hopingtotravel

If you go to Scotland in June, can you report back to us on your weather (i.e., were you ever able to wear a t-shirt, was it rainy, chilly etc), any midges that early in the year, costs in relation to US $, etc.

I'm tentatively planning our return trip June 2011.

MissPrism

I'd say that the midge season is June to late August.
I've heard that the bad winter might have bumped a lot of the little perishers off.

nytraveler

Scotland is rarely tee shirt weather. We were there in July for several days and it was in the high 40's raining and windy (and it had been about 85 when we left London 5 days before). But - you won;t know details until 3 or 3 days before you ariive.

janisj

There is NO way to know. Even a few days ahead of your visit the forecasts won't be all that accurate.

I've been in Scotland during June more than a dozen times (not just one visit, probably 13-14) and have had every sort of weather imaginable. Two Junes in a row I took two friends on Golfing trips and they played the Old Course one year and 3 days apart. The first time it was calm and hotter than blazes (for Scotland anyway). High 70's that felt hotter because of the sun/no wind. One year and 3 days later -- it was in the high 40s/low 50s and the rain was blowing sideways.

T-shirt weather one time, jacket/scarf/gloves weather the next.

I've been in Edinburgh in June when all the city workers stripped down and were sunning in Princes Street Gardens during their lunch breaks, and when they were bundled up in waterproofs/fleece.

hetismij

It also depends a lot on where you are going in Scotland.
When we were there in September 2008 the west coast had terrible weather, whilst the centre and east coast were enjoying temps of over 80. We of course were in a cottage on the west coast ;(.

Avon's Skin So Soft moisturiser works great against midges btw.

wellididntknowthat

It would be nice to live in a place where you can get a forecast a year ahead. Alas Scotland isn't one of them. I live here and I'm happy if the forecast for this afternoon is roughly in line with what I was told this morning.

Michael

We were in Scotland in June. Click on my name and you will find my trip report and a connection to the accompanying pictures. That will give you an idea of the weather.

janisj

"<i>That will give you an idea of the weather</i>" on THAT day . . . .

Michael

Actually <b>those</b> days. We also had one day of very fierce midges.

janisj

What I meant is a photo tells you what the weather was at that specific time. Not what the weather was 8 hours later, the next week, the previous week, or next year at the same time. If there are photos from 8 days in 8 different places - that tells you what the weather was in those 8 places on those specific dates in 2007. It would/will be different in 2008 or 2010 or 2015 . . . .

sheila

Agree with the above. Midges are also, for the most part, a west coast problem. (please don't shout. I know that is not uniform. But basically, you get them where the land is peaty)

alihutch

Re midges....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/...ds/8542670.stm

had them really bad on Loch Lomond first week of July. You can't predict the weather in Scotland....it might be lovely, it might be awful

Nonconformist

It will vary year to year. It was pretty chilly and rainy most days when we were there last year (approx. the last two weeks of June). (We were promised a heatwave so I optimistically packed all my summer dresses, and only wore one one day - too cold or wet the rest of the time.)

Michael

All true about the weather, except if it is definitely a drizzly day, chances are that we are not dealing with a passing thunderstorm. Besides, my pictures do accompany a narrative. But if the OP wanted overall weather conditions, an almanach giving average temperatures and days of rain would fit the purpose better.

twk

Weather is extremely changeable in Scotland. We were there in June 2007 and saw a little bit of everything in 9 days. High winds and cool temperatures when we first arrived, followed by four days of good weather, and a couple of rainy days at the end. We only had one significant encounter with midges and that was at Glenfinnan. You can look up my trip report if you want more details.

hausfrau

I have one word for you: Layers!

We spent 18 days in the U.K. in June 2007; our travels took us from Cornwall to Glen Coe to Edinburgh to Dover and many places in between. I chose June because my research indicated it was the sunniest month of the year. It rained 17 out of the 18 days. Not all day every day, mind you. We got to see the sun several times. And we still had a fabulous trip!

markrosy

The weather in the west coast and lowland is better than the highlands for obvious reasons. Our cottage in Rockcliffe (SW Scotland) enjoys a very different microclimate with less rain. The varation in local weather will only be for rain, there is no avoiding the temperatures.

Check the latitude and compare with North Amercia as to where we sit. ie just south of the south pole. Our only saving grace is all the hot air you yanks send over from Fort Lauderdale.

In short, last June was 80 but also expect 45. With altitude maybe a lot lower. The sky resorts have had a lot of snow this winter and are expecting the season to extend to late MAY.

I have a theory based on the last 5 years here and our 20 trips to Europe in that time. The South Europe high pressure usually forms in late mid May and weakens in late September. It is definitely becoming stronger for what ever reason. Our last three summers have been good in the early and late season (May/September). June , July, August have not been good. This may be due to the effect of the stronger southern high which is pushing all the Atlantic lows further north. Ask any golf resort about the water situation in the Costa Del Sol.

All in all agree with above layers and a waterproof jacket, don't bother with a brolly the wind will see it off.

alihutch

Often in Scotland we get all the seasons in one day

hopingtotravel

Wow! Thanks for all the detailed answers. One reason I asked, is I have a picture of myself by the Spey River September 1998 wearing a t-shirt in the sun. I do recall it rained the next day.

I too picked June because I thought it might be best weather--and somewhere I read the midges were an August thing. We did only see a very fee on that trip.

Unfortunately, it will be mostly western Scotland we're planning to see. Because we live in Alaska, the cooler temps won't bother, but I'm not crazy about rain. Midges here are something the fall fishermen complain about; don't think I've ever seen them.

Long story short--looks like I'll plan layers.

sheila

It could be gorgeous. Don't fret the midges. It's too early for them to be awful.

people swear by Avon "Skin so soft". I'm told the army issues it. personally, I just use Autan.