Weather
If dry and sunny weather is a vital concern, the climate in Scotland can seriously affect your travel plans. The Lowlands usually have a moderate year-round temperature. In spring, the average temperature is 53°F (12°C), rising to about 65°F (18°C) in summer. By the time the crisp autumn has arrived, the temperatures have dropped to spring levels. In winter, the average temperature is 43°F (6°C). Temperatures in the north of Scotland are lower, especially in winter, and you should dress accordingly. It rains a lot in Scotland, but perhaps not as much as age-old myths would have it: The rainfall in Edinburgh is exactly the same as that in London. September can be the sunniest month.
When You Find Bargains
The cheapest time to travel to Scotland is off season: November through Easter (excluding Christmas and New Year's). Airlines have been offering cut-rate fares during these periods. And weekday flights are always cheaper than weekend fares, often by at least 10%. Most tourist attractions in Edinburgh and Glasgow are open year-round, but outside these cities many are not.
Rates for hotels hit their peak in the high season from June through September, and also from mid- December to the first week of January. Mid-July and August are when most Britons take their holidays, so besides the higher prices, you'll have to deal with crowds and limited availability of accommodations.
Spring offers the countryside at its greenest, autumn brings on steely skies, and summer's warmth gives rise to the music and theater festivals. But winter offers savings across the board and a chance to see Scots going about their everyday lives largely unhindered by tourist invasions.
Holidays
The following holidays are celebrated in Scotland: New Year's Day (Jan 1-2), Good Friday and Easter Monday, May Day (May 1), spring bank holiday (last Mon in May), summer bank holiday (first Mon in Aug), Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec 26).
