fringe, the International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, so book well ahead or avoid it. Midges are at their worst in the west Highlands in July and August.
Autumn (September and October)
Quieter after the summer rush, with autumn colour in the glens and good walking weather on the better days. Midges fade as the season ends.
Winter (November to March)
Short days — around seven hours of daylight in Edinburgh in December — and some Highland attractions close or cut their hours. Christmas markets and Hogmanay in Edinburgh on December 31 make it a cosy time for the cities.
Getting there
- Some Canadian cities have seasonal non-stop flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Otherwise, connect through London or another European hub.
- Flying into London and taking the train north works well if London is part of the trip. King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley is about four and a half hours on the fastest services.
Getting around
- Edinburgh to Glasgow is about 50 minutes by train, and Edinburgh to Inverness around three and a half hours.
- The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William takes about four hours and is a highlight in its own right. The Jacobite steam train between Fort William and Mallaig runs seasonally, roughly spring to autumn, and books up early.
- Traffic drives on the left. In the Highlands, many roads are single track with passing places, so allow more time than the map suggests.
- Both city centres are walkable. Edinburgh has trams and buses for longer hops, and Glasgow has buses and a small subway loop.
Entry for Canadians
- Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, so the UK’s rules apply. Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.
- Apply through GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app. Other websites may charge more for the same thing. The United Kingdom travel tips page has the details.
Practical notes
- The currency is the pound sterling (£). Three Scottish banks print their own banknotes. They are pounds sterling and widely accepted, though some shops elsewhere in the UK may hesitate over them.
- Plugs are type G, 230 V — bring an adapter.
- Edinburgh adds a 5% visitor levy to paid accommodation, capped at five nights. Glasgow’s 5% levy is due to start for stays from January 25, 2027.
- Pack waterproof layers and good walking shoes in every season, and midge repellent for the west Highlands in summer.
- 999 is the UK emergency number, and 112 also works.
Entry rules and advisories change. Before you book and again before you fly, check travel.gc.ca.
Scotland planning questions
Do Canadians need an ETA to visit Scotland?
Yes. Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, and Canadians need the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling. Apply through GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app, and check travel.gc.ca before you book and again before you fly.
How many days do I need in Scotland?
Seven or eight nights covers Edinburgh, Glasgow and a guided Highlands day. Ten to twelve nights gives you time for a Highland base like Inverness or Fort William, or a few nights on the Isle of Skye.
When is midge season in Scotland?
Roughly late May to early September, at its worst in July and August, especially in the west Highlands and islands on still, damp days. The cities and the east coast are much less affected. A good repellent helps.
Do I need a car in Scotland?
Not for Edinburgh and Glasgow, and trains reach Inverness and Fort William. A car gives more freedom in the Highlands and on Skye, but you drive on the left and many rural roads are single track, so a small-group tour can be a relaxing alternative for a first trip.
Let’s plan your Scotland trip
Tell me which cities are on your list, roughly when you’d like to go, and how much of the Highlands you want to see. I’ll plan the route and book the stays, trains and flights.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.