Weather
Summertime is here with extended hours of daylight for enjoying the great outdoors. Those traveling in western Scotland may experience more moisture and wind from the westerlies coming from the North Atlantic, while the east coast receives more sunshine in summer. Though keep an eye out for haar (sea fret) or cold fog from the North Sea, which might disrupt a nice beach day.
Temperatures are pretty consistent throughout Scotland at sea level and get cooler at higher elevations. Edinburgh typically reaches daily highs of 66°F (19°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C) in July, while the UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis, located at 4,413 feet (1,345 m), will see average highs in the 48°F (9°C) range and lows of 39°F (4°C).
With Scotland's fickle weather, it's wise to pack layers that can transition from warm sunshine to chilly clouds, wind, and rain at a moment's notice. You'll also want to bring a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and sturdy walking/hiking shoes that can handle moisture. Another summer uncertainty: Beware of midges, small biting insects that peak in July and August. You can learn to avoid these gnat-like flies since they prefer humid, still air, and the early morning and dusk.
Crowds & Costs
July is the peak season in Scotland when the crowds and prices for flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities are highest. This is when school kids are on summer break, drawing more families to enjoy the lochs (lakes), islands, and national parks with the warmest weather. This is also a popular time to attend summer events like Highland Games and music festivals. It's wise to make arrangements in advance to secure availability during this busy time. If you hope to snag deals, consider traveling midweek instead of the weekend.
Where to Go
Despite its compactness, there are a wide array of itinerary options thanks to Scotland's three unique coastlines and more than 900 offshore islands. You'll want to plan your route early and carefully as this is the busiest time of year. Your trip will likely start where most of the Scots live, in the Lowlands, particularly Glasgow, the biggest city in the country, or Edinburgh, the charming, hilly capital. If you have your heart set on seeing both, they are located less than an hour apart by train and just over an hour by car.
Many highlights of Scotland can be accessed in a few hours by public transport or car, including castles, distilleries, and hikes in two national parks. For instance, spend a day or two in Edinburgh and then take a day trip to the Highlands, visiting Loch Ness and Cairngorms National Park, followed by a whisky tasting in Speyside. If you're in Glasgow, you can head west to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for hiking and sea kayaking.
With more time, take a self-guided road trip on the west coast with some island hopping. There are several gateways to the Hebridean Islands, like the charming fishing town of Oban, which offers access to Mull, Iona, and Lismore, to name a few. Depending on the island you visit, you may want to leave the car behind in Oban and bring a bike. Alternatively, you can drive north or take a historic train from Fort William to get to the stunning Isle of Skye with its distinct set of natural wonders, including fairy pools and several spectacular waterfalls.
Scotland's north and east coasts are also ideal for scenic road trips with stops for coastal trails, beaches, whisky distilleries, castles, and seafood restaurants. If you have all the time in the world, consider a journey along the 512-mile (824-km) route called the North Coast 500, which passes by a ferry terminal that can take you to the lesser-visited Orkney Islands with some of Scotland's top prehistoric sights and seal colonies.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Now is when you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. If you are in Glasgow or Edinburgh, you'll want to reserve time for the cities' impressive parks. You can take a hike in Edinburgh's 650-acre Holyrood Park, culminating at Arthur's Seat for some of the city's best views. In Glasgow, take a picnic at Kelvingrove Park and then spend a few hours at the recently refurbished—and free-of-charge—Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
With more than 1,500 castles around Scotland, it's easy to incorporate a castle and garden tour into the itinerary, like Stirling Castle near Glasgow and Edinburgh or Eilean Castle near the Isle of Skye. In the northeast is the Queen's summer residence, Balmoral Castle, and July is the last month of the year you can tour the ballroom and walk through the estate's historic woodlands and monuments.
Hiking paths and coastal trails are located all over Scotland and provide an easy endorphin boost, but you'll want to be careful of the midges this season. Stick to breezy paths and drier, higher elevations to avoid them. Travelers interested in multi-day treks can hike a portion of the Wild Highland Way at 96 miles (154 km) or the Scottish National Trail at 537 miles (864 km). You can also hire a guide to ascend the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis, in four hours.
Pristine beaches can be found on the lochs, coasts, and islands. An easy day trip from Edinburgh is West Sands in St Andrews, which was filmed during the opening of "Chariots of Fire." St Andrews is also known for having the oldest university in Scotland and for its many golf courses since this is where the sport originated. See this two-week itinerary that includes time spent on the hallowed greens.
While visiting the western Hebridean Islands, activities include bike riding, sea kayaking, and boat tours where you may be able to spot minke whales and basking sharks. On the Isle of Islay, visit a whisky distillery like Lagavulin, and taste the island's signature peaty flavor. For more tastings, there are more than 100 distilleries around Scotland, as well as several food trails for experiencing the best seafood and other culinary delights around the country.
Events in July
Rewind Festival, Perth. This outdoor music festival offers musical performances and themed venues for three days in late July for all ages. Perth is an hour-long drive north of Edinburgh.
HebCelt, Outer Hebrides. This unique event is located on Stornoway's Lews Castle grounds on the Hebridean island of Lewis, known for its distinct Gaelic heritage and culture and heritage. Come for Celtic music as well as rock, indie-folk, and world music.
Eilean Dorcha Festival, Benbecula. This annual July festival (also known as EDF) is held on the Outer Hebridean Isle of Benbecula and offers live music and local products from craft producers.
Traveling to Scotland in July? Check out these great itineraries
Discover Scotland - 9 Days. Scotland offers wonderful diversity, from historic cities and quaint towns and villages to beautiful countryside and some of the best whisky distilleries in the world. Spending eight nights in Edinburgh, you'll have time to delve into its rich history while taking day trips to Glasgow, St Andrews, and Loch Ness.
Road Trip Through the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days. Scotland's North Coast 500 offers one of the world's most scenic driving routes. Begin and end in Inverness, following the loop counterclockwise as you wind your way past mist-shrouded mountains, hidden lochs, and rugged coastlines. A relaxed pace allows you to take your time and explore sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and unspoiled nature along the way.
More Helpful Information
Scotland in June
Scotland in August
Best Time of Year to Visit Scotland
How Many Days to Spend in Scotland