A Little Inevitability… It’s Raining, It’s Pouring in Scotland

Last updated on August 2, 2025 by Shannon

The weather in England and Scotland was incredible for the first week I traveled the region: sunny and blue skies. Now, it was also cold, and I have a limited life-span in cold weather, but I encountered little rain for days on end.

The United Kingdom was lulling me into complacency.

The rain came for me with a vengeance and I learned that using public transportation in rainy countries makes the entire travel process a lot less comfortable.

Does it Rain in Scotland All of the Time?

As my own trip can attest to, the answer is, no! You might just get some sunshine if you’re booking a trip in the summer. I had fantastic weather at the end of my month in Scotland, when I was in Edinburgh in August for the Fringe Festival.

The notion that rain perpetually falls from Scotland’s skies is as much a stereotype as the idea that every Scot walks around in a kilt. It’s an image born partly from truth but embellished by imagination. You will see a fair few kilts, and you will see rain, but sunshine and trousers exist.

Scotland, with its maritime climate, sees a fair share of precipitation. Areas like the western Highlands are notorious for their wet weather, receiving up to 3,000 millimeters of rainfall annually.

But if you travel in the east of Scotland, places like Aberdeen and Edinburgh, you’ll find a much drier climate with less than half of that annual rainfall. There are seasons, like late spring and summer, where you can actually bask under the unexpected joy of Scottish sunshine. In these moments, the landscape—already dramatic—seems to awaken fully, with hills becoming greener and lochs mirroring the blue sky.

So while you should definitely pack a waterproof jacket when visiting Scotland, don’t resign yourself to the idea that you’ll be needing it every day, all day. Scotland’s weather is more nuanced, often changing dramatically within a single day or even an hour.

It’s this very unpredictability that lends the country its air of mystery and romance, making those sunny spells feel like moments of earned grace. In Scotland, weather isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in your travel story, capricious and memorable.

Will it Rain Every Day of My Trip in Scotland?

You know, it might! You can pick the driest time of year for the parts you’re visiting and still face a walls of rain and overcast skies for days on end. Just in August 2023, dear friends were traveling Scotland and had high hopes for sunny skies.

But they started their trip on the Isle of Sky, which is already one of the rainier areas of Scotland, and then had poor luck when they got to Edinburgh. They basically followed the bad weather.

That doesn’t mean it rained all day long, but it did rain on each day of their 10 days in Scotland. But they also saw blue skies at other points in the day.

My own travels, have followed a similar pattern, although I’ve always chased sunshine and had several straight days without rain by staying in the drier areas. If you’re spending two weeks in Glasgow, one of Scotland’s rainiest cities, then come with low expectations and then you’ll be delighted if the sun peeks through.

This crazy, rainy situation the UK is partly why Brits and Scots just love discussing the weather. It’s a fact of life, but also impossible to predict.

Is Summer in Scotland Warm?

Summer in Scotland is like a slow reveal, a cautious shedding of its oft-cloudy cloak to sometimes reveal a more temperate, even warm, disposition. When people imagine Scotland, they often conjure up visions of misty moors and chill winds sweeping across rugged Highlands. Late spring, summer, and very early fall, however, are seasons that can challenge those preconceptions.

“Warm” is a relative term, especially when discussing Scottish weather. In July and August, temperatures range from around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), which may not be “warm” by Mediterranean standards but is certainly pleasant for exploring Scotland’s eclectic landscapes and historic sites.

Days stretch on beautifully, with twilight lasting until 10 pm in some areas, allowing for a lingering embrace of the scenery.

Do keep in mind that Scotland’s climate is known for its unpredictability. A single summer day can take you on a meteorological journey from crisp morning air through a sun-dappled afternoon to a sudden, cooling rain shower. And as the climate becomes more unpredictable, the UK occasionally sees days that are warmer than my home base in Barcelona!

That’s why layers are your best friend; a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, and a hat should all have a place in your daypack. And, of course, don’t forget sunscreen—even in Scotland, the sun can make a strong appearance, particularly in the open landscapes of the Highlands or along the coastline.

Summer in Scotland is often more temperate than warm, and even though it doesn’t boast the scorching heat of other destinations, it offers a mild climate perfect for active exploration and leisurely evening walks.

Summer is a season that welcomes you into its variability, asking you to find beauty in the ever-changing conditions. And should you find yourself graced by one of those gloriously sunny Scottish days, know that it will feel like summer, not just on the thermometer but deep in your soul.

Backpacking Rainy Scotland Without a Car

The trains and buses in Scotland are a step up from some transportation this past year on the road. I bumped around in the back of tuk-tuks in Thailand, passed entire days on the rickety trains of India, took interminably long rides on Greyhound Australia, and generally felt every mile of this long journey. But heavy rains take a toll on the fun of backpacking, it’s just a fact.

During my second week in the UK, the dark gray sky opened up into a steady downpour for days on end. That first day, I was slated to leave Stirling, Scotland and move to the Isle of Skye.

All of this would be well and fine except for two things: 1) my beloved backpack’s rain cover had mysteriously disappeared when I picked up my bag from the conveyer belt in Mumbai airport, and I have never purchased another, and 2) my jacket is a knock-off North Face that I bought in Nepal for a whopping US $11 right before my trek in the Himalayas.

Lesson learned: you get what you paid for when you buy knockoff in Nepal. My raincoat had worked perfectly well in the light misting rains I encountered while exploring Slovenia and Czech Republic. It did not fare quite so well when  solid, pelting raindrops penetrated the faux-Gortex shell, seeping into my clothes. When I headed to Central America the next year, I will packed a real rain coat!

Anyhow, there I am standing at the door to my hostel (Willy Wallace Backpackers) and dreading the short to the bus station. With the 50 pounds strapped to my back I had no choice but to trot-skip there, and even at that semi-clipped pace, I arrived soaked to the bone and shivering.

Blech. Not a great start to an all-day bus-ride—roughly seven hours—to the largest city on the Isle of Skye, Portree, where I had to peel several my wet layers from my wrinkled skin and allow the clothes to air-dry for hours.

I will also take this opportunity to expound on just why I stayed in Portree out of all of the gorgeous little towns on the Isle of Skye—Scotland, in August, is tourist-tastic. Seriously and insanely touristy. I had planned to mosey my way up through Scotland booking hostels as I went and luxuriating in towns that struck my fancy.

In actuality, once I arrived in London I was slapped in the face with the harsh reality that I would be lucky to even find a bed some nights.

All of the Scotland hostels in the classic backpacker cities (Oban, Fort William, etc) were fully booked on the weekends. Like totally booked up. No options left on the weekends. That’s actually why I ended up staying in Stirling for three days—it was the only hostel I could find over the weekend on short notice.

The same mostly held true for the Isle of Skye, all of the hostels were booked up. I ran into a bit of luck at the Portree Independent Hostel—I phoned and they had some cancellations during the week.

I’m so thankful that I was able to stay on Skye for several days—if you move too fast while traveling Scotland then you miss the chance to catch the cities in good weather! It was steadily raining on Skye when I arrived but it cleared up for parts of the subsequent days, so I was able to bus around the Isle and get in some good hiking!

What to Pack for Rainy Scotland

If you’re venturing into this land of lochs and legends, be prepared for its capricious climate. These are ten essentials to pack for a rainy Scottish sojourn:

1. Waterproof Jacket: Preferably buy a breathable one, so you can wear it comfortably even as you hike or explore. I love the Marmot Precip—you can’t do much better than this for staying dry without feeling like you’re encased in plastic wrap, and it’s stylish, too.
2. Quick-Dry Pants: Useful for when you’re caught in a sudden downpour, as they’ll dry much faster than regular trousers. Skip waterproof pants no matter what you read elsewhere, they are terribly uncomfortable and you’ll sweat too much to stay dry. High-tech, quick dry pants are the best way to stay comfortable on a hike or even on a day of sightseeing in the rainier areas of Scotland.
3. Waterproof Boots: Opt for ankle-high or higher boots that offer good tread for slippery terrain. This is particularly true if you’re hiking and trekking in the highlands. Keeping your feet clean and dry should be a priority. If you’re sticking to cities with the odd hike here or there, you could get by with high-quality sneakers like these ones, but when they have mesh on top you’ll have a few wet-feet days.
4. Compact Umbrella: While a jacket is good for drizzles or hiking, a small travel umbrella can be more convenient in cities or for short walks. It’s probably not going to serve you well on a windy day in the highlands though. For that a poncho can be effective. Otherwise, it’s great.
5. Moisture-Wicking Socks: Wool or specialized hiking socks can help keep your feet dry and warm even when your shoes take on water. I am an unpaid evangelist for SmartWool socks—I buy new pairs whenever mine wear out and generally have been supremely impressed with the quality.
6. Waterproof Backpack Cover: Backpack rain covers are a lifesaver for keeping your belongings dry when you’re out and about if you don’t have waterproof-luggage. They’re affordable and pack down small and essential for a trip to rainy Scotland.
7. Hat and Gloves: A water-resistant hat can help keep your head dry, and gloves are essential for keeping your hands warm during those chilly, wet mornings. You can probably skip the gloves for summer travel, but if you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons or winter, it can be quite cold some mornings.
8. Microfiber Towel: Quick-drying and lightweight, this is useful for wiping down wet seats, drying off, or even as an emergency layer of warmth.
9. Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, and most places in Scotland have potable tap water. A refillable bottle is not only convenient but also environmentally friendly. I keep it simple and just carry a stainless steel Nalgene bottle.
10. Wet/Dry Bag and Ziplocks: Ziplocks are perfect for storing electronics, important documents, and other items that must stay dry. I find wet/dry bags meant for parents are the best waterproof option for travelers. Dry bags can be bulky, but wet/dry bags meant for swimsuits and such are much cheaper and pack down way smaller. They can contain your wet clothes after a downpour.

Navigating Rain-Soaked Roads: How to Get Around Scotland in Inclement Weather

How to Prepare for Scotland’s Rainy Weather

Book Your Accommodation Well in Advance

I cannot emphasize this enough, book your Isle of Skye accommodation in advance if you are visiting the England and Scotland during the summer high season. Now that things like Airbnb exist, you might get a bit luckier if you wait, but I wouldn’t count on it. Also, as bonus for ALA readers, use this link to receive a discount on your first booking at Booking.com.

Check the Weather Forecast Before You Leave for the Day

Met Office Weather: This site offers the most reliable weather forecasts in the UK, including Scotland. You can get really granular with the weather predictions, which can help you better plan when and what to do each day.

BBC Weather: This is your more straightforward and easily navigable weather forecast. This is good for a quick look at a reliable prediction for how your day will unfold in Scotland.

How to Get Around Scotland in the Rain

Let’s talk about mobility in a landscape that often comes adorned with raindrops. Bus stops in the Scottish Highlands can be quite the rustic affair—sometimes no more than a weather-worn sign jutting out from the ground, offering no shelter from the ever-capricious Scottish skies.

Sure, these buses are reliable, traversing the winding roads to deposit you at your destination, but the journey can become a chilly experience on those days when the heavens have opened up and there’s a strong wind.

If you plan on hitchhiking, heed this advice: The rain waits for no one. You’ll want to be double-prepared, with waterproof gear that extends beyond your jacket—think water-resistant boots, hats, and even a quick-dry towel you can whip out as needed. The goal isn’t merely to endure the rain, but to make peace with it, so you can savor each moment in Scotland, come rain or shine.

Plan the Right Rainy Day Activities

Scotland excels in offering rainy day activities that can be just as magical as its outdoor landscapes. One can argue that the rain brings a kind of atmosphere, a misty shroud, that makes indoor endeavors uniquely inviting and downright cozy. Here are some ideas to slot into your itinerary on a rainy day.

1. Local Pubs and Tea Rooms: Sometimes, the best thing to do is sit by a warm fire with a pint of ale or a cup of tea. Every single Scottish town will have some place cozy locals congregate on a rainy day.
2. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh: Delve into Scotland’s rich history and culture, as well as fascinating exhibits from around the world.
3. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow: Explore art, history, and natural history under one grand roof.
4. Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh: Learn about the whisky-making process and enjoy some tastings.
5. Glasgow Science Centre: A perfect place for families, filled with interactive exhibits.
6. Stirling Castle: While the castle grounds are open-air, there are many indoor areas to explore, such as the castle’s grand halls and museums.
7. Edinburgh Castle: Similar to Stirling, much can be seen indoors including the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
8. Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh: Tour the Queen’s former royal yacht, now permanently berthed as a museum.
9. Aberdeen Maritime Museum: Offers an insight into the city’s close relationship with the North Sea, providing both maritime and oil industry education.
10. Burrell Collection, Glasgow: A massive art collection that spans different periods and regions.
11. Bookstores in Wigtown: Known as Scotland’s National Book Town, it’s perfect for whiling away a rainy day.
12. Indoor Climbing, Various Locations: Test your physical limits in a controlled, dry environment.