sdwilliams_54

Hello all, I would like to ask about the weather in Scotland in June. The last time I was there, it was May-for a day only, and it was cold and rainy. I don't want to over pack, but don't want to be uncomfortable either!

Thanks

mjdh1957

There will definitely be weather.

If you want to know what it's like in June, wait until July and look back...

'Unpredictable' is the short answer.

PatrickLondon

Layers to cope with variations in temperature.

Waterproof outer layer.

scotlib

I made a June visit and had lovely visit. I've read trip reports of people in June who were cold and thankful for having packed gloves.

So, it'll depend .. on the day, where you are in the country, and your personal comfort levels.

Pack layers is good advice that I've seen from experienced travelers. Cold? Add more. Too hot? Remove some.

janisj

>> The last time I was there, it was May-for a day only, and it was cold and rainy.<<

And the next day it may have been warm and lovely.

You can't know anything about what the weather will be until <i>maybe</i> a day or two prior . . . and even then just in generalities. It could be drippy in one place and broken clouds 5 or 6 miles away.

Just plan on layers and good, substantial shoes.

janisj

we were all posting the same time -- It isn't a conspiracy -- honest

BritishCaicos

Anything between 4oC and 26oC.

Anything between clear blue sky and horizontal ( no correction more than 90o) rain.

Anything from dead calm to 70mph wind.

In any combination of the above.

Put three suitcases on your bed empty the contents of your wardrobe into them and you will be prepared.

Best weather recently has been April and September (past two years) but this means nothing.

It probably won't snow but it could.

BritishCaicos

Last August I drove from Mull to Dumfries.

11am Mull : 14oC
2pm Glasgow : 20oC
3:30pm Dumfries 25oC

I don't do things by half here.

sdwilliams_54

I think I am looking forward to this! Just like Missouri, you never know...Layers it is!

dotheboyshall

Scotland - where you can get sunstroke and trenchfoot in the same day

nytraveler

We went in July - after having driven north from London where it was about 85. By the time we got to Edinburgh it was high 40s, windy and raining sideways. The same the next day. the third day was fairly sunny and the high temp around 70.

There is no way to tell more than a couple of days in advance.

But I would have a sturdy folding umbrella, waterproof walking shoes, a tissue weight rain jacket with hood and a layer or two to add if needed. And you may never need any of them.

historytraveler

A tissue weight rain jacket? Crickey, I've been in the Highlands when I had a turtle neck, wool cable knit sweater and a gore- tex rain jacket and still had to stop at a pub for a whisky to ward off a cold. It really does work. I'm not easily chilled either but cold plus wet = even colder.

Umbrellas are great for city sightseeing, not so good otherwise.

Ackislander

Statistically, I think it is the driest month, BUT, that tells you nothing about the weather where you are going to be AND the weather varies dramatically from area to area within the country because of the influence of the ocean and the mountains.

Short advice: pack a lightweight (goretex) jacket (and trousers if you plan to be outside much) and a lightweight fleece jacket. Pray you don't need either.

dotheboyshall

<i>There is no way to tell more than a couple of days in advance.</i>

Within a few miles the weather can be totally different

BritishCaicos

"Statistically, I think it is the driest month"

"Within a few miles the weather can be totally different"

The second addresses the first.

We live at the end of the conveyor belt which is the North Atlantic Drift (not quite the end). Combined with the jet stream which frequently moves latitudes, spinning unpredictable low pressures and being outside the protection of the continental high which forms over Eastern Europe : we are left with a lottery.

The topology of Scotland, the fractured nature of the coastline and the HUGE tidal forces don't help in providing stable localised weather either. The tides has a large effect on local micro climates particularly when high pressure hasn't formed such as in May and June. The huge body of water brings in large amounts of cold water which usually means wind and localised rain showers.

nytraveler

Well I was warm enough with a tee shirt, a long sleeve shirt, a heavy cotton sweater and the rain jacket - just. We were only in Edinburgh so did not need hiking/serious outdoor clothing - just enough to walk around the city.

Caveat: I prefer cold to warm weather, anything over 75 is too hot for me and I love NYC in the winter (colder than Scotland).

hopingtotravel

We'll be there first 2 weeks of June. Will be packing all those layers. Hadn't thought of gloves--but could throw in some cotton cc ski gloves. You'll hear back from us.