Springtime in Scotland
 

We are considering planning a trip to Scotland in April but I am concerned about the weather. My impressions of Scotland are cold, foggy and damp. Is that the case at that time of year?

It could be cold, soggy and damp - but just as easily it could be warm(ish), clear and dry. Or, it could be both on the same trip.

There is really no way to tell ahead of time what the weather will be - but by April the chances are for good weather.

I have been many times in Spring (June is my favorite month) and in April I have had both 70+ F and 45 F as high temps. One year it was a very late spring w/ freezes into March so the Spring flowers didn't bloom until June. But the next year Spring came very early. Just can't tell ahead of time . . . . . .

Weather in Scotland (and the rest of the UK) is varied and quickly changeable so it's best to be prepared for everything. Dress in layers - you'll be cosy if it's cold and can peel off the top layer if it's warm. Always bring an umbrella - I'd rather carry it in my bag than wish I had it! I was in Scotland in April 2003 and it was mostly warm & sunny with just a few cool days. Never opened my umbrella once. I'm going back in 2004 and can only hope for the same nice weather.

The reputation for fog is mostly a myth - the famous "London Fog" was caused by air pollution from factories fueled by burning coal, which is no longer done. In three visits to the U.K. I've never seen a wisp of fog.

With all due respect, the reputation for fog is not a myth if you're talking about the western highlands of Scotland or certain other coastal areas. But that's part of the atmosphere. And Scotland is a great place for microclimates, so if you're flexible and really want to avoid bad weather, you can often do so by driving for an hour or so. In general, the eastern side of Scotland is drier than the west (just compare the rainfall stats for Edinburgh and Oban) -- but of course that doesn't mean it will be so on any given day. As Janis says, it's nothing if not unpredictable.

I was in the UK several years ago in July and there was a "heat wave" in London - one day the temp was about 90. Four days later in Scotland it was 46 and we needed turtleneck, sweater and raincoat. Some of the locals were wearing gloves. This is not to be discouraging we had a great time despite the temp - just to point out that you can get cold weather anytime and need to be prepared.

One advantage of April is that it's too early for midges (tiny biting flies, mainly in the Western highlands).
Fog is really oct/nov.
April could be warm or cold - but then so could July.