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What To Wear in Scotland: Complete Scotland Packing List

Categories Planning a trip to Scotland , Scotland , Scotland Guides

Wondering what to wear in Scotland for your trip? I’ve created this guide for you so you know exactly what to pack, whether you decide to visit during summer, spring, autumn or winter! I’ve also included links to clothing and products I personally wear and use all year round in Scotland. Read on to learn everything about what to pack for a trip to Scotland!

Table of Contents

Knowing what to pack for a trip to Scotland is important for anyone visiting the land of lochs, bagpipes and haggis.

It can also be quite daunting! I completely get it; after planning my first trip to Scotland I was slightly terrified to step on Scottish soil.

The Scots love to analyse the weather. And they love to complain about it. The weather is such a popular topic in Scotland that it can sound terrifying for non-Scottish folk.

Before I moved to Scotland I was living on a ski hill in Canada where temperatures dropped below -30°C [that’s -22°F] so I thought I’d be well equipped coming to Scotland.

Was I? Kind of- but to be honest, Scotland’s weather is nothing like I’ve ever experienced.

Now before you start panicking, don’t worry! I’ve got your back.

I am used to dressing for the weather here. Read on for my personal recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Scotland!

I’ve also created a packing list for Scotland printable that includes everything you need in your suitcase! You can find it at the conclusion of this article.

Read on to discover how to pack for Scotland like a local.

This is the fifth article in my Planning A Trip to Scotland series . To read the first article in the series, click here . To receive all the articles in this series by email, you can sign up here .

What to pack for a trip to Scotland

Hanging out in my backyard on a cool autumn day

Scotland packing list essentials

• Travel insurance. First on my Scotland packing list of essentials is travel insurance. I personally use World Nomads as my travel insurance provider. You don’t have to go with them, however, just make sure you get travel insurance with good cover!
• UK Travel Adapter.  Save yourself the hassle and the money by purchasing at least one UK adapter online. There is nothing more annoying than arriving in a new country and not being able to charge your devices! Get one that does it all, like the EPICKA International All In One Travel Adapter so you don’t have to purchase a new adapter for every country you visit.
• Battery pack. A battery pack is another lifesaver because if you’re in Scotland you’re going to be taking a million photos on your phone which dwindles away precious battery life.
• Water bottle.  I love this collapsible water bottle by Vapur. It’s a great lightweight water bottle to travel with, and you can fold it up when you’re not using it. Space saver!
• Reusable bags. Pack some reusable bags to use for shopping and bring one to use as a laundry bag. Scotland is very plastic conscious and if you don’t bring your own bags to the supermarket or while shopping, you’ll have to pay for one. Save the planet and save some money by bringing your own reusable bags.
• Mirrorless Camera. I’ve written a blog post about the camera equipment I use – but very briefly, I love my mirrorless Sony A7III . It’s lightweight, shoots 4K video and is one of the best all-round cameras around. I pair it with the Sigma 16mm F1.4 lens  for landscape photography and the Sony E 70-210mm zoom lens when travelling.
• Sunglasses.  You’ll need sunglasses, especially during winter when the sun sits low in the sky and can be blinding if you’re driving or walking in its direction!

EPICKA International All In One Travel Adapter | Battery pack |  Collapsible water bottle |  Reusable bags | Sony A7 III | Sigma 16mm F1.4 lens  | Sony E 70-210mm lens | Ray Ban sunglasses

You can find my favourite clothing items, Scotland books and packing essentials in my Amazon store. These are all items I’ve personally purchased and recommend. Click here for the USA store Click here for the UK store

Backpacks for Scotland I recommend

A good quality backpack is always a good idea if you’re travelling in Scotland- especially if you’re planning on spending time exploring the outdoors.

I love Osprey as a brand; their packs are great quality, built with comfort in mind and they’re stylish too.

For a small backpack, I recommend the Osprey Tempest Small 20L Women’s Hiking Backpack .

For something a little bigger, I recommend this Osprey Tempest Medium 30L Women’s Hiking Backpack . This is the pack I have; it’s perfect for a day hike or for spending the day exploring.

Read more: When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Osprey Small 20L Women’s Backpack | Osprey Medium 30L Women’s Backpack | Osprey Small 22L Men’s Hiking Backpack   | Osprey Medium 34L Men’s Hiking Backpack

Optional extras

• Umbrella.  If you pack a good rain jacket, you may not need an umbrella in Scotland. But if the thought of getting even the slightest bit wet bothers you, I suggest you invest in an umbrella when you arrive in Scotland. They sell them at most tourist shops or supermarkets in Scotland.
• Buff.  I recommend bringing a Buff facemask if you’re planning on heading out into the hills or visiting in winter. If you’re at the summit of a hill or mountain and a strong wind kicks in, you’ll be grateful for the protection!
• Bug repellent. If you’re heading into the highlands during the summer months you’ll want to be well protected against Scotland’s midges and if you’re going hiking you’ll need protection from ticks. I love Smidge – it’s seriously saved me so many times! You can pick a bottle up in most supermarkets or outdoor shops such as Cotswold Outdoor or Tiso.
• Maps of Scotland. If you’re looking for general area maps, I recommend these three: Northern Scotland ,  Western Scotland and Southern Scotland . If you’re going hiking, make sure you stock up on the correct Ordnance Survey maps. You can also buy these maps in most bookstores in Scotland.

Read more: 50+ places on my Scotland bucket list

Buff facemask | Smidge bug repellant | Scotland Maps: Northern Scotland ,  Western Scotland and Southern Scotland

Books about Scotland I recommend

Something I recommend that should be on your Scotland packing list is a good book. I’m a self-confessed Scotland book nerd; Scotland’s history is just so fascinating!

If you want to arrive equipped with some knowledge of Scotland, these are some of the best books about Scotland I recommend:

• Scotland from Prehistory to Present by Fiona Watson. This is a great book if you want to learn about Scotland’s early history through to today.
• The Highland Clans by Alister Moffat. If you would like to learn more about the Highland clans in Scotland, this book gives a great summary. All of Alister Moffat’s books are fantastic!
• Bizarre Scotland by David Long. If you want a book that’s short, easy to read, and full of interesting and quirky facts, this is a fantastic book to read before your trip or on the plane. You’ll arrive with tons of random knowledge to impress your travel partner.
• Witch Light by Susan Fletcher. If you plan on visiting Glencoe and enjoy historical fiction- this book is a must read. It’s about a ‘witch’ living in Glencoe at the time of the Glencoe Massacre. The language is beautifully poetic and you’ll feel as though you’re right there, in the Scottish Highlands of Glencoe.
• Lonely Planet guide to Scotland . One of my close friends, Kay from The Chaotic Scot, was the main author for the latest Lonely Planet edition for Scotland! She really knows her stuff- especially when it comes to food.
• North Coast Journey: The Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands by Brigid Benson. If you’re visiting the north western highlands or driving the North Coast 500 , this is a great book to have. It also makes a good book for your coffee table so you can reminisce about your time in the highlands.

Books for children

• Horrible Histories: Scotland by Terry Deary. Scotland with all the boring bits left out! I really enjoyed reading this book myself- so this is a fun one to read with your kids. Reading age: 8+
• The Story of Scotland by Richard Brassey and Stewart Ross. A beautifully illustrated picture book that covers the interesting bits of Scottish history. The reading age for this book is 9-11 years, but still a good book to read to the smaller ones. I read it to my toddler!

Scotland from Prehistory to Present  | The Highland Clans | Bizarre Scotland  | Horrible Histories Scotland | Witch Light | Lonely Planet guide to Scotland | North Coast Journey: The Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands | The Story of Scotland

What to wear in Scotland

The best answer to the question ”How should I dress for Scotland” is to layer. The weather is changeable, and sometimes you can have four seasons in one day!

How much you pack will depend on how long you’re visiting Scotland, and if you’ll have washing facilities available at your accommodation- so I’ll leave this up to you to decide.

These are items that I wear all year round and what I suggest you pack when visiting Scotland for every season.

Scotland Packing List Essentials

• Long sleeve tops.  For layering underneath a t-shirt or as a stand-alone.
• Cardigans. I recommend packing a couple of lightweight and warmer cardigans that can be worn buttoned up or unbuttoned that you can layer over a t-shirt.
• Sweater/ Hoodie. Something to throw on if it’s cool but not cool enough to wear a big winter jacket, or to throw on at the end of the day when you’re relaxing in your hotel!
• Gym leggings. I practically live in my gym leggings in Scotland. They’re great for around the house, hiking and exploring, and catching up for a coffee with friends in the city. I love my black leggings from The North Face . They’re incredibly durable [I hiked the length of Scotland in mine and they’re still going strong] and if you do get caught in a shower they will dry quickly. I also love these tights from The Gym People .
• Jeans. I wear jeans a lot in Scotland. You can dress them up or down; pair skinny jeans with a nice top if you’re going out for dinner or with a t-shirt for casual day attire.
• Sweatpants/ track pants. I suggest packing a pair of sweatpants to chuck on at the end of the day when you want to relax.
• Windproof Rain jacket. It’s essential you have a good quality rain jacket when visiting Scotland- you may rely on it a lot! I love my Rab Women’s rain jacket and in my opinion, it’s the best rain jacket for Scotland travel. It’s extremely lightweight and uses stretch Pertex Shield+ fabric, a high-quality fabric that is stretchy and breathable making it a super comfortable and durable rain jacket. It’s great if you’re going hiking and it’s stylish enough to wear in the city too. It’s suitable for all seasons due to its lightness.

What to pack for Scotland for each Season

What to pack for scotland in winter (december, january & february).

Average temperature: -5°C (23°F) to 11 °C (51.8°F).

The winter months in Scotland can certainly be chilly! Combine that with rain and wind- well, you need to be prepared. You might get the odd day where the temperature jumps to 15°C, however, winter is the most consistent season in Scotland so expect low temperatures and rain. It usually snows in Scotland from January onwards [more common the further north you go], and a few days of light snow can be expected around January/February in Edinburgh. The daylight hours also drop drastically, leaving you with between just 6 and 8 hours of light.

These are some of the items I love that get me through the winter months:

• Super warm winter jacket. My duck-down jacket from The North Face is hands down the best investment I’ve ever made. It’s a little longer and covers my bum and thighs, and keeps me snuggly warm in any climate in Scotland. I wear this mostly in winter, late autumn and early spring. My husband loves his Rab Microlight Down Jacket for hiking and outdoor activities in the winter. He’s also a fan of Superdry winter jackets , which are more suited for streetwear or exploring cities and towns.
• Windproof rain jacket. If your warm winter jacket isn’t waterproof, pack a light outer waterproof shell.
• A scarf, hat and gloves. I love Barts beanies! I have this unisex beanie . I also love The North Face’s Etip gloves ; they are light gloves that allow you to use touchscreen devices while wearing them.
• Sleepwear. Buildings in Scotland are usually well-insulated, so just pack a pair of cotton long-legged pajamas and a t-shirt, or a long-sleeve if you are a particularly cold sleeper.

Our wardrobe during winter

My typical wardrobe during winter

What my husband wears during winter

What to pack for Scotland in Spring (March, April & May)

Temperature: 7°C (45°F) to 13 °C (55°F).

The spring months are my favourite time of the year in Scotland, particularly April and May. While March still resembles winter, the daylight hours are more generous and you’ll start getting your t-shirt days from April. The spring colours are in full force come May, making it the prettiest month in Scotland (in my opinion(. Occasionally you’ll get a little snow in early spring. The key for spring is layering and having a warm winter jacket you can bundle on if the temperature does drop.

Read More: 50 Travel Tips for Scotland

As well as the essentials, you should also pack:

• Light scarf . Something that is medium weight.
• Gloves. The North Face Etip gloves are perfect for spring.
• A chunky and warm cardigan. I like the chunky knits from H&M.
• A few lighter cardigans or a jersey/hoodie. For when you’re out exploring during the day and it cools down. I live in my Kiwi and Haggis hoodie (not for sale online, and currently only available to purchase from our tour van), but any hoodie will do!
• A medium jacket . Something a bit warmer to wear at night when it cools down.
• A midi dress. Great for dressing for the city or going out for dinner.
• SPF 50 sunscreen. In Scotland, it’s called ‘sun tan lotion’ in case of any confusion!

Our wardrobe during spring

My typical wardrobe during spring

What my husband wears during spring

What to pack for Scotland in Summer (June, July & August)

Temperature: 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F).

Summer in Scotland can be just as confusing as winter, if not more! Scotland does tend to get a few days per year where the temperature shoots up to 30-33°C [in 2018 and 2019 there were record heat waves in Scotland]. It can also drop right down in temperature, blow a gail and rain!

The sunlight hours are also massive- expect the sun to rise at around 4am and set around 11pm!

• 2-3 singlets . Great for layering or those hot days we sometimes get!
• 1-2 pairs of shorts . Bring a couple of pairs of shorts because we sometimes do get temperatures around 30 degrees (86 Fahrenheit).
• Dress with short sleeves . For exploring the city or going out for dinner. You can always wear some tights underneath if it cools off in the evening.
• SPF 50 Sunscreen . Important at this time of year!

Our wardrobe during summer

My typical wardrobe during summer

What my husband wears during summer

What to pack for Scotland in Autumn (September, October & November)

Temperature: 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F).

Winter and autumn in Scotland are the wettest months, hence why it’s important that you have good waterproofs. Autumn is also one of the prettiest seasons in Scotland, so it’s guaranteed you’ll want to spend some time outside. Daylight hours do start to dwindle, as well as the temperature. It’s a season where you’re likely to add a layer, remove it, add it again, and so on!

• Light scarf . For travel in September.
• T-shirts. Particularly in September, as we can get warm weather!
• Medium scarf. For travel in October and November.
• Medium gloves . For October and November travel.
• Warm cardigan .
• Warm jacket. Particularly if you’re visiting in October and November.
• Sunscreen . Mostly for the month of September where we have sunshine.

Our wardrobe during autumn

My typical wardrobe during autumn

What my husband wears during autumn

Best shoes for Scotland

The footwear you bring largely depends on what activities you’ll be doing in Scotland. I recommend packing at least 2 pairs of footwear: a pair of comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and towns, and a pair that is a bit sturdier for hiking and spending time outdoors.

These are the best shoes for Scotland travel:

Best walking shoes for Scotland

If you’re visiting in the warmer months and you’re sticking to exploring cities and villages, I recommend packing a pair of trainers that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Cities can get a little muddy, especially in parks. If it rains, there will be puddles thanks to the uneven, cobblestone streets. Make sure the soles of your shoes are waterproof.

I like the Merrell Women’s Bravada 2 Waterproof sneakers. They’re stylish, comfortable, water resistant and have good grip. It’s a good all-round shoe. These sneakers are not suitable for wide feet, however.

I also like Sketchers trainers for travelling. These are great for the plane and for strolling through towns or villages. They’re breathable and if they do get damp they dry pretty quickly. They’re super easy to wash in the washing machine too.

My husband likes Nike trainers, Converse , or Vans as a casual shoe, and hiking boots if he plans on going for a nature walk.

Best boots for Scotland

If you’re visiting in the cooler months, I highly recommend investing in a pair of Timberland boots or something similar.

They’re perfect for navigating cobblestone paths in small towns and cities, and they can handle small hiking excursions. They have great grip, they’re waterproof, warm and best of all, they’re stylish.

For women, I recommend the  Timberland Women’s Liden boot , and for men, I recommend the Timberland Men’s Premium Waterproof Boot .

Whatever shoes you bring to Scotland- make sure they’re waterproof. It wasn’t until I moved to Scotland that I learned the hard way that some of my shoes had holes in the soles!

Best hiking boots for Scotland

If you’re planning on going hiking in Scotland, I love and recommend my Scarpa Terra hiking boots . They also have a similar boot hiking boot for men .

I hiked the length of Scotland in these boots in 2018, and they lasted me around five years with heavy usage. I wear these boots all year round. 

I pair them with merino wool socks when I’m hiking or travelling Scotland. Merino wool regulates your temperature, ensuring your feet won’t overheat or get too cold. I recommend Smartwool socks to go with your hiking boots. They have socks for both men and women .

If you’re planning on hiking in Scotland I highly suggest you break in your hiking boots well before coming to Scotland. Whenever I buy a new pair of hiking boots my feet always break out in blisters- I don’t want this to happen to you on your holiday!

I always carry Compeed Blister Plasters with me when I travel. They act like a second skin if I do get a blister, and allow me to carry on even if I get extreme blisters!

Merrell Women’s Bravada 2 Waterproof Sneaker | Skechers Women’s Sneaker |   Timberland Women’s Premium Waterproof Boots | Timberland Men’s Premium Waterproof Boot | Scarpa Terra Women’s Hiking Boot | Smartwool Women’s Hiking Socks  |  Smartwool Men’s Hiking Socks  | Scarpa Men’s Hiking Boot | Compeed Blister Plasters

What to wear for going out in Scotland

The great thing about Scotland is that the attire is pretty casual.

So what do I wear going out? Usually, I’ll wear jeans, a nice top and a jacket. Sometimes I’ll wear a dress and pair it with black leggings if it’s cold. I tend to dress pretty casually. I’m all about comfort!

If you’re used to dressing up to the nines when you hit the town you won’t look too out of place in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Anywhere else you may turn a few heads!

To give you an idea of what is acceptable to wear out for dinner, check out the following image for some inspiration from my wardrobe:

My husband tends to wear a polo shirt and a pair of jeans or chinos when we’re going out for dinner. He will wear a long coat, denim jacket, or bomber jacket depending on the weather.

My recommendation for footwear for men is leather boots, but my husband is a fan of sneakers such as Converse or Vans . Here’s an example of what he wears on a night out:

What should you NOT wear in Scotland?

As well as knowing what to pack, it’s useful to know what not to wear in Scotland. Here are a few suggestions of what to leave out:

As I mentioned before, attire in Scotland is very casual. When I go out for dinner in Edinburgh I’ll often wear jeans and a nice top with a jacket, or a nice dress with leggings. If I wear heels at all, they’re usually wedged boots with a small heel (just like the ones in the image above). I never wear stilettos, and I don’t recommend you pack them!

I sometimes see women wearing stilettos in Edinburgh or Glasgow on a night out, but watching them struggle walking over cobblestones gives me the fear. It’s not worth the risk of rolling an ankle.

Unless you’re going to a swanky restaurant in the city, there’s no need to dress up to the nines.

Waterproof pants

Unless you’re going hiking, I don’t recommend you wear waterproof pants over your bottoms. If it rains, a long rain jacket and/or an umbrella will be enough if you’re exploring cities and villages in Scotland.

I’ve only ever had to wear waterproof pants when it’s rained when I’ve been out hiking; there’s no need to wear waterproof pants these if you’re in a city. You’ll look a bit strange!

Read more: 10 Must-Sees in Scotland You Can’t Miss

Unless you want to have an ice bath, I don’t recommend bringing your swimming trunks  unless you’re planning on going somewhere with a heated pool or hot tub. The temperature of the ocean is what Scots like to refer to as ‘baltic.’

But hey, if wild swimming is your thing, go for it!

A kilt – maybe!

The Scots only tend to wear kilts to special occasions, such as a wedding. You’ll see pipers playing on the streets in Edinburgh fully kitted out in their kilts, but that’s about it.

Scots don’t generally wear kilts as an everyday outfit, but you know what? It’s your holiday and if you feel like wearing a kilt, just do it!

You may get the odd laugh or an eye-roll, but the Scottish are generally pretty humorous folk and may have a wee giggle at your expense.

Free Scotland Packing List Printable

Planning a trip to Scotland? I’ve created the ultimate resource to help you plan your own trip- the Planning a Trip To Scotland course ! Created by myself and Lonely Planet author Kay Gillispie, this course features 70+ videos covering every aspect of creating your itinerary and booking your trip.

Scotland itineraries

If you are in the planning stages of your Scotland trip, be sure to check out my itineraries. They cover all of the must-sees plus some of my favourite hidden gems in each area.

• My 4-day Scotland itinerary
• My 10-day Scotland itinerary
• How to spend 2 days in Edinburgh
• How to travel Scotland on a budget

This is the fifth article in my Planning A Trip to Scotland series . Be sure to read the next article in the series, What Not To Do When You Visit Scotland , or sign up here to have the whole series emailed to you.

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Related posts

Casey Severin

Friday 5th of July 2024

Hi, I don't see where to download the printable guide. Are you able to send it?

Belinda Hale

Wednesday 29th of May 2024

Hello. I am going to Scottland in July Any recommendations or what not to do is very appreciated.

Cynthia Garcia

Saturday 4th of May 2024

Looking forward to reading your tips! First time visiting Scotland this summer!

Tuesday 16th of April 2024

It's so helpful to have these tips from someone who actually lives in Scotland! Especially about the more casual style- I've seen that on a couple reddit posts as well, and makes me feel more confident about wearing my hiking shoes everywhere haha!

Thursday 21st of March 2024

Your site is awesome and has been very helpful in knowing what to pack and sites to see. Love your comments and descriptions. Thank you.

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Packing List: What to Wear in Scotland Every Season

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing” – Billy Connelly

And who would know better than Billy Connelly, the Big Yin and Scotland native?

Since I first moved to Scotland almost 10 years ago, I have found this to be entirely true. Deciding what to wear in Scotland is a big deal!

Despite what you may have heard, the weather does vary from season to season, day to day and even hour to hour, and creating a packing list for Scotland is no easy feat. 

Aside from dealing with all four seasons in one day, your decision on what to pack for Scotland will also depend on what you intend to do there.

I’ve read packing lists saying you should take an umbrella everywhere, which would just be madness in the countryside (and even in the cities at most times, to be honest!) and others saying you definitely need hiking boots and waterproof pants/trousers, which isn’t always true.

I know people worry about how to dress in Scotland, so after experiencing multiple seasons and many trips around Scotland from the Borders to the far northern islands of Shetland , I’m sharing my best tips on what to pack and wear in Scotland!

The number one rule for what to wear in Scotland

If there is ONE tip that I could give you when you’re planning your trip to Scotland, it’s to take layers.

As much as I try to tell people the sun really does shine in Scotland, the weather is also very changeable, and you’ll be thankful to have several different layers with you.

And I’m not just talking about when you’re packing, I’m talking about when you’re out and about during the day.

I also love carry-on travel , and it’s even possible to take carry-on only luggage in winter if you pack right.

And by pack right, I mean PACK LAYERS!

You don’t need to have the fanciest of winter gear in the colder months, but you will want to have a warm coat with several layers under it and a hat, scarf, and gloves.

If the day warms up, you can put a layer or your woollies in your bag.

Even in summer, you might want to check the forecast and be prepared with waterproof clothing in the event of rain.

So maybe my second tip would be to have a decent-sized day bag…

Read More:  How to Pack for Winter Travel with Carry On Only Luggage

What you wear in Scotland depends on where you’re going

Giving you just one or two Scotland outfits doesn’t really work. Detailing a packing list for an entire country is kind of unusual.

After all, would you have one list of what you wear for the entire year and every eventuality, from city living to getting outdoors, for where you live?

Maybe if you live somewhere with a temperate climate, but chances are your list would be pretty extensive!

So let’s narrow down the Scotland packing list to a few things based on where you’ve decided to visit and what you plan to do.

The main differences are different jackets for Scotland depending on where you go and different shoes for Scotland depending on what you’re doing. 

What to wear in the cities in Scotland

Scotland isn’t a particularly fashionable place, not that I mean that in a bad way. Basically, you can wear what you like! I see so many people worrying about standing out, but honestly, it doesn’t matter if you do!

The clothing style in Scotland is really whatever you like. Smart casual will get you by almost anywhere, even on a night out. Obviously, there are some fancier restaurants, but even then you can really wear what you like, as long as you’re comfortable doing that.

Although some people will dress up more formally, it’s not expected, and you won’t stick out wearing casual clothes (like I feel I do in some stylish European cities!).

Here are some ideas for what to wear in Scotland in the cities during different seasons. 

Winter in the city

You can expect temperatures to average around 5°C (41°F) and although it does snow, it usually isn’t a lot in the cities and will rarely settle in many places in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Even if it does, it won’t be for too long!

Snow is much more common in January-March than in December, so don’t expect a white Christmas.

However, warm/waterproof footwear is a must because you can most definitely expect some rain. 

My usual go-to for what to wear for the colder months in the cities (and towns) is the following:

• A warm pair of boots like these or these
• Jeans or warm tights under a skirt or dress
• Under layers like a vest top or shirt
• Cardigan or warmer jumper if it’s particularly cold
• Warm overcoat (ideally waterproof, although it could be something like this to be more stylish or something like my warm waterproof Regatta which still passes for city-style)
• Carry or wear a scarf (you could wait and buy a tartan scarf here !), hat, and gloves (I love the kind you can use with a touchscreen )
• Light waterproof coat if rain is forecast and you intend to be out walking around a lot and your main coat isn’t waterproof
• A dress like this you can dress up if you go out somewhere more formal (with warm tights !)
• For men, nice jeans, chinos or nicer trousers will do for going out if you plan on something fancier, plus a shirt, and ankle boots /leather shoes.

What footwear you should wear in Scotland is the most common question I’m asked about.

For the city, you can just wear normal shoes like you’d wear at home, although if you plan on being out all day, go for comfort and waterproof or you can spray with waterproof spray in case it rains.

A good waterproof pair of boots that can be comfortable during the day or that are dressy enough to wear out at night are also great, like this .

If you’re not planning any major hikes, you don’t need to wear hiking boots all the time; you just want something waterproof in case it rains.

Some options that cover city walking but also some time in the countryside if it rains, although not for super long hikes are things like Teva waterproof boots , or duck boots .

Summer in the city

Unfortunately, “summer” in Scotland is really only from June to mid-August, although it depends on the year and it can still be chilly during those months if it’s not sunny.

Days are long since Scotland is so far north, and in June it can be light from before 4 am until after 11 pm in Edinburgh, and there are even longer daylight hours the further north you go.

You can expect temperatures to average around 15°C – 17°C (59°F – 63 °F) although there are usually at least a couple of weeks of much warmer weather (as I write this it’s 21 degrees in June!).

Although Scotland can have plenty of sunny days in the summer, the breeze or wind can often bring a chill, which is why once again layers are a must.

I also have a light raincoat (no warm layer) that I still need to use in the summer when the weather isn’t cooperating!

My usual go-to for what to wear in Scotland in the warmer months in the cities are the following things, although it can vary a lot:

• Jeans, or shorts if it’s warm enough, but it has to be really warm for short shorts!
• A dress or skirt (with or without light leggings/tights depending on the temperatures. I have actually often started the day with tights on and taken them off partway through!)
• A light top, t-shirt, or shirt
• Cardigan or another layer like a light scarf to go around your shoulders for when it’s chillier – this is a cool design that has a pocket in it too!
• Summer coat for the colder days (yes, a summer coat is really a thing! Basically, a light coat you can layer with as appropriate. I have a trench-style coat like this in orange parka style one like this in green.)
• Footwear can vary between sandals, ballet flats, Converse , Adidas, or some other type of sneaker, depending on what your plans are and how far you’re walking. Sandals are the most unlikely unless you go for proper walking ones . But to be honest, the weather is rarely warm enough to justify packing them.
• Dress to go out in (but that can often double up as more casual during the day like this )

Spring and Autumn in the city

Spring is one of the best times to visit Scotland, as the weather seems to be more settled and the days are getting longer and warmer. Temperatures range from 7°C – 13 °C (45°F – 55°F) and the days just seem to be sunnier, although with the occasional run of rain.

Autumn is particularly changeable, and it can be hard to determine what to wear in Scotland at that time. Temperatures are roughly the same as spring ranging from 8°C – 14°C (46°F – 57°F) but it seems like the weather changes more often, swinging between sun and rain.

During these seasons layering is key. I usually switch to an in-between coat (I love my orange trench like this ), that is not quite as warm as my woollen winter coat but heavier than my light summer coat.

If you don’t own something like this, then it’s easy enough to drop a layer under your winter coat or add one under a summer coat.

I also usually carry my waterproof and stick to knee-high boots if I know it’s looking like it will rain.

Bringing thinner woollen layers like cashmere (more expensive) or merino means you don’t need to have bulky layers and take up more luggage space, although to be honest, if you don’t already own these, then your usual layers of long sleeves etc are probably fine unless you really feel the cold.

What to wear in Scotland in the smaller towns

If you’re heading out of the major centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow to smaller cities like Aberdeen or Inverness or to the small towns and the highlands then you’ll be able to stick to pretty much the above if you’re not doing any major outdoor activities.

But that’s usually why many people visit Scotland!

So you’ll likely want to add a few things to your Scotland packing list, even if you just want to do a couple of easy walks or get out into the countryside.

Footwear will be your biggest difference, as even if you want to do some short walks, I’d recommend good boots or shoes that are waterproof.

However, at the same time, you don’t need to spend a fortune! Don’t buy something you’ll never wear again.

You could look for something like these boots which will allow you to crossover between city and countryside easily and you can wear again at home.

If your shoes aren’t entirely waterproof, then a second pair of walking shoes helps, so that if your feet do get a bit wet you can always change and stay warm. 

What to wear while hiking in Scotland and doing outdoor activities

If you intend to do some hiking in Scotland during your trip, or even walking and exploring areas outside of the cities then you might want to consider some more “outdoorsy” clothes.

What to wear for outdoor activities is pretty much the same all year round, with the addition of layers of course!

• Good waterproof coat ( I like this too ) including a warm liner in the colder months ( I like this )
• Hiking boots or walking shoes that are waterproof
• Gaiters if you intend to be walking somewhere with long grasses or particularly wet. More for longer walks.
• Quick-dry or water-resistant trousers (my husband loves Craghoppers gear )
• Warm socks (you can even get waterproof socks ! Although I’ve never tried them myself.)
• Hat and gloves

On really short walks where I have checked that no rain is forecast, I will often just wear jeans or leggings with a t-shirt and jumper, and take my waterproof coat as a windbreaker.

However, if there is a chance of rain and you’re walking for long enough to have your trousers get wet I would definitely consider a waterproof or quick-dry type of bottom layer.

I love visiting Scotland’s islands, and the weather there can be particularly changeable, so be sure to have wet weather gear as well as warmer layers just in case, no matter the season. 

General Scotland Packing List

If the above is a bit overwhelming and you’re thinking, “This what to wear in Scotland thing is really complicated!” then here’s a cheat sheet list of the main things you’ll want to bring, whether you’re travelling mostly in towns or cities or spending time in the outdoors too. 

Coat/Jacket

Choose the thickness according to the season you’re visiting, but remember it does rain in Scotland at some point during all the seasons.

Considering something waterproof is usually useful even in the city. You can get stylish waterproof jackets too you know!

You want to be able to layer up or down underneath it, as appropriate. 

Boots/Shoes

I usually live in my knee-high boots in the city from late autumn through to early spring and switch to hiking boots if I’m in the countryside.

Consider footwear that can handle walking around the city or the countryside, like these .

Having two pairs of footwear is best so you can switch out of wet or muddy boots into something else at the end of the day. 

In the warmer months, I usually still wear covered shoes like Converse or Adidas, although I do have sandals that are occasionally brought out if the weather is unusually sunny and warm! 

Sweatshirts/Jumpers/Cardigans

Remember, layering is key, so you want something that’s warm but not too bulky, that way it’ll fit under a coat and you can remove it in you need to. For cooler weather, I like cardigans and sweaters like these.

I would only suggest thermals if you’re going somewhere in the highlands in the winter and intend to be outside a lot, otherwise, a simple vest top or t-shirt will work as a base layer. 

Jeans/Trousers

Think about the activities you have planned and if you need something more water-resistant .

If you want to go hiking then you likely do, or you’ll want comfortable and quick-dry leggings at least. Otherwise, regular jeans will likely do. 

Dressier outfit

Unless you’re planning a really fancy dinner and night out, it’s unlikely you’ll even need this!

For women, a dress and tights with boots or flat shoes will be fine for going out, and you can wear it during the day too, or even jeans with a dressier top.

For men, jeans or chinos plus any type of shoe or boot that’s not hiking boots would do fine.

Winter warmers

Think warm socks, a scarf or neck warmer, hat, and gloves.

Extras to Pack for Scotland

Aside from what to wear, there are a few extra things you should consider when packing for a Scotland trip.

Plug converter

I like this one that includes USB ports .

You’re going to want to take plenty of photos! I love my Sony a6000 mirrorless as it’s compact and light but takes great photos.

Reusable water bottle

Water from the tap in Scotland is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and for the environment!

A small flashlight may be useful if you’re staying in accommodation outside of the city, like glamping or pod accommodation, or a headlamp if you’re staying in a hostel. 

This can take many forms depending on what you like and your purpose.

My husband and I carry this camera backpack because we have a lot of gear, or I use a regular large handbag when I’m in the city.

You can also use a foldable backpack if you just want something to take out for day trips. 

Hand warmers

These little hand warmers can be really handy if you’re susceptible to cold.

Obviously, only if you have the room, but if you’re heading to the highlands or on a boat trip, consider some small binoculars to view wildlife. Especially if you’re looking for Puffins in the summer!

Midgie repellent

Midgies are small flying insects and are kind of like mosquitos in that they can be found in marshy areas but they bite.

They don’t seem to bother me too much (knock on wood!) but they definitely do some people so if you’re going out of the city in midgie season (May to September) them consider bringing repellent. Locals swear by Avon Skin So Soft lotion as a repellent!

Camping gear

Obviously, if you’re going camping (really only recommended in late spring and summer) then you’ll have a whole lot more gear you need to consider! I won’t go into an exhaustive list here. 

What to wear in Scotland for men

This post is pretty skewed towards a packing list for Scotland for women, mostly because I am one, but also because I think women’s clothing is harder to judge what to wear!

Men seem to need less variation, with the usual layers mentioned above being able to pass for city wear and outdoor wear too!

I have tried to include some tips for what to wear in Scotland for men throughout the post, but to recap, I think men would basically need the following:

• Jeans or chino style pants for in the city and possibly water-resistant or men’s travel pants if needed for walking and outdoor activities (although these ones could double for in town!)
• Layers for the top half, including t-shirts and warm sweaters that aren’t bulky
• A warm and ideally water-resistant or waterproof coat for winter (my husband loves his Craghoppers coat or a lightweight waterproof for warmer months)
• Water-resistant boots or shoes for winter, your regular shoes for summer, and hiking boots for outdoorsy stuff

You’ll notice I never did recommend an umbrella for Scotland, and that’s because I see far too many of them in the rubbish bin on rainy days!

If you are sticking to the cities and the wind is pretty much non-existent you could consider it, but it’s not something I would rush to pack for Scotland by any means. 

You shouldn’t need to do a huge shop for new clothes when you’re packing for Scotland, although, of course, it depends on what kind of climate you’re coming from.

Use your regular clothes for layers as much as possible, but consider investing in a decent waterproof coat and footwear to protect you from the elements, if you don’t already have them, and you should be fine!

Don’t worry if you get here and find you’ve forgotten something or haven’t quite packed the right clothes. There are plenty of shops on the high street where you can buy what you need!

Marks & Spencer have great winter coats and warm clothing in the winter, and stores stock Craghoppers and Regatta clothing lines too.

If you need outdoor gear you can always look at Mountain Warehouse or for a Go Outdoors store. 

That’s the lowdown on what to wear in Scotland and how to plan your Scotland packing list!

It might seem complicated, but at the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is layers and something waterproof!

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out these posts

• 22 Films to Watch Before You Visit Scotland
• 21 Free Things to Do in Glasgow
• Edinburgh Festivals in August Guide: What You Need to Know
• Edinburgh Itinerary: 2 Days in Scotland’s Capital
• 11 Reasons to Visit the Isles of Lewis and Harris
• Edinburgh in Winter: Things to Do & Reasons to Visit
• 25 Romantic Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples
• Scotland Road Trip: Edinburgh to Glencoe by Car
• 9 Lesser-Known Hidden Gems in Edinburgh
• 11 Reasons to Add Shetland to Your Scotland Itinerary
• 27 Amazing Things to Do in Orkney
• Heritage Travel in Scotland: Planning a Trip
• Two Days in Glasgow: What You Need to Know
• Harry Potter Locations in Scotland You Should Visit
• 32 Things to Do in Oban, Scotland
• 20 Things to Do in Aviemore, Scotland

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Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

38 thoughts on “ Packing List: What to Wear in Scotland Every Season ”

I am travelling to Glasgow in the first week of October for couple of days still confuse what to wear please guide me.

Hi Ajmal! I was just in Glasgow last weekend. You’ll need a coat of some sort although it’s not really cold yet so something a bit lighter is ok. It depends where you’re from though of course. I live in Edinburgh so don’t find it too bad but did notice some other tourists in hats and scarves too. Other than that just your normal city wear should be fine!

Im scottish i could just open my wardrobe and let you see …easy peasy lemon sqeezy

Hahaha same here!

i will be coming in mid march, will it be cold and raining

Yes it will still be fairly cold so I would definitely bring warm clothes and layers. As for rain, there’s always a chance in Scotland!

Thank you for the information you gave me.it was much appriciated

You’re welcome!

Your article is very helpful. I plan to be in the Edinburgh from Sept 28 th through October 13.

Hope you have a great trip!

Hey I’ll be in Edinburgh for a whole month( July) I’m still kind of confused what to bring with me. Should I bring light flowy beach dresses or should I stick with warm stuff?

Hi Aria! That’s exciting you’ll be here in July. I think somewhere in the middle! To be honest I’ve never worn a long flowy dress in Edinburgh because it’s usually too chilly! Even on a warm day it can be cold in the shade! But that could also be personal preference. Always think layers so if you want to wear a dress then have a cardigan or light coat for sure. I often wear jeans and a light top during the summer, or if it’s a really nice day then maybe a dress but always with something to put on over it.

I love this post. I’m traveling from the US to Glasgow and up to Inveraray in May. It’s myfirst trip to the UK. Your packing list is perfect. Thank you!

You’re welcome! Have an amazing trip!

Thank you for this treasure trove of information. I will be travelling to Glasgow in September. I now know exactly what to pack.

You’re welcome! Have a great trip!!

Thank you for this post. My sweet husband and I are considering visiting the first of September and being from Texas USA, I am accustomed to higher temperatures of 80 degrees F and above. This southern gal will need to not only bring hand warmers but toe warmers.

Haha good luck!! It may not be as bad as you think though :D.

Thank you for all the advice! My sister and I are heading to Edinburgh the last week of August and I have sent her this link!

Yay! Exciting, I hope you have an amazing trip!

Going to Edinburgh middle November. Agree with layering. Thanks for your suggestions!

You’re welcome! Hope you have a great trip!

Why do you say that umbrellas are “madness”? Is it just because of the wind? That said, is wind a constant in Scotland? Thank you

Hi Allan! Basically, yes. The wind isn’t constant but it’s also unpredictable, so you’re best to just go with a good waterproof and use that instead. 🙂

What an amazing and informative post! Thank you SO very much!!!

You’re welcome! Have a great trip!

I am going to Scotland the last two weeks of May. What clothing should we take. How do you dress for weddings

I would do layers for May as you don’t know what it will be like. Men usually wear a suit or kilt for weddings and women a dress, like a sundress or summery sort of dress would be nice at that time of year but with a coat for when it’s colder!

Im coming in april will the weather be chillie still april 9 to 18

Thank you for the wonderful advice! We will be spending 10 days in Scotland next August after we visit France for 2 weeks. It seems that I will have to pack very differently for these two destinations. Are sneakers considered too casual to wear in the evening to dinner? What types of shoes do most people wear in the summer in the city in the evening? Your advice is much appreciated!

No I think you’ll be fine with sneakers! There isn’t too much of a dresscode as such but for fancier restaurants people may dress up a bit more because they want to!

Just recently moved to Glasgow and your post was helpful! Thank you so much!

Thanks! Hope you’re settling in well 🙂

My husband and I are going to Scotland for 14 days in September. Your post is incredibly helpful and I refer to it often!

Thanks so much! Hope you have a great trip.

My husband and I will be attending the Clan Buchanan Inauguration Ceremony and Ceilidh. The dress code information for these events say women’s day wear (with Tartan Sash) and women’s evening wear (with Tartan Sash). I am still struggling with how dressy each of these should be. If you could shed some light on what is respectable attire for these events (a visual would be great) I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you – Linda

Hi Linda! How exciting! Unfortunately I’ve never been myself so it’s hard to know. But day wear would usually be a shorter (knee length or mid) dress or trousers and top and then I imagine evening wear is more of a longer dress. However, your best bet is to go back to them and ask for examples. I’d hate to steer you wrong! Best of luck and enjoy it!

I love this blog! I’m currently living in Scotland and I’m finding it so hard to decide what to pack! I’m going to have to bookmark this post!

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A Guide to The Best Clothes to Wear When Visiting Scotland

Scotland is a great place to take a break. The country welcomes around 151 million visitors each year , and it’s easy to see why. There are scenic walks, thousands of historic attractions, treks into the wilds of the Scottish Highlands, and day trips into the city delights of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

However, it’s important to know what to pack for Scotland in order to make the most of a visit to this amazing country. As someone who travels extensively around Scotland, I have a pretty good idea of the clothes and accessories needed for a sightseeing tour, so with that in mind, I’ve put together the following packing list that covers all the essentials you’ll need.

Essential Packing List for Scotland

Waterproof shoes or boots.

Although most visitors will want to get out into the Highlands as much as possible, Scotland’s weather can sometimes make this tricky. We experience a rather sodden 1500mm of rain per year on average and it’s not unknown for it to rain non-stop for 2-3 days at a time.

What’s more, winter temperatures rarely rise above 5°C, so this rainwater sticks around for ages. Like everything else on this list, the best footwear depends on when and where you’ll be travelling, but you’ll cover most situations with two types of shoes.

The first is a good pair of waterproof hiking boots. These are perfect for traipsing around the Highlands throughout the year, as even in summer you’ll inevitably find yourself crossing burns (streams), boggy ground, and rocky mountain slopes.

The second is lightweight, semi-open walking shoes. These can be worn without socks in the sea as they have drainage holes, and they can also be used as normal walking shoes when worn with socks. They can also save weight by doubling up as gym shoes, and if you get a semi-fashionable pair, they won’t look out of place when walking around the city.

Walking Socks

Not all socks are created equally, and when it comes to walking in Scotland you’ll save yourself from untold misery by adding walking socks to your kit list. If you intend on setting out on any lengthy walks, please do not think you’ll get by with a standard pair of socks.

Walking socks are specifically designed to reduce heat by allowing air to pass through the material, they have anti-blister padding on the sole and heel, and the toe seams are designed not to rub on bare skin. In addition, walking socks are made from blended materials that wick away sweat and the premium ones have a multi-zone build where different areas of the sock have different weights of cloth.

Walking socks also help to prevent blisters when layers of skin become separated due to friction which then leads to a painful fluid-filled lump. If the blister bursts it can become infected or at the very least be so painful you’ll have to cut your walking holiday short.

I advise getting two different types of socks for each shoe style – long socks to cover the neck of boots and low-cut socks to wear with walking shoes and shorts.

Following on from the above, if you do end up with blisters on your feet, the best treatment is to cover them with Compeed plasters. These plasters protect the blister’s sterile fluid bubble and give protection to the exposed raw skin of already-popped blisters. Unlike standard plasters, Compeed plasters have padding, they’re big enough to fully cover the blister, and they will stick to the foot even when it’s sweaty.

I created a guide about blister prevention treatments that tells you everything you need to know, but if you don’t have time to read it, I seriously suggest you just spend a few quid on a pack of Compeed plasters before you travel.

• INSTANT PAIN RELIEF: deep cushioning to relieve pressure and prevent painful rubbing.
• FAST HEALING: hydrocolloid active gel technology creates an optimal healing environment for foot blisters
• STAYS IN PLACE: adhesive, tapered edges so Compeed flexes with movement and won't rub off
• WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE & DISCREET: keeps natural moisture in and germs out, with translucent edges to help blend to the skin
• NEW INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED PLASTERS: makes it easy to take them with you. Fits perfectly in your pocket, wallet or phone case

Hiking Trousers and Shorts

Hiking trousers are an essential item of clothing if you’re sightseeing anywhere outside the city. As the name so subtly suggests, these trousers are designed for walking, though many premium brands won’t look out of place if worn on city day trips.

What sets hiking trousers apart is their combination of materials which are designed to protect skin from UV rays, provide abrasion resistance when clambering over rocks and boulders (unavoidable when Munro bagging ), are resistant to water, and allow cooling air to flow around the floppy unmentionable bits.

Do yourself a favour and skip the cheapo budget brands as they’ll likely fall apart after a few uses and will end up being a false economy. Instead, stick to big-name brands like Rab, North Face or my personal favourite, Berghaus.

There are two styles to look for when it comes to walking trousers – straight-leg or convertible. Straight legs are your basic trousers with, erm… straight legs, and convertible trousers have zips around the knees which allow the bottom sections to be removed, instantly turning them into shorts.

Personally, I prefer convertible trousers as their dual use comes in handy when the temperature changes or when entering an area with horrible, bitey midges . Straight-leg trousers are more fashionable as they don’t have a big zip midway up the leg and the material tends to be thicker, which makes them preferable for winter walks.

Summer hiking, meanwhile, is best done in a pair of hiking shorts which have lots of pockets as you’ll need somewhere to keep your gadgets when not wearing a jacket.

I’ve tried loads of brands but I have to give a big shout-out to KUHL shorts which have a UPF 50 rating, are ultra-durable, and are one of the few brands that feature zipped pockets. You’ll see these shorts in greater detail in his article: The Best Hiking Shorts to Wear in Scotland .

Quick-Dry Shirt

As an outdoor-centric country, you’ll find the majority of visitors that travel here spend a good deal of their time walking through Scotland’s beautiful landscapes. That’s all well and good, but in the height of summer the temperature can creep up towards 30°C (86°F) which means unprepared hillwalkers can find themselves overheating and quickly becoming drenched in sweat.

One of the best ways to combat sweaty armpits is to wear a T-shirt or base layer that’s designed to wick away moisture. Although plain cotton shirts are comfy, they’re not very good at drying out, as anyone who’s walked indoors wearing a damp shirt will already know.

A far better solution is to wear 100% polyester shirts, which are almost as soft as cotton but dry out much, much quicker. They’re also completely wrinkle-free, so you can scrunch them up in the bottom of a backpack without worrying about creases, and they’re great at allowing cool air to flow through the fibres.

There are a couple of negatives, though. Because polyester shirts are so breathable, they offer next to no protection from the wind, and they’re notorious for getting pulled threads when machine-washed.

As a top tip, you might consider checking out long-sleeved polyester shirts as well. These aren’t going to win any awards for style but I highly recommend them for summer hikes as the arms can be rolled down in the morning and evening when midges come out in force.

Waterproof Jacket

If you’re wondering what to wear in Scotland in winter, let me just say that choosing the right waterproof jacket can make or break your visit. The weather in Scotland is renowned for being changeable and while extreme temperatures are rare, intermittent rainy days are commonplace.

If you’re going to spend most of your time in a city it’s not too much of a concern as you can always pop into a shop or a cafe to escape a soaking, but in the Highlands (which is one of the wettest places in Europe) there’s rarely anywhere to hide.

One additional thing that needs mentioning is that the west coast of Scotland is one of the windiest places in Europe due to its position against the Atlantic, especially towards the northwest where there are an average of 30 days with gale force winds each year. With those two points in mind, if you’re heading into the Highlands and intend to walk into the wilderness, it’s highly recommended that you purchase the best waterproof jacket you can afford.

Ideally, the jacket will have a removable insulating inner layer that can be worn on its own as conditions dictate and an outer layer that’s designed to be windproof as well as rainproof. Look for features such as Gore-Tex, which is wind- and water-resistant while also being breathable, and make sure the jacket has air vents to allow built-up heat to escape.

With regards to water resistance, this is usually indicated as the hydrostatic rating which is in mm and shows how much water it can repel before the material starts to soak through. Anything under 5,000mm will only withstand light showers so look for 10,000mm as a minimum and ideally 20,000mm which will withstand prolonged use in heavy downpours.

Breathability is another consideration because if you get too hot you’ll sweat and end up feeling uncomfortable as well as lose precious water. The standard measurement for breathability is g/m2 and most consumer outdoor jackets range anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000g/m2.

The lower end is ok for walking around a city but if you’re going to head out on long walks or even bag a Munro or two, 15,000g/m2 will be the best option. As far as brands go, I prefer Rab, North Face, and Berghaus. I’d rate Rab as having the best outdoor performance, and Berghaus and North Face as being a little bit more stylish and practical.

Hat & gloves

While the old wives tale that you lose most of your heat through your head is a fallacy (you actually only lose around 10% from your noggin), a hat is still a recommended item to pack in your bag. Admittedly, most tourists will only visit Scotland in the summer when a hat is unnecessary, but for anyone touring the country outside of the peak season, I highly recommend taking a hat with you.

The best hats can be pulled down so they cover your ears, which stops the cold wind from blowing into them and causing earache, which is why I like to wear bog-standard beanie-style running hats. Scotland can certainly get cold, but it’s rarely so cold that you’ll need a full-face hat, and at a push, the most you’ll need in addition to a beanie hat is a decent scarf.

Gloves are another ‘handy’ addition to your cold-weather gear and I’ve finally settled on fingerless gloves after years of struggling to pull woollen mitts on and off every time I want to check my phone or operate my camera.

When choosing gloves, make sure they have Thinsulate weaved into them which is a thin layer of insulation that traps body heat while allowing moisture to escape. Any pair will do but I have a cheapo £5 pair from Amazon that have lasted around 3 years now and are still going strong.

Lightweight Backpack

As you read this article you’ll soon realise there are a ton of things to include in a packing list for a visit to Scotland, which is why I’ve included a lightweight backpack to carry it all. Keys, wallet, phone, water bottle, Haribo – essential items that all fit nicely into a backpack and leave pockets free for hands and sticks of chewing gum.

Unless you’re going on a long-distance walk you’ll be able to get by with a budget backpack while sightseeing, but you might consider investing in a more expensive hiking pack if you intend to follow trails like the West Highland Way .

I trudge all over the place in Scotland and have two types of bags that are invaluable for day trips and visits to tourist attractions.

The first is a small, lightweight daypack with zipped pockets. These bags don’t weigh much and are small enough to be barely noticeable when walking about, yet they’re big enough to hold water bottles, sandwiches, binoculars, and other sightseeing essentials. The zips add a little protection when used in the city, and there are additional pockets for things like tissues and midge repellent.

The other type of bag I recommend is a foldable fabric bag, which packs away into a tiny package not much bigger than a wallet. That means it can sit in a jacket pocket without being noticed and can then be unpacked whenever the need arises.

Suddenly decide to visit another attraction while out on the road? Grab a sarnie and a bottle of water, throw it in the bag, and off you go. The very fact that I always have a foldable backpack with me means it’s by far my most-used item of travel gear.

You don’t need a dry bag as such, but believe me, there’s a good chance you’ll wish you had one at some point while touring Scotland. Dry bags are cylindrical bags made from nylon or some other waterproof plastic with a rollable top. When the top is rolled down it’s secured in place with a plastic clip which makes it virtually waterproof, and most either have carabiners to attach to a belt or a built-in shoulder strap.

The reason why I say there’s a good chance you’ll need one in Scotland is that as a tourist, there’s a high probability you’ll be near water at some point either on a boat trip, on a beach or just in heavy rain.

Most bags claim water resistance but dry bags offer waterproofing – a big deal when carrying binoculars, a camera and a £1,000+ iPhone. What I do is keep a small dry bag rolled up in my backpack and shove anything expensive inside it when the heavens open.

The alternative is to cover your backpack with a waterproof cover but those things never fit right and always seem to get blown off in a strong wind. Get yourself a dry bag and never worry about H2O again.

I wrote a guide about binoculars which covers how to use them and what features to look for but I’ll summarise it by saying – you get what you pay for.

If you don’t yet have a decent pair of binoculars and only want a pair in case you happen to see a wild animal or point of interest while travelling then you may as well get a well-reviewed cheapo pair off Amazon. Cheap ones will have crappy optics but they’ll enable you to see further than your naked eyes will allow, and if you don’t use them or lose them it’s not much of an expense.

If you’re in any way serious about binoculars though, try to get the most expensive ones you can afford.

Premium binoculars from the likes of Canon, Olympus, and Pentax usually have nitrogen-filled lenses that prevent fogging and glass that prevents purple fringing around high-contrast objects. They also have a degree of water resistance and will be able to withstand being knocked about at the bottom of a bag.

I have two pairs. A cheap pair that cost around £20 on Amazon and another pair that cost almost £500. The cheap binos are always in my backpack as they’re small and light so they’re always available if I need them.

My expensive Canon’s, on the other hand, are only taken out when I know I’ll need them, but the optics are so far ahead of the cheap pair it’s night and day. The reason they cost so much is they have a gyro inside which smooths out all movements – an essential feature when looking far into the distance. It’s a lot of money but then the return on investment is more than worth it.

Battery Pack

With the ever-increasing number of gadgets that tourists take with them on holiday, there has been a rapid increase in the advance of portable power packs. Also known as portable chargers and power banks, they’re basically rechargeable high-capacity batteries that have outlet ports that can connect to mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches and anything else that uses low-voltage electricity.

You may think you don’t need one of these devices, but if you’re going to head into the Highlands, you could end up spending 2 or 3 days without going anywhere near a power socket. That means your phone will be out of juice before you know it, which could be catastrophic if your mobile device also doubles up as a GPS.

I’ve gone through a tonne of these things over the years, so I know by now which features to look for on a trip around Scotland, which begins with the amount of power it stores.

You want as much power as possible, so 10,000mAh should be the bare minimum for a camping trip. That will give your phone two full charges from empty so if you fully charge your phone before leaving home you’ll have around three full days of use.

20,000mAh is even better as it will give you twice the charges, but it will also be twice as heavy (expect a high-end charger to weigh around 350 grams) so decide on how long your outdoor trip will be before splashing out on a new power pack.

With regards to ports, USB C is always handy with newer devices but if you have an old Micro USB cable you can get Micro USB to USB C adaptors for a couple of pounds from Amazon. Brand-wise, I stick with Anker, as the quality of their gear is great and their customer service is second to none. Alternative brands that are decent are Mophie and Belkin.

Water Bottle

Scotland’s (and indeed the UK’s) water is some of the cleanest and safest to drink in the world so there’s no need to spend money on a wasteful bottle of spring water. As well as being bad for the environment, bottled water is frequently proven to be less pure than domestic tap water, and it’s significantly more expensive, at around 2,000 times the price.

Recent laws in Scotland mean that all licenced premises are legally obliged to provide free tap water fit for drinking upon request, so you’ll have no problem popping into a pub or restaurant and asking them to fill up your water bottle as you explore Scotland. You can also fill directly from domestic mains water taps and, if it’s directly from the mains supply, take water from bathroom taps.

As far as water bottle brands go, pretty much any will do, but there are two that I have that I love to bits.

The first is a big chunky stainless steel bottle from Amazon that I’m convinced is indestructible. This thing is a wee bit heavy but it holds a mammoth 2.2 litres and comes with a screw top lid and a lid with a straw. I’ve dropped it on rocks countless times, dropped it in the sea, trodden on it, and had the dog chew on it. It’s a bit battered after all that abuse, but it’s still going strong and will probably last me another 5 years.

The second bottle is nowhere near as strong, but it’s lighter and has a built-in water filter that filters out chlorine and other pollutants. Although Scottish tap water is safe to drink, you’ll find that some of the smaller islands frequently have peat-tainted water, which has an odd flavour.

My Brita water filter bottle removes all the impurities from the peat and produces water that’s crystal clear

In fact, I’ve filtered water from Highland streams many times with that bottle and never had a hint of an upset stomach afterwards. Top tip – check upstream for dead animals before drawing unfiltered water and do not take water that’s lying still in pools.

If you’re looking at this page in disbelief that sunscreen has been included in a Scotland packing list, let me tell you as a well-travelled hillwalker that this is one item that’s an absolute necessity. Yes, we get a lot of rainy days here in Scotland, but despite what you may have heard we also get a lot of sunny days too.

Due to its high latitude, here in Scotland we enjoy 1-3 hours more daylight on average than in England, so if you’re heading out on an all-day hike there’s a good chance you’ll be exposed to more harmful UV rays than you were expecting.

This is especially true in places like the western islands which often have their own micro-climates such as the Isle of Tiree (AKA ‘the Hawaii of the North’) which is one of the sunniest places in Britain with over 1,500 hours of sunshine annually.

Ultraviolet radiation is categorised as UVA, UVB, and UVC, so when looking for a sunscreen, it’s important to get one that blocks all three. While UVC is the most hazardous, the ozone layer almost completely blocks it, whereas UVB is weaker but is the wavelength that causes sunburn and the most damage to the skin’s outer layers.

Skin cancer is a horrible disease and it can be drastically reduced by using sunscreen so I suggest forgetting about a tan and buying the highest-rated sunscreen you can find.

Sunscreen strength is rated in SPF, otherwise known as Sun Protection Factor, which indicates how long skin takes to redden with the product compared to bare skin without it. Higher ratings are generally SPF 30, which allows about 3% of UVB rays to hit your skin, while SPF 50 allows 2% of UVB through. The difference between 2% and 3% may seem small, but consider that SPF 30 allows 50% more UVB radiation onto your skin than SPF 50.

Midge Repellent

Another reason to visit Scotland is to see the varied wildlife that makes its home on these shores. Wildcats, Highland cows , puffins and red squirrels are all native to Scotland so nature enthusiasts will love a trip to this country. The only downside is that Scotland is also home to another creature that can be considered a pest more than anything else. That creature just happens to be the midge.

Anyone who has spent time around these insects will know just how much of a pain they can be as their bites are itchy and they come in such large swarms that it’s almost impossible to avoid them. Fortunately, a healthy dose of midge repellent should be enough to keep them away during your trip, but with so many variants on the market, it’s difficult to know which one to choose.

Midges can have such an effect on a tour of Scotland that I created two articles about them, both of which I recommend reading before setting foot in the great outdoors.

The first is Midges in Scotland which covers what they are, where they live, and how to avoid them. The second article is The Best Midge Repellents which covers the top (you guessed it) midge repellents to use in Scotland.

If you don’t have time to read those articles, I’ll cut to the chase and tell you that midges are found all over the Highlands and West Coast islands from May to September, mostly in the morning and evening and predominantly anywhere that’s wet or boggy.

There are a few tricks to avoid getting bitten, such as covering yourself in Avon Skin So Soft , but I swear by Smidge, which is a chemical-free lotion that lasts most of the day and is water-resistant. Smidge is only £7-8 a bottle, so you should get at least two if you’re travelling anywhere on the west coast, but if you’re sleeping overnight in a tent, I also recommend lighting a midge candle or using a Thermacell butane midge protector.

If you take away nothing else from this article, make sure you add midge repellent to your packing list for Scotland in summer.

Walking guide & map

In today’s age, physical walking maps are a rare sight because most people have access to Google Maps on their phones, meaning they can quickly find their location with a quick swipe of the screen. However, this feature requires a solid internet connection, and you won’t receive one of those when wandering around most of the Highlands.

One of the benefits of a visit to Scotland is its vast landscapes which are amongst the lowest populated areas in Europe. Unfortunately, it’s quite easy to get lost in these places if you’re new to the area so a map and a compass are essential to keep as a backup.

As far as paper maps go, the only ones worth considering are Ordnance Survey Maps which blow all others out of the water when it comes to detail and accuracy. OS Maps have been going since 1801 so they know a thing or two about what it takes to make a good map, and to be honest, they’ve perfected them.

When you head to the OS Maps store you’ll find two types – Landranger and Explorer – which I’ll explain below. I use both but tend to prefer Landranger as they cover a much larger area than Explorer maps but are still detailed enough for casual walks.

OS Explorer Maps : Best for walking, mountain biking, and finding footpaths. 1:25,000 scale (4cm = 1km in real world).  Buy OS Explorer maps direct from Ordnance Survey .

OS Landranger Maps : Best for road cycling, touring by car, and finding attractions. 1:50 000 scale (2 cm = 1 km in real world).  Buy OS Landranger maps direct from Ordnance Survey .

An alternative to paper maps is a dedicated GPS device with built-in maps. While you could use your phone with an OS Maps subscription (where you own every single OS Map for less than £30 a year) I now have a dedicated GPS unit and never use my phone as a GPS anymore.

The reason is that phones are hopeless in sunlight as you can barely make out anything on the screen and the battery life is woefully inadequate for long hikes. Plus, dedicated buttons will always be better than a glossy screen in the rain.

Something like a Garmin eTrex lasts a full day of continued use, is waterproof, and can have walking routes uploaded to it. If a GPS device floats your boat I recommend heading to the OS Maps store before Amazon as they often have 20% sales on their products.

Other Essentials

Anyone who has visited a new country before will know how important it is to travel with the right currency. If you don’t have the correct legal tender you’ll be refused essential goods and services, so get this sorted before you leave.

Note that Scotland uses the pound sterling which is the same currency as the rest of the UK. This means that you’ll be dealing with £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes during your trip. However, Scotland does have some interesting traditions.

In terms of day-to-day use, there are no issues with using either Scottish or English notes in Scotland because banks and shops will always accept them, whereas some English shops will reject Scottish notes purely because the trader receiving them is unsure of their authenticity.

The reason for this confusion is that Scotland has a few alternative designs for its bank notes, meaning they appear quite different from notes printed by the Bank of England.

While Scottish notes are rare in most of England and Wales they are the predominant currency in circulation in Scotland, though most Scottish traders also handle Bank of England notes due to the vast number in circulation.

To cut a long story short, if you’re visiting Scotland from overseas and plan on travelling around England as well as Scotland, you should consider obtaining your banknotes in England. If you’re only going to spend your time in Scotland, then don’t worry about where your banknotes come from.

The whole English/Scottish banknotes drama has a long history behind it that goes back hundreds of years so if you’d like to know more about it take a look at this article: Can You Use English Pounds in Scotland?

For the most part, Scotland is a relatively risk-free country to visit. However, it’s always sensible to travel with the right insurance. Scotland is part of the UK which means that all drivers must obey its road laws. This, in turn, means ensuring that you arrange to have car insurance if you hire a car anywhere in Britain.

It shouldn’t cost much for a 1-2 week trip, and most car rental companies will arrange insurance for you. If you’d rather sort out your own insurance, though, you might consider visiting Quotezone.co.uk for car insurance comparisons or click here to get an immediate quote .

In addition to car insurance, you should take out a travel insurance policy if you’re visiting from overseas. Make sure you don’t skimp on features and as a minimum make sure the policy includes repatriation to your home country if you become very ill.

Also, if you’re travelling to Scotland to take part in sports such as golf or skiing, you might consider taking out golf cover, which includes personal liability insurance, and ski cover, which includes piste closure cover.

In those two instances, I’d also include equipment damage cover and loss/theft of equipment cover unless you intend to hire everything when you get here. Sightseeing tourists, meanwhile, should add legal expenses cover, lost luggage cover, and trip interruption cover to their policies. These insurances are rather complex, but necessary, so I’ve created a separate guide that will explain everything you need to know: Do I Need Travel Insurance to Go to Scotland?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i wear jeans in scotland.

It’s perfectly acceptable to wear jeans in Scotland, but they are not suited to long camping trips as they have no ventilation and take a long time to dry out.

Jeans are ideal for walking around Scotland’s cities, and a smart pair is acceptable to wear in the evening. Wearing jeans in a restaurant in Scotland is fine, but most people will smarten up the look with a collared shirt.

What do you wear in Scotland to not look like a tourist?

Scottish people do not care what visitors look like so there’s no problem looking like a tourist wherever you go. However, you can blend in by keeping cameras out of sight and keeping voices low indoors.

The most important point to remember to not look like a tourist is DO NOT wear a cheap tartan kilt outfit. The majority of Scots only wear kilts to formal events such as weddings and these expensive kilts are a very long way from the cheap ones sold in gift shops.

Can you wear sneakers in Scotland?

Sneakers are ideal for sightseeing in Scottish cities in warm weather but they are not suitable footwear in the Highlands or anywhere in Scotland in winter.

This is because Scotland is one of the wettest countries in Europe and sneakers will soak through on a long sightseeing tour, plus the sole grips are insufficient for hill walking. Ideally, wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes for a winter visit to Scotland.

Do I need cash in Scotland?

Visitors do not need to take cash to Scotland as almost every retailer will accept card payments as well as payments via mobile devices. However, some small notes (£5, £10) will be handy with small vendors such as coffee shops in remote locations. Note that cash is useful when taking a car to Scotland as many car parks only accept coins.

Related Posts

A Guide to Scotland’s Winter Weather

How Much Should You Tip in Scotland?

How to Save Money on Train Tickets in Scotland

How to Prevent Tick Bites in Scotland

A Guide to Giant Hogweed in Scotland

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Scotland | 0

Scotland is a paradise for nature lovers. It has mountains, rolling hills, wide-open moors, mirror-like lochs and a myriad of picture-perfect islands. And because of that, you can experience all types of weather in one day, whatever the season. So, what do you pack when you need to prepare for, well, everything? 

In this article, I’ve shared my top tips for what to wear in Scotland if you’re visiting in spring, summer, autumn or winter! I’ve also included links to products I personally use and travelled with, so each recommendation is practical too. 

I know how daunting packing for changeable weather can be. I backpacked around Scotland in autumn, so I had to pack light and with practicality in mind. There was limited room for ‘just in case’ items. 

It’s an eco-friendly packing list to ensure your travels have a lighter footprint. So, read on to discover your complete packing list for Scotland!

Editor’s tip: Use what you already have but if you’re in the market for a packing list update, I’ve included my eco-friendly recommendations. 

Weather in Scotland

Talking about the weather is a big part of Scottish culture.

They love to have a laugh about the prevailing wind, rain and cold. To be honest, they rarely exaggerate!

But don’t worry, with some careful planning and some key essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for Scottish weather. 

As the author Alfred Wainwright once said: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”

Months: March, April, May 

Average temperatures : 7°C (45°F) to 13 °C (55°F)

Spring in Scotland is a lovely time to visit. While many activities are still closed for the winter during early March, towards the end of the month and into April and May, the weather is milder and flowers are in bloom. 

You can expect to see the likes of daffodils, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons!   From March through to early April, the weather is still pretty cool.

March, in particular, is prone to lots of rain (more than 22 days!) and even snow. Pack for cooler weather during this time and warmer weather into May. If in doubt, layers will see you through.

Months : June, July, August

Average temperatures: 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F)

Summer is the warmest and busiest season. Although temperatures don’t tend to get scorching (unless there’s a heatwave!), Scotland benefits from long summer days.

In fact, Shetland gets four hours more daylight than London in summer.

You can really make the most of your days at this time. It’s still a good idea to pack for wind and rain even if it looks like a heatwave is planned – just to be on the safe side…

Months: September, October, November

Average temperatures: 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F)

Autumn is another gorgeous time to visit as the landscape is awash with orange and red from the turning leaves. It’s a beautiful time of year for hiking. 

Daylight hours start to dwindle so be prepared for longer, cooler evenings. Pack for rain too. Towards the end of October and November, some attractions like the Jacobite steam train close for the winter – so that’s worth bearing in mind in case they’re on your bucket list. 

In September, you can get away with packing for cool summer weather.

Towards the end of October through to November, you’ll want to pack more layers. It’s essentially the spring packing list in reverse.

Months: December, January, February

Average temperatures: around 5°C (41°F)

Temperatures are certainly chilly during this time of year, and you can expect heavy snowfall in the Highlands. For this reason, winter is a good time to visit if you want to go skiing.  Hiking is a lot more challenging, though. 

Although some attractions are closed, don’t let that put you off. Scotland is magical in winter. I visited Edinburgh in December , and the Christmas market was in full swing. 

In January, there’s Hogmanay and Burns Night too. In the remote Highlands and Islands, you can even have a chance to see the Northern Lights!

Best time to visit Scotland

The best time to visit Scotland really depends on what you want to get out of your trip. In fact, I would recommend any time of year to visit Scotland!

If you don’t mind the cold, winter is a lovely time to visit, particularly in December and January when there are plenty of cosy festivities to enjoy. However, you’re a little limited if you want to get out into nature due to snow and other weather hazards.

Summer is another lovely time to visit. Although temperatures can get quite hot in places, you have the benefit of lovely long summer nights – longer than the south of England! You just have more tourists around and accommodation gets booked up fast.

For quieter trips but with mild weather, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are perfect. In spring, the flowers are just coming out in bloom, and autumn paints the landscape a beautiful rusty orange.

Wondering what to pack for the season? Scroll down to find out!

Pack for the trip you’re planning 

Discover your complete Scotland packing list below

Before you put your packing list together, think about what you’re planning to do in Scotland. The type of trip you want to take will influence what you need to pack. 

There are so many ways to explore Scotland – whether it’s backpacking, road tripping, wild camping, campervanning or using public transport. 

The packing list I’ve outlined below is primarily for those who want to get outdoors and explore nature during their time in Scotland. This means light hikes, island hopping, cycling and being fairly active. 

I’ve left out specialist hiking and camping gear to keep it simple. You can find places to rent that gear, though if you need to.

So on that note, here’s what to pack for a trip to Scotland. 

A quick note on how to dress in Scotland: I would always err on the side of comfort when packing for Scotland. You’ll be much better for it. That means layers, practical footwear and always a raincoat. There’s no particular dress code unless you’re staying at exceptionally fancy hotels.

General packing essentials 

I recommend taking these items below no matter what: 

• Passport – of course (unless you’re from the UK!).
• Visa – check if you need one here. 
• Driver’s licence – for driving and proof of ID.
• Credit / debit card – I use Monzo as you can track your spending in real-time, choose which currency you would like to pay in and there are no fees unless you take out more than £200 in cash!
• Travel insurance – at the risk of sounding like a parent… you should always make sure you’re covered for any eventuality no matter what you plan to do. I use Battleface. It has great plans at affordable prices.

Backpacks I recommend for Scotland 

A good backpack is a must when travelling to Scotland – particularly if you’re going to be on the go and spending time outdoors. 

The brand that does it for me is Osprey. Its bags are comfortable, good quality and well-built for being on the road. 

Osprey Arcane Roll Top

For a small daypack, I recommend the unisex Arcane Roll Top which carries up to 22L. It’s practical but looks nice enough when you’re out and about sightseeing or going for dinner in the city. It’s also made from certified recycled fabric!

Osprey Fairview 40

For a medium-sized carry-on, I love the Osprey Fairview 40 for women ( Farpoint for men ). I took this one with me on a 10-day trip to the Highlands and Islands and it kept my belongings safe even in the rain!  It has plenty of pockets to keep your items organised and comes in a range of styles and sizes (if you want more than 40 litres) to suit you.

Osprey Renn 65

For a larger backpack, the Renn 65 for women ( Rook for men ) has a ventilated backsystem so no sweat – and a rainproof lid to handle rainy days. Great if you’re camping or spending a lot of time outdoors!

Editor’s tip: Packing cubes are essential for keeping your bag in order. You can divide up your clothes into clean and dirty, keep them in one place and compress them to give you more space in your bag! There are some fancy ones out there but I think these ones do the job well enough. 

What to wear in Scotland 

If I could summarise ‘how to dress in Scotland’ into one word, it would be – layers! 

Since you can experience all types of weather in a day no matter what the season, it’s a good idea to bring enough clothes to layer up or down. 

Build a capsule wardrobe of items that can be mixed and matched and worn in a variety of different ways so you have a range of outfits you can wear. A good capsule wardrobe can last you months!

As a general rule, try to pack clothes that can last several wears and don’t easily crease. Clothes made from materials like bamboo are perfect! 

Ideally, use what you own already, but if you’re looking for a few new clothes, I’ve listed some of my favourite ethical fashion brands to help. 

Here’s what to wear in Scotland for every season: 

• T-shirts  – good for layering.
• Long-sleeved tops – made from bamboo if possible as it’s a sustainable material that’s breathable and moisture-wicking! I live in these ones by BAM. They’re so soft and comfortable. They come in lots of different colours too.
• Lightweight jumpers / fleece / hoodies / cardigans – whatever your style really.
• Water and windproof jacket – the best jacket for Scotland for me is this one from Rapanui. It’s stylish, sustainable and it kept me warm and dry in the Scottish September weather and riding on boats around the Isle of Mull! It’s made from certified sustainable organic cotton canvas with a soft organic cotton layer inside.

Bottoms 

• Jeans – for casual sightseeing
• Leggings – for light hiking, exploring and other activities. I practically lived in mine while travelling in Scotland. I love my bamboo yoga leggings from BAM for something looser and more casual that still looks stylish. These ones are also great for hiking and they’re durable too. 
• Dress or skirt – for when you want to be smarter. A good idea if you want to take a photo on the Jacobite steam train!
• Pair of trousers t hat are smarter than leggings and comfier than jeans 
• Pyjamas 

Smalls 

• Enough underwear for the trip – these ones are sustainable for extra points
• Enough socks for the trip – again, BAM does great bamboo socks!

Scotland packing list for each season 

Scotland’s climate is moderate but it can change depending on the region you’re in. You could get rain, drive 20 minutes down the road and get sun – and vice versa! 

In Scotland, it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a day. That’s why I recommend packing layers so you can be prepared for any eventuality. 

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the seasons and what I suggest you bring with you. 

Simply combine the appropriate season with the clothes packing list above to get a complete packing list for Scotland. 

What to pack for Scotland in spring 

• Light scarf
• Optional gloves
• Hoodie to go underneath your raincoat 
• A few warm jumpers  

What to pack for Scotland in summer 

On top of your essentials, you should pack: 

• Sun hat 
• Extra t-shirts 
• Extra skirt or dress 
• After sun – for sun burn 
• Hiking sandals 
• Light jacket for the evening 

Editor’s tip: What about swimwear? The seas around Scotland are jokingly described as ‘baltic’ so they can be chilly all year round. Having said that, there are some lovely places to go wild swimming in Scotland – including lochs and on the coast. If you do fancy a dip, I recommend packing a wetsuit unless you can handle the cold!

What to pack for Scotland in autumn

• Light warm scarf
• Light gloves 
• A few more warm jumpers 
• Hoodie to go underneath your raincoat and make it warmer

What to pack for Scotland in winter

• Super warm winter jacket  – this one from Jack Wolfskin has a vegan insulation that’s just like duck down. It’s also very breathable, lightweight and stretchy for when you want to stuff it away. There’s also a choice of four colours and it’s made from certified sustainable fabrics!
• Scarf – this one is made from cosy recycled merino wool
• Thick socks  – or even heated ones like these!
• Warm jumpers 
• Optional thermals 
• Warm sleepwear
• Optional camera equipment for photographing the Northern Lights! 

Best shoes and boots for Scotland 

The best footwear for your trip to Scotland really depends on what you plan to do. At a minimum, you can get away with taking two pairs of shoes. One for casual sightseeing and walking about and one that’s more robust for hiking. 

You could take a pair of flats in case you want something dressier. It just depends on how much you’re willing to carry!

The shoes and boots I recommend are: 

During the warmer months, I love Tropicfeel. Hailed as the ‘ultimate travel shoe’ the brand’s terrain sneakers are lightweight, comfy, breathable and water-resistant. It’s sustainable and perfect for day-to-day activities and light hiking. 

Timberland waterproof boots are a safer bet for winter as they’re sturdy, practical and warm. They’re suitable for light hiking too. 

Hiking boots

If you’re planning to get out into nature then a pair of good hiking boots are a must! My personal favourite pair is WVS Waterproof Hiking Boots from Will’s Vegan Store. 

I wore them during my own trip to Scotland and they saw me through hiking, island hopping, riding electric bikes and more! 

In fact, I wore them new during my trip – which isn’t recommended as you should break boots in first. I didn’t get a single blister though!

These hiking boots are also ethically made, carbon neutral and vegan. A win for ethical outdoor gear. You can read my review of them here. 

Scotland hiking packing list 

Planning on getting outdoors and hiking in Scotland? Make sure you stay safe and follow the principles of Leave No Trace to protect the environment. 

Here are some of my favourite outdoor gear I use: 

• Lightweight hiking trousers – I love these ones from BAM. They’re comfortable, come in a range of colours and look stylish too.
• Lightweight raincoat – Rapanui still works, otherwise, Jack Wolfskin is a good option too!
• Vegan walking boots – did you know that a lot of hiking boots contain animal derivatives in them? These ones are ethical, vegan and waterproof. I hiked all over Scotland in them, and they’re still going strong! 
• Walking socks – these ones are super comfortable, breathable and stop you from getting blisters!
• Daypack 
• Water filter bottle 
• Optional walking poles – to give you an extra push up those hills! These ones fold up so you can easily stash them away when you’re not using them. 

Note: you wouldn’t think outdoor gear could harm the environment. Sadly, a lot of gear with durable water repellency contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), synthetic chemicals which are toxic and non-biodegradable. They get washed or brushed off your gear and contaminate the environment. All gear in this Scotland packing list is PFC-free. 

Zero waste toiletries 

One of the easiest ways to be sustainable in your Scotland packing list is to bring zero waste and eco-friendly toiletries. This means avoiding products with excess plastic packaging like mini toiletries. After all, the last thing we all need is more plastic! 

This also means staying clear of products with damaging chemicals like chemical-based sunscreen that harms aquatic life. 

If you want to limit liquids, choose solid versions. They last longer, there’s no excess packaging, and you don’t have to worry about liquid allowances – easy! 

It’s important to make sure your footprint in Scotland is a positive one. Here are my recommendations to help: 

• Shampoo bar – I’m a massive fan of solid shampoo bars, but I know it’s not easy finding one that works for you (I’ve tried a few dodgy ones in my time!). I use this one from Ethique and haven’t looked back since. This one is also a conditioner rolled into one! For the record, my hair is fine so I avoid heavy products.
• Conditioner bar – this one, also by Ethique, is great!
• Cleanser bar – I use Gallinée . For an excellent liquid version, I use Faace! Its range of no-nonsense cleansers are great for on-the-go. 
• Soap bar – I use Dr Bronner’s as a body wash
• Soap tin – handy for all your solid toiletries. They will help keep them in good condition and prevent them from turning to mush in your bag!
• Moisturiser – go for a bar like this one. 
• Face cream – Beauty Kitchen is my go-to.
• Natural deodorant – this brand is my favourite eco-friendly deodorant. It’s natural AND works. Plus the scents are lovely too!
• Shaving soap – this one gives you smooth skin. 
• Reusable razor – ditch single use plastic and go for a stainless steel razor instead. It’s travel-safe too. Extra razors will need to be stored in your checked luggage though. 
• Sunscreen – no matter what time of year you travel to Scotland, it’s always important to wear sunscreen. I love Green People. It’s natural, organic and reef-safe. Plus it rubs in well without leaving streaks.
• Reusable containers – for liquids in carry-on luggage. Fill these up from your full-sized toiletries rather than buying mini versions. 
• Reusable face cloths – much better than single-use wipes!
• Your fave makeup – whatever you like to use. Great eco makeup brands are Zao and Odylique. 
• Bamboo toothbrush – banish plastic and go for a bamboo toothbrush. They’re effective and cleaner for the environment!
• Bamboo toothbrush case – keep your toothbrush hygienic in your bag by stashing it in a bamboo case.
• Toothpaste tabs – if you really want to keep liquids to a minimum, Brushd does toothpaste in tablet form which you nibble on and brush as normal. There are fluoride and fluoride free options. 
• Hairbrush 
• Lightweight microfibre towel – super quick drying and always handy to have!
• Insect repellent – for midges… 
• First aid kit – a basic kit with plasters, bruise cream and something for an upset stomach is always handy to have. Make sure you have blister plasters in there too! 

Editor’s tip : as beautiful as Scotland is, it’s plagued by midges, a small biting fly. They’re often found in the Scottish Highlands and islands and come out at dawn and dusk. Although no time of day is safe – except maybe night time. Discover more about midge season in Scotland. I recommend stashing repellent in your bag just to be safe, even when travelling in winter!

Eco-friendly travel essentials 

These items listed below are standard travel essentials that make your packing list a little bit more eco-friendly without much effort. They can even help you save money too!

Take the filtered water bottle , for example, you can safely use it at any freshwater source around Scotland, so you never have to buy a plastic water bottle. It’s a win for your wallet and the environment. 

Eco-friendly travel products for Scotland I always travel with: 

• Filtered water bottle – time to ditch single-use plastic water bottles for good now that you can easily get safe drinking water wherever you go. I love Water-to-Go as it’s a great bottle for an affordable price. Read my full review here. 
• Reusable tote bags – these are always handy for shopping, laundry, shoes etc and are much better than plastic!
• Reusable cutlery set – great for eating on the go if you’re hiking or on a road trip. This one has a bamboo straw, and cleaner included and is kept safe in a handmade cotton pouch
• Stainless steel lunch box – this one is great for packed lunches and leftovers!
• Reusable coffee cup – enjoy a cuppa on the go without using a disposable cup. This silicone one is collapsible so you can stash it away when you don’t need it.
• Menstrual cup – it’s zero waste, eco-friendly, and you don’t have to stuff your bag with tampons!
• Period pants – these are an absolute game-changer! They’re comfy, odour-free and effective. Super easy for travel too. Have a few pairs with you and stash them in a bag to keep them separate from your other belongings until you’re able to wash them. Read my WUKA review to find out how they work when travelling.
• Guppyfriend wash bag – if you’re doing laundry, it’s good to have a Guppyfriend as they catch microplastics and fibres that your clothes shed in the wash. 
• Hand sanitiser – this one is gentle and moisturising on your hands. 
• Reusable and washable face masks – much more eco-friendly than disposable ones!

Electronics to pack 

Here’s a list of the electronics I recommend taking to Scotland. You can pick and choose which ones you take depending on what type of trip you’re planning to take. Just make sure you bring the right chargers for them!

• Camera – a good camera is essential for making the most of Scotland’s breathtaking scenery. I use my mirrorless Sony A6000. It’s lightweight and a good quality camera at an affordable price. These days, phone cameras are also pretty good too. It really comes down to preference. 
• Camera protector – keep your camera safe when shooting in wet or drizzly weather!
• Camera bag – good for keeping your camera safe on the go. 
• Gorilla pod and remote – Gorilla pods are small portable tripods you can stash in your bag (better than a tripod). These are great for long-exposure shots and solo travellers!
• GoPro – optional but handy if you want to do some cool water shots. 
• USB cable – a very handy piece of kit to have. 
• Portable charger – I always have one of these with me and keep it fully charged, so I’m not caught out with a phone drained of battery. 
• Universal travel adapter – always essential. Scotland follows the UK plug type. Nevertheless, I like this one . 
• Earphones – for listening to music or podcasts when on a road trip 
• Chargers – for all your electronics! 

Books about Scotland 

Get a deeper understanding of Scottish history and culture by reading about it as you travel – or before you go! Below are a few of my favourite fiction and nonfiction books about Scotland: 

• The Lost Queen Trilogy by Signe Pike – if you’re a fan of historic / Arthurian literature, you’ll love this series. These books follow the story of Queen Langoureth, twin sister of Merlin, back to a time before modern Scotland. They’re brilliantly written, and you can still visit some of the locations they’re set in today. 
• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – the hugely popular book and TV series deserves a mention here as they’ve been instrumental in inspiring many trips to Scotland! Claire, from the 1940s, finds herself travelling back in time to 1740s Scotland, where she meets a Highlander named Jamie. The rest is history (or thereabouts).
• Rebus’s Scotland by Ian Rankin – for some nonfiction, this book is a guided tour of Scotland and highlights the locations that inspired the author’s famous Inspector Rebus novels. 

Optional extras 

Some non-essential extras that are always handy: 

• Sleeping mask – I can’t sleep without mine!
• Earplugs – to arm yourself against snorers or noisy hotels.
• Torch – always handy 
• Oversized scarf – for extra warmth and comfort. Essentially, a portable blanket.
• Sunglasses – handy for both summer and winter. 

What NOT to pack for Scotland 

And here’s a list of things you definitely don’t need to take with you: 

• Mini travel toiletries – expensive, and all single-use plastic make these hard avoid. Opt for solid toiletries or use refillable containers if you want to cut down on weight and liquids. 
• High heels and fancy clothes – it depends what sort of trip you’re planning but generally speaking, if you’re travelling to Scotland, then you’ll want to get out and enjoy the outdoors where heels and fancy outfits aren’t needed. This also includes places like Glasgow and Edinburgh, where cobblestone streets make wearing heels a risky business! I’d pack one dressier outfit if you want to go somewhere nice. 
• Expensive jewellery – leave this at home too. 
• Wheely suitcase – if you’re going to be on the go a lot, a wheely suitcase will only annoy you. 
• Hairdryer – most hotels already have one, so save your suitcase space. If you’re not sure, check your accommodation’s amenities at the time of booking. 
• Umbrella – honestly, one gust of wind makes umbrellas more of a pain than their worth. A raincoat is a much better choice, particularly when you’re out in nature!
• Loads of cash – even in the remote Highlands, most places accept card payments. Use a bank card rather than lugging wads of cash around. It’s safer, too. 
• Heavy books – as much as I love them, books can be cumbersome. If, like me, you’re tempted to pack half a library, take a kindle instead. Your back will thank you. 
• Expensive electronics – it’s just not worth the risk. Unless you’re working remotely, leave your laptop at home. Take a tablet if you don’t want to be completely without. 

Scotland packing list: Final thoughts 

So that concludes my packing list for Scotland that will keep you covered for every season. The key takeaways to take from this guide are layers are your secret weapon. A raincoat is a must and arm yourself with midge repellent. Wear a good pair of shoes too. 

Scotland is a top sustainable travel destination. You can help it stay that way by keeping single-use plastic to a minimum in your packing list, leaving nature exactly the way you found it and avoiding PFC gear. 

And if you’re planning your Scotland trip, be sure to check at more of my itineraries and guides below packed with tips, must-dos and more!

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out these posts!

• Everything You Need To Know About Planning A Trip To Scotland
• 9 Best Scotland Small Group Tours You Need To Book (2022)
• 15 Most Unique Eco-Friendly Getaways in Scotland
• Isle of Skye 2 Day Itinerary: Amazing Things To Do
• 10 Days in the Scottish Highlands: The Ultimate Itinerary
• Caledonian Sleeper Train Review: Is The Classic Room Worth The Hype?

Inspired? Pin for later!

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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Last Updated on 04/01/2024

Ultimate Scotland Packing List: What to Wear in Scotland

By: Author Laura Bronner

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2024

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This Scotland packing list should help you figure out exactly what to wear in Scotland in summer, in winter, and the shoulders seasons in between.

This list is mostly catered for what women should wear in Scotland since that’s really where my expertise lies, however, the general tips in this article about the weather and how to dress for it can help whoever is interested in traveling to Scotland.

This packing list would work perfectly for a complete UK travel itinerary that includes stops in England and Wales as well.

Where to Go in Scotland

What to wear in Scotland depends largely on two things: where you are going and what time of year you are visiting.

What you wear in Edinburgh and Glasgow in winter will be vastly different from what you wear in Dundee or along the coast in the summertime.

I have written about a ll of the things I love in Edinburgh here . 

If you are traveling by van or want to check out some great road trips, I highly recommend checking out The Whole World or Nothing . Sarah and James and their baby girl Ady have been traveling around Scotland and England for over a year in their van and have shared some seriously beautiful places to see on their YouTube channel . 

If you are planning a trip to the UK in wintertime, I highly recommend braving the cities. There are fewer tourists, which means no lines to get into the wonderful museums or to explore the top bars and restaurants. I loved Aberdeen in winter and Edinburgh at the end of the autumn/start of winter.

It’s simply magical in the snow as well!

Save the coastal regions and the far north for when the ice thaws and the roads are better for road tripping. 

Cloudy days with blue skies peaking through can happen quite often if you visit during the autumn months! (it doesn’t make it any warmer though!).

Weather in Scotland Throughout the Year

Scotland can have very different weather in different parts of the country. The weather in Glasgow in November and December will likely be quite different from that of Aberdeen or Inverness. 

In general, no matter what time of year you are there, you can expect some precipitation. Whether it’s mist, rain, sleet, or snow, there’s usually some moisture in the air in Scotland. 

June, July, and August are the warmest times of the year with average highs of about 60°F or 15°C. It’s not exactly balmy beach weather, but it’s great for hiking and exploring. The best part about summer in Scotland isn’t the weather, it’s the daylight. They experience extremely long days with the sun setting close to 10 pm in the evenings.

Autumn sees pretty mild temperatures at around  46°F (8°C) to 57°F (14°C). This is a great time of year for hiking and exploring the forests and more rural areas. It’s not too cold yet and the autumn colors are varied and bright.

The cities and coastal areas of Scotland don’t tend to receive a ton of snow and get temperatures anywhere between 20°F (-6°C) and 40°F (5°C).

However, if you head into the highlands and more mountainous areas of the country, you can expect quite a bit more snow and much lower temperatures. Some roads near Inverness and along the North Coast 500 actually close for some of this time because they are simply too dangerous to drive along.

Spring starts around mid-to-late March depending on the year. The days start getting longer again and the temperatures warm up to what autumn brings. This is a beautiful time of year to visit pretty much anywhere in Scotland.

These blue skies had me thinking it was going to be nice and hot outside, but it was still only about 60 degrees Fahrenheit!

What to Wear in Scotland in Winter

If you are coming from England , Wales, or another country that doesn’t experience a truly cold winter, then I highly recommend reading on about what to expect when you visit somewhere with regular and frequent days of below-freezing temperatures.

A (Truly) Warm Winter Coat

That cute winter coat that you bought from Zara or Mango, the one with the polyester lining and cute buttons that don’t go all the way up to your chin, yea that’s not going to keep you warm in -10°C. 

You need a coat that has down inside it, one that is insulated and covers your thighs, if not even more of your legs. One that has a faux-fur hood that covers almost your entire face . 

This is the sort of hat/scarf/coat combo you need for winter in Edinburgh!

These coats don’t tend to be particularly cheap, so if you only plan to visit Scotland in winter for a week or so and aren’t really looking to invest in this sort of outerwear, then I recommend sticking to the coat that you have, but bringing a ton of layers.

If you are based in the US, ThredUp is a fantastic place to purchase second-hand, gently-used clothing at a fraction of their at-new prices. I got an amazing North Face coat that I wear in the middle of a Baltic winter (-15°C some days!). It keeps me so incredibly warm and it only cost $80 USD. At full price, this coat is over $300 USD. 

In the UK, you can check on Depop for some great deals on second-hand coats. 

Lots of Layers

When it’s really cold outside, it tends to be  very warm inside. Or, at least it can feel that way after being out in the wind and cold for a little while.

This means you’ll want to be able to take off your coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and sweater and be cool when you’re sitting next to the fire or in a room that has been well-heated all day long.

Whenever I travel to Scotland in winter or somewhere that has winters as cold as here, I always make sure I have plenty of t-shirts, a few long sleeve shirts, some thin sweaters like this one from JCrew , and then I usually take one thick wool sweater like this one from Ralph Lauren to have for the trip for those very cold days.

Long underwear is an absolute must for your Scotland packing list if you are visiting in winter. I tend to wear these under a pair of jeans and if I know I’m going to be outside hiking or near the coast, I will wear the top under a t-shirt and thick wool sweater. 

Long Johns are essential if you plan to be spending a bit of time outside during the winter in Scotland. I also loved them when traveling to Copenhagen in winter .

They are the perfect lightweight piece of clothing to pack, even if you are traveling carry-on luggage only. The set rolls up nice and small and can be shoved to the bottom of your bag.

But if you are going to be sightseeing all day and you don’t want to be shivering or constantly looking for a cafe to warm up in, then you’ll want to layer these under your clothing for the day.

“Cotton kills” is a phrase I heard for the first time when hiking up a glacier in New Zealand .

Don’t wear cotton socks in a cold place. Don’t wear cotton close to your skin at all in cold weather. Because despite how cold you may feel, your feet, your armpits, and plenty of other parts are sweating anyway.

When you sweat, you make your clothing a bit wet. This then gets nice and cold when you are outside and then you simply cannot get warm again. 

So be sure to pack wool socks, wool gloves, a wool sweater, and try to make sure your long johns are silk or lightweight wool.

Wandering the streets of Edinburgh in December means bundling up!

Sturdy Walking Shoes

Whether you are wandering the cobbled streets of Edinburgh or you’re hiking along the Scottish Borders, you will want to have shoes that are comfortable for walking in and that have a nice warm lining.

These boots are the best thing I’ve ever purchased .

They are fleece-lined, waterproof at the bottom, and have a solid grip for ice and mud. They are my go-to winter boots and I wouldn’t travel to Scotland during the wintertime without them!

A sturdy pair of hiking boots that are waterproof would be great. If you are just planning to be in the city, a good leather boot with a sturdy sole will keep you dry. Just make sure they can handle some ice and grit getting on them.

I would avoid sneakers not because they don’t have good enough grip, but because they don’t tend to be waterproof and because you’ll have very cold ankles!

Gloves, Hat, & Scarf

Like I mentioned above, do your best to pack waterproof or at least quick-drying fabrics. This is especially important for your outerwear like gloves, hats, and scarves.

For me or for anyone that will be away from the cities doing some hiking, I recommend a snood like this one instead of a scarf. A snood will allow you to cover up your face from the wind and will still keep your neck warm, too.

A hat is essential for the cold and wind and for all of the precipitation you will without a doubt experience on your winter trip to Scotland. A good quality winter hat is well worth the investment.

I personally prefer wool mittens to gloves. Keeping those fingers close together keeps the warmth and circulation going a lot better than a pair of gloves, or worse, a pair of fingerless gloves. Put your phone away and worry about it again when you are in a place warm enough to take your gloves off.

The cities and beaches in Scotland really come alive in the summer time, so be sure to plan your trip well in advance.

What to Wear in Scotland in Summer

Packing for summer means a lighter bag, thinner clothes, but still plenty of waterproof options thrown in there.

Comfortable Walking Shoes or Sneakers

If you are traveling to Scotland in summer and planning to explore cities, a comfortable pair of cute sneakers or other walking shoes will be perfect.

It never really gets warm enough to warrant a pair of sandals, but if you’ve checked the weather just before your trip and you see anything over 70°F (20°C), by all means, pack your summer sandals.

Most of the cities in Scotland are covered in cobbles, so rubber-soled shoes fare best on this, especially when they are wet from a summer shower.

If you are heading out into the countryside or to the coast, a pair of hiking shoes or running sneakers will be fine. It can be a little bit rocky by the coast, so just be aware of that as you pack for Scotland.

Lightweight Rain Jacket

You can expect warm temperatures, but you’ll still want to be prepared for windy coastlines and rainy days. I love my Columbia rain jacket for summer trips to Scotland (and England for that matter!).

You want something that is both a windbreaker as well as a waterproof jacket. You likely won’t be stuck in total downpours, but there is a fine mist and humidity that lingers in the air at this time of year, especially by the coast.

There is no real dress code to worry about when thinking about what to wear in Scotland, even in places like the castle or around the pubs. You can get as dressed up as you’d like or stay as casual as you want, too.

Thin Layers

I find that the temperatures fluctuate so much throughout the day in Scotland in the summertime that I am constantly putting a jacket on top, then half an hour later I’m taking off my jacket and my sweater and I’m just in a t-shirt.

I highly recommend bringing thin layers for your summer trip to Scotland. For me, that means a t-shirt, a thin sweatshirt, and a rain jacket. 

I will usually wear at least two of those things during the day and then probably all three in the evenings and early mornings.

If you are going hiking to higher altitudes, you will likely want to bring a thicker sweatshirt or hoodie with you because when you get to the top of these hikes, it can get pretty windy and chilly up there.

I never travel anywhere in the UK without an umbrella. 

Whether I’m hiking around the Lake District , enjoying the small towns in the Peak District , exploring Edinburgh , or road tripping around Northern Scotland, I always bring a small umbrella with me that I can fit in my purse.

Umbrellas are generally perfectly fine to pack in your carry-on as well, which makes it easy to add to your luggage at the last minute. 

I have this one which I’ve had for a few years now and I don’t go anywhere without it. You simply never know when the skies will open up in the UK and even those tiny misty rains will eventually soak you through if you don’t put your umbrella up.

Jean Jacket or Blazer

In addition to a windbreaker or rain jacket, you may want to consider packing a lightweight jacket that is good for an evening at the pub or good for exploring the cities by day. 

I absolutely love my jean jacket. It’s from the Gap and I picked it up at a second-hand shop a few years ago. It’s thicker denim, which means it will continue to last me several more years to come. Here is a very similar version of that jacket from Amazon .

It also means that it is a good weight to wear not only during Scottish summers but in spring and autumn on my other travels around Europe.

Jeans and Shorts

Just like with the thin layers you want to pack for your upper body, you’ll want to consider packing both long trousers like jeans as well as shorts. 

I usually wear my jean on the airplane or train journey and then pack a pair or two of shorts as well as one or two dresses depending on whether or not they’re threatening a “heatwave” (anything over 80°F/27°C tends to get this title in the UK).

I like longer skirts and dresses since they will keep my legs a little bit warmer than shorts during the day but still keep me cooler than jeans if it does get a little bit too warm.

Shorts are also a good idea if you are going to be doing any walking or hiking. You can definitely start to get a little bit hot if you are working up a sweat on the trails and longer trousers can sometimes feel stifling. 

The leaves change colors so beautiful around Scotland, but you’ll want to make sure you pack a decent jacket and some comfortable walking shoes!

Scotland Packing List for Spring or Autumn

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn tend to have similar weather, wet and cool. 

You will want to pack just like you might for autumn and spring in any country you visit. Think cool days and colder evenings. Plan for rainy and cloudy days and some occasional sunshine and pockets of warmth.

Jeans or Similar Style Trouser

I love a good pair of skinny jeans with an ankle boot when I visit the cities in Scotland during the shoulder seasons. They pair easily with anything that I want to throw on over the top. 

I have never experienced a day so warm at this time of year in Scotland that I wished I had shorts or any form of bare legs. Jeans or trousers are definitely what you’ll wear most at this time of year in Scotland. 

I would recommend at least two pairs of trousers depending on the length of your trip. You want to be able to have a backup pair if you spill anything (I always spill something). For a trip longer than three or four days, definitely consider packing three pairs unless your Airbnb has a washing machine.

The weather in late spring and early autumn isn’t  much different from the summer weather. You can experience nearly all four seasons in a day, so you want to have t-shirts to layer with beneath sweaters or hoodies.

I found that inside restaurants and pubs, especially busy ones, it was usually warm enough to strip down to just jeans and a t-shirt (maybe that’s all the whiskey though?).

Thin sweaters like this one from JCrew or cropped hoodies like this one from Amazon are great layers to pack for a trip to Scotland during this time of year.

You will definitely want at least one thin sweater or long sleeve shirt and one thicker sweatshirt or wool top.

I love this Lacoste wool sweater that I bought a few years ago. It has lasted me several winters already and it is the perfect autumn and early-spring layer over a t-shirt and under a thinner jacket.

The coast can feel particularly cold at these times of year, so if you are planning a beach walk, be sure to bundle up!

Waterproof Jacket

Something like the Columbia rain jacket I mentioned above is the perfect option for when it’s still a little bit warm but windy during this season.

If you are visiting in March or November, you’ll want something thicker. 

I love my The North Face Thermoball coat . It’s small enough to shove into my luggage when it’s warm enough not to need it, but it is incredibly warm on those evenings when the temperatures drop. 

Sturdy Waterproof Walking Shoes

Just like in summer, you’ll want shoes that are sturdy for all of those cobbles. But you’ll really want to make sure you pack something like these LL Bean boots so that you have dry feet for your trip to Scotland. 

These boots are perfect for those shoulder seasons (but are also fantastic when it starts to get icy or snowy!). You can use them just like you might use a pair of wellies (rain boots) or you can style them with a pair of skinny jeans and head out on a casual walk in the countryside. 

They aren’t a replacement for hiking boots. If your plans include more rocky hiking and climbing, these won’t cut it. In that case, you should pack proper hiking boots and an additional layer closer to the North Face coat than to a simple waterproof top.

Did I mention I never travel to Scotland without an umbrella? It really is essential. Just don’t forget it at the pub.

Check out My Vide from a Long Weekend in Edinburgh

Monday 20th of March 2023

Thank you! I will be in Scotland in July and you answered all my questions about what I clothes I will need.

Loved this, very informative, I can't wait to visit in October!

What To Pack For Scotland: 14 Items You Actually Need!

Are you visiting Scotland for the first time, unfamiliar with the weather and landscapes, and unsure what to pack for a trip to Scotland?

Knowing what to pack for Scotland can be very difficult. Scottish weather is famously unpredictable – one day it could be cold and raining, and the next it could be bright with blue skies.

Therefore, it is important to pack with intention and avoid packing unnecessary clothes, particularly if space is limited or if you can only pack a cabin bag for a long weekend trip to Scotland by train or plane.

This ultimate Scotland packing list will guide you on what clothes to wear in Scotland and how to organise your belongings to prepare for a successful Scotland road trip or weekend getaway .

It draws from my experience when visiting Scotland for the first time and everything I learnt about you need and what you do not need. Not only can I tell you what to pack for Scotland in September because that is when I visited, but I can also tell you what to pack for Scotland in summer from my experience as a travel agent dealing with local guides, and my research.

Do as I say, and not as I do. You will notice in many of the images on this article that I am wearing items of clothing that I do not recommend for your trip. Hence why I can suggest good clothing and bad clothing options.

I have been on numerous adventurous trips where active clothing is required, for example camping in Canada , hiking in Hawaii , and skiing in France ; therefore, I know the best type of clothing to wear in numerous weather conditions.

Read on to find out what goes on this packing list Scotland edition and discover some packing tips.

What to Pack for Scotland on Active Holidays

One thing to consider when travelling to Scotland is that even if you are travelling to Scotland in summer, it will unlikely be warm. Do not get carried away with packing shorts and short-sleeve shirts.

Remember that Scotland is generally colder and gets more rain than England does. The average highs for parts of Scotland over summer is 17 degrees Celsius.

For example, one of the best times to visit Isle of Skye is in Spring because there is less rain.

1. Rain Jacket

A raincoat is the best jacket for Scotland, particularly from April until October. Sometimes when you leave your accommodation for the day, you do not return until the evening, so you need a jacket to last you the whole day.

A waterproof jacket is essential for your Scotland packing list. You cannot go to Scotland without at least a water-resistant raincoat. The rain jacket will need to keep you dry during a day-long drizzle or a heavy downpour.

The best raincoat for Scotland is from Berghaus or Arcteryx.

I recently bought this Berghaus shell made from GORE-tex and it works well for skiing as a top layer, but also as a standalone rain jacket.

Berghaus MTN Guide Alpine Pro Jacket I think this Berghaus shell is just as good as the Arcteryx shell, but available at a fraction of the price. Its GORE-tex material makes it reliable in the rainiest conditions.

The outer shells on Arcteryx jackets are durable and will keep you dry in heavy rain for a long time. The GORE-TEX material is also protective, breathable, and windproof.

Arcteryx products have a high price tag but are of an impressive quality and will last for years.

Alternatively, buy North Face Women’s Jacket here or North Face Men’s Jacket , but they are less waterproof than Arcteryx or Berghaus.

2. Active-Wear Bottoms

On a chilly and cloudy day, jeans will keep your legs warm. However, as soon as the skies open, the jeans will become wet and stay that way for the rest of the day. Therefore, jeans are an example of what not to wear in Scotland when it rains.

You will unlikely wear shorts during your trip to Scotland, so do not pack more than one pair of shorts. (Yes, even in summer).

Lululemon has an excellent selection of trousers that dry quickly for wearing in the rain. They are also perfect for travelling, light exercise, hiking etc.

Another good option of active-wear bottoms for ladies is to wear some leggings because these also dry quickly and are comfortable for hiking and exploring.

For some more heavy-duty hiking trousers, check out these Columbia trail stretch pants .

You will need this style of trousers when going on the boat to Staffa to see the puffins .

3. Waterproof Hiking Boots

If you will be embarking on some hikes and outdoor activities during your road trip in Scotland, a pair of walking boots with a good grip are essential. The best shoes for Scotland are waterproof boots from Merrell .

Merrell is a reputable footwear brand. Many of their boots offer ankle and arch support and are fully waterproof. While in Scotland, the wet weather protection in Merrell boots will be a lifesaver.

Some activities that will require walking shoes include, walks around the Isle of Skye , photographing Glencoe, and a Highland Safari in Aberfeldy.  

Remember to pack some thick wool socks to wear with those walking boots. Plus, make sure you test out the shoes before your holiday to Scotland to avoid blisters.

Other brands to consider for hiking boots for Scotland are Salomon and Columbia.

4. Merino Wool Layers

There are several reasons why long-sleeved layers will come in handy in Scotland. Firstly, long-sleeved t-shirts and trousers will help you cover up your body from biting midges.

If you are unfamiliar, midges (insects that bite like mosquitos) are out in full force over the summer in the Scottish Highlands. If you are wearing long sleeves, all you need to do is wear insect repellent on your neck, wrists, and ankles to stop bites on your body.

A net hat will also help shield your hat in high-density midge areas (see next point).

Secondly, the weather in Scotland will be chilly at times, so long-sleeve shirts with a sweater and coat will keep you warm. Merino wool clothing also works well for active scenarios where you are working up a sweat because it is breathable.

CRAFT Active Extreme Crew Neck Long Sleeve This long sleeve is guaranteed to keep you warm and be breathable. I bought it for skiing, but it will come in handy for a chilly day hiking in Scotland.

Consider buying a merino wool thermal top from Icebreaker and a half-zip merino wool thermal top from Icebreaker. Otherwise, check out Patagonia’s long-sleeve options for men and women.

5. Midge Net Hat

Depending on what month you travel to Scotland, you will see a variable number of midges.

You can skip this item if you will be travelling to Scotland from late September to April/May. Otherwise, from June to mid-September, those travelling to the Scottish Highlands will be swarmed by midges.

Additionally, there are minimal amounts of midges in central and eastern Scotland. To check what the levels of midges are like in Scotland, visit Smidge’s midge forecast (only works in midge season). 

One of the biggest hacks for travelling to Scotland during midge season is wearing a net hat . The netting will keep the midges off your face. Do not worry that you will look silly. People will be envious and wish that they had bought one too.

A midge net hat will come in handy when you visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct and are waiting on top of a hill for the Jacobite Steam Train. Midges are most prevalent in the Glencoe and Fort William areas.

Not all packing lists for Scotland include a net hat, but it can be a game changer.  

6. Bug Repellent Spray

Similarly, insect repellent should be on your packing list for Scotland from May until September. You will be wearing long-sleeved clothing often; therefore, you may only need to spray your head, neck, wrists, and ankles.

Do not underestimate the midges – you will get bites on your hands, head, or ankles if you are not careful. Some will attempt to bite through thin clothing layers too.

One popular brand of bug spray is Smidge insect repellent in the UK and OFF! in North America , which you can purchase on Amazon.

Alternatively, another brand that is not sold as an insect repellent but works well without the nasty smell is Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil .

If you are usually a target to mosquitos or other insects when on holiday, it is best to bring some antihistamine to reduce swelling if you get bitten by a midge. You can buy allergy relief tablets in all pharmacies, such as Superdrug .

One item you may not think to bring with you is a portable tripod for taking pictures.

A tripod can be helpful when visiting Glenfinnan Viaduct and waiting for Jacobite Steam Train . It is possible to record the train arriving at the viaduct with one of your devices on a tripod while taking pictures on another camera or phone. 

Check out this tripod that works for all kinds of mobile phones.

Alternatively, if you own a GoPro try out this extendable handle that turns into a tripod . Although, to film the Glenfinnan viaduct with the GoPro you should stand closer to the bridge because it has a more zoomed-out effect than a regular camera.

8. Fitness Tracker

It is by no means essential for a trip to Scotland, but if you have a Smart Watch, make sure you bring it. Conversely, if you have wanted to buy one for a while, now would be a great time to purchase it.

Going on a Scottish holiday involves lots of walking and being active, and one of these watches are an excellent tool to track this activity. My article about hiking the Isle of Skye shows some of the best hikes involved in a 10-day itinerary of Scotland.

The benefits of a Fitbit Charge watch include that it is an affordable price, and the battery lasts several days. However, it sometimes struggles to connect to GPS and cannot read the heart rate. If you are looking for a watch to track your steps, the Fitbit would suffice.

If you are looking for something a little more advanced, consider purchasing an Apple Watch .

While Fitbits are less expensive, they tend to malfunction within a year or so, as I experienced. An Apple Watch is more likely to work well and for longer. Although, the battery on an Apple Watch only lasts around a day and a half.

9. Reusable Water Bottle

Tap water in Scotland is drinkable. There is no need to buy bottled water while visiting Scotland.

You will, however, need to bring water with you on day trips and hikes in Scotland. Thus, you should pack a water bottle to put in your backpack.

If you do not own a reusable water bottle, check out the Nalgene On The Fly Bottle available on Amazon. Its lid makes it easy to carry by hand, and it also does up tight so there will be no spillages in your bag.  

If you are looking for a water bottle that keeps the water cold for a long time, consider purchasing an insulated Chilly’s water bottle. Although, your water is unlikely to get too warm throughout the day in Scotland. It is a purchase that would work well on other trips around Europe.

10. Baseball Cap

A baseball cap can come in handy from April to October in Scotland. The cap will keep in some of the heat from your head when it is on the colder side, plus it is handy to keep the rain off your face.

11. Power Adapter

If you are travelling to Scotland from outside the United Kingdom, be aware that Scotland requires a three-prong plug to charge devices that is known as a UK charger. Also note, this is different to the ones used throughout the rest of Europe.

Find suitable adapters for Scotland on Amazon, such as this universal power adapter .

12. Driving Tools

You may be spending a fair amount of time in the car while in Scotland; therefore, ensure that you have the right equipment for driving. For example, you may need a phone mount if the car does not have car play.

Additionally, if you are renting a car and do not know its features, you may want to bring a USB car charger or a portable phone charger to keep your phone topped up with charge while in the car.

Downloading offline maps to drive around Scotland will be a lifesaver because many parts of Scotland do not have cell service. You can also bring a Scotland road map if you prefer to be a little more traditional.

Many destinations are now cashless and encourage the use of credit cards, except for parts of Scotland.

Make sure you have some cash and coins (GBP) to use at car parks around Scotland. Many machines only accept cash, so you can avoid this nuisance if prepared.

14. Quality Camera Equipment

The scenery around Scotland is out of this world and you want to be able to capture it well.

A mobile phone can capture good photos of Scotland, but it may not perform as well in certain scenarios in Scotland. For example, photographing fast-moving objects like deer or other wildlife, or low lighting situations will be better using a camera rather than an iPhone.

While DSLR cameras offer exceptional quality for taking photos, mirrorless cameras are more lightweight and compact for on-the-go use.

Research the best mirrorless camera for your needs or check out the highly-rated Fujifilm x-t30 ii camera .

How to Pack for a Scotland Road Trip

One of the most common ways to explore Scotland is on a road trip. It usually involves moving to a new location every few days to see as much of the country as possible.

Therefore, to stay as organised as possible while unpacking your clothes during the trip, you should consider using the following items.

Packing Cubes

To some people, packing cubes may seem like an inessential purchase. However, until you have used them for yourself, you will not realise how helpful they can be. There are several ways to organise your clothes using packing cubes.

The first is by grouping all types of clothing; for example, keeping t-shirts in one cube, trousers in another cube, and jumpers in a final packing cube. It makes it easier to find clothing items when you are getting ready.

Another way to use packing cubes is to group the clothing by intended use, such as active-wear clothing, comfortable clothing, and city exploring clothes. 

This 5-Piece Packing Cube Set from CALPAK (USA only) is a worthwhile purchase and it is the packing cubes I use. Alternatively, you could buy these packing cubes from Osprey or Amazon .

As suggested previously, your trip to Scotland may include moving from one location to another and lugging your baggage in and out of the car. Therefore, a good option would be to bring a smaller weekend bag or duffle bag, in addition to your main suitcase (where your packing cubes go).

The duffle bag allows you to pack a few wardrobe options in a bag if you will only be at one accommodation for a night or two. You could leave your suitcase in the car or bring it into the hotel and keep it zipped up.

It is best to purchase a waterproof and durable duffle bag that can handle any weather.

Check out this duffle bag from The North Face and this duffle bag from Osprey .

I used the Daylite Duffel for my safari in Kenya and now I use it for every weekend trip.

When setting off for a day of adventure in Scotland a backpack will become your new best friend. You will need many items during a day trip; therefore, a backpack that can fit all these items is essential for a Scotland packing list.

Osprey sells excellent backpacks that are water-resistant and can be packed up small when not using.

Style of Travel

It can be hard to know how to dress in Scotland. In order to create your own packing list for Scotland, you should consider your itinerary and the type of activities you will be doing.

Hiking in Scotland

If you plan to spend time in the Highlands and hike far and wide, your Scotland packing list will look very different to someone going on a spa weekend.

Hiking in busy areas of Scotland, such as the Isle of Skye, can mean early starts to beat the crowds and chilly mornings. Therefore, you will need to wear layers you can take off over the day as the weather warms up slightly.

If you want to wake up early to catch the sunrise, take into consideration summer daylight hours. In June and July, the sun typically rises at 4:00 AM. It will be easier to capture the sunrise in Scotland in late August to mid-September or Spring when the sun rises later.

Clothes for Eating Out in Scotland

Think about if you will be staying in self-catering accommodation and will be cooking all your meals, or if you will be going out for dinner. In the Scottish Highlands, the dress code is casual in most restaurants. Jeans and a knitted jumper would be suitable.

However, some fancier restaurants require a smart dress code or provide the perfect setting to dress up. Examples of this type of restaurant are The Three Chimneys, a Michelin star restaurant on the Isle of Skye, the Gleneagles restaurants (The Strathearn or The Birnam Brasserie), and several restaurants in Edinburgh.

Learn more about restaurants on the Isle of Skye in this Skye itinerary .

Do some research to know if you need to bring a posh outfit. Ladies, consider looking at Never Fully Dressed for some lovely dresses, blouses, and skirts.

If you are going to bring any smart footwear with you to wear to dinner or walking around a city – bring some leather boots. These leather boots from Vagabond for women are comfortable and stylish. Otherwise, water-resistant trainers would also be fine.

Packing List for Scotland City Trips

No matter what time of the year you visit a Scottish city, you want to be wearing comfortable footwear. You will likely be covering much ground by foot and racking up steps.

These leather boots from Vagabond or Hunter rain boots are best. Blundstone also sell boots that are great for the rain; however, they can take several weeks of wearing to align to your foot shape. So, make sure you prepare for this.  

In addition to wearing appropriate footwear, certain styles of jackets work better for rainy city breaks. For example, for ladies – a raincoat that comes down lower than your hips will be advantageous to cover more of your legs from the rain.

Arcteryx sells city-style rain jackets .

Finally, it can be cold walking around a city in bleak weather. Uniqlo sells a good range of clothing called HeatTech, a collection of thermal layers and thickly lined leggings and trousers. The prices are hard to beat and are good for chilly spring, autumn, or winter days. 

Check out the HeatTech range here.

Packing Tips for Scotland

If you are staying at an Airbnb or VRBO in Scotland, find out what items are already included.

Some rental houses will supply everything you need, including towels, hairdryers, and shower gel. Other rental houses are more basic, not even supplying items such as salt and pepper.

It is worthwhile bringing a pair of sunglasses and a swimming costume. Your hotel may have a swimming pool, or you may want a dip in the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.

Make sure you have travel insurance for your trip to Scotland. For UK residents, visit Travel Supermarket to check a range of quotes .

What Not to Pack for Scotland

Even if you are travelling to Scotland in summer, a suitcase full of shorts will not come in handy. Bring one versatile option if you are travelling in peak summer (June to August). Otherwise, it is unlikely you will wear shorts at all in Scotland.

The same goes for bringing too many short-sleeve t-shirts. A few may come in handy in summer under another layer, but long sleeves will go a long way the rest of the time.

Jeans are a staple piece in many people’s wardrobes; however, they are not the most practice item when it is heavily raining. A pair of smart jeans for evening meals and another pair for exploring a city on a day without rain would be fine.

Quick-dry material options are best for the other occasions, such as leggings or active-wear trousers.

During days that it was not raining in Scotland, I was able to wear my jeans and they kept my legs warm.

You will find cobblestone streets in many destinations around Europe, and Scotland is no different. Even if you are going out for a fancy dinner, heels are impossible to walk on cobblestone. Bring a smarter pair of leather boots instead.

Suede sandals will be no good in Scotland either. In case you must walk through any puddles to get to dinner, the suede will get ruined.

A pair of trainers is usually a practical item to bring on holiday that involves a lot of walking. However, it must be the right kind of trainer.

Trainers with a mesh top will get soaked through within minutes. Bring a waterproof pair of walking shoes or hiking boots, from Merrell for example.

What is the Weather like in Scotland Throughout the Year?

The time of year for your visit to Scotland will dictate what clothing and other items you will need with you. However, some items will be essential all year round.

Read on to find out more about each season in Scotland and discover what type of weather you may experience in Scotland at certain times of the year. 

What to Wear in Scotland in April and May?

Spring in Scotland is a favourite time for some people to visit Scotland for several reasons.

Scotland will frequently see blue skies in April and May, although the temperature will be chillier than during its summer period.

Snow usually falls in Scotland from November to April, so if you are travelling to Scotland in April, there is a chance of snow. However, the snow can add to an already magical backdrop.

Just make sure you have the correct clothing. Include on your packing list for Scotland in April to May: merino layers and thermals, fleece sweaters and a warm coat, or an extra layer and a windbreaker.

If you are wrapped up warm in numerous layers, you can enjoy a quieter visit to Scotland. There are generally fewer tourists in Scotland in April and May.

What to Pack for Scotland in Spring

• Thin beanie hat
• Thin wool gloves

What to Wear in Scotland in Summer?

There is no denying that the busiest time of the year to visit Scotland is from June to August. Scotland is full of families with children who want to enjoy a family trip to Scotland during the school holidays.

Scotland will see long daylight hours in summer. The sun will rise as early as 4:30 AM and set as late as 10:30 PM on the Isle of Skye in late June.

When you are considering what to wear in Scotland in June, July, and August, keep in mind you still could experience some rain, wind, and chillier temperatures than where you are coming from. Nonetheless, there will be slightly warmer temperatures, so you can get away with packing a couple of short-sleeved t-shirts (to potentially wear under a sweater).

As mentioned previously, summertime in Scotland is consistent with an influx of mosquitos. Therefore, you need to come prepared with an array of mosquito-repellent items, such as – insect repellent sprays and light long-sleeved layers.

Packing List for Scotland in Summer

• Avon Skin So Soft Body Oil – pleasant-smelling insect repellent spray
• Insect repellent spray – more of a heavy-duty bug spray
• Net hat – available from Amazon
• Lightweight long-sleeved t-shirts – purchase from Lululemon, Under Armour, or Patagonia
• Antihistamine – in case your skin swells with insect bites (like mine does)
• A couple of short sleeve t-shirts
• Baseball cap
• Light jacket (alternate jacket for days without rain)

What to Wear in Scotland in September and October?

Early September will still see the remainder of midge season; however, from mid to late-September onward, the midges clear out. The majority of Scotland will instead be covered by purple heather and orange leaves that frame the already beautiful landscapes.

The mornings may see a chilly start compared to the mid-day temperature. So, ensure you have a backpack filled with other clothing options and put the extra layers in the bag as it warms up.

• Touchscreen gloves

What to Wear in Scotland in Winter?

You will experience cold temperatures during the Scotland winters. A ski jacket is best. Otherwise, a down jacket would work for colder days without snow or rain. This down jacket from UNIQLO is a reasonable purchase and works well on mild Canadian winter days.

Alternatively, a windbreaker with a thicker sweater may work too.

Scotland Winter Packing List

• Snow boots (for the Highlands)

Samantha is the founder of Continuous Roamer, a travel website focusing on adventure and the outdoors.

With a love for adventure and the great outdoors, Samantha shares tips on skiing, luxury safaris, camping, and finding hidden food gems in different destinations.

With over 20 years of skiing experience across Europe, North America, and beyond, she's also an expert in luxury accommodations and experiences.

Whether camping in Canada or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Samantha always seeks out the best experiences and accommodations, and her blog highlights the best of them for her readers.

Samantha is currently living in London.

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Ultimate Scotland Packing List: What To Wear in Scotland

Last Updated on February 10, 2023

There is an old Scottish saying that goes, “ There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes”.

Which, after leaning on both sides of this argument, galavanting around nature in both the right and horribly wrong clothing, I can definitely tell you that having weather-defying clothing will take your trip from drab to fab with a couple of key elements.

Hmm, maybe those Scots were onto something…

Scotland’s weather tends to run on the milder side year-round, but you want to be prepared for spring, summer, fall, and winter because you can experience all four seasons in a day… It sounds a little daunting, but you’ll be prepped to take on the seasons after I take you through this packing guide.

This detailed Scotland packing list is going to take you through all the essentials you need to stay warm and dry in Scotland. There will be no rain or weather getting in the way of your adventures, whether you’re sipping on a fine latte in the city or roughing it out in the highlands.

This guide will give you confidence when thinking about what to wear in Scotland as you pack. Let’s get into it!

This post may contain affiliate links for the products or services I mentioned, but as always, all opinions are my own. I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase or booking through these links. This helps to support this space and keep me blogging, which I am so extremely thankful for.

Scotland’s Weather

With Scotland’s diverse landscapes, the weather will inevitably change with them. You can be bathing in sunlight at one moment, drive for twenty minutes, and be soaked from rainfall the next , so it’s important that you prepare yourself for those spontaneous weather changes.

Wind, rain, and elevation changes can take the temperature from ‘ not too bad’ to ‘ it’s frigid ’.

Because Scotland is situated high in the Northern hemisphere, the wind is no joke and it’s going to make the weather seem a lot cooler than it is . If you’re a midwesterner like myself, you’re probably familiar with the phrase that goes something like, “ you know it wouldn’t be so cold if it wasn’t so windy “, or something along those lines. Keep that stowed away in your repertoire because even if you don’t grasp it now, you definitely will once you arrive.

I recommend checking an accurate weather service before you pack and head out . Whenever I was traveling around Iceland, to my absolute delight I discovered that they don’t play around when it comes to the weather. Their app, YR , is the most reliable weather app I’ve ever used, even when I am back home in Texas and I can’t recommend it enough.

HEY! You’ll be stoked to know I have a full guide on the best time to visit Scotland with a month-by-month breakdown of the weather in each month. It’ll be very useful when choosing what to bring with you.

What To Pack Your Things In

One of the most important things you want to consider when wondering what to pack for Scotland is mobility. Most Scotland itineraries involve a lot of movement between cities and towns. Pack light and thank me later!

CARRY-ON-SIZED BACKPACK: I have used the same carry-on backpack since my first solo international trip to Bali in 2017 and that is my beloved Osprey Fairpoint 40L Backpack . This bag has been THROUGH IT. 6 years of travel and it still looks BRAND NEW. It opens like a suitcase and is the perfect size for any length of trip. If you tend to go heavy on the packing, this backpack comes in a larger, 55L version.

CARRY-ON SUITCASE: I’m not huge on the roller-bag life but if I were to recommend one, it would be this carry-on suitcase .

PACKING CUBES: Travel and packing cubes are like peanut butter and jelly. These are a universal staple in any and all types of travelers’ arsenal because they make organization and outfit selection a breeze. I try to whittle all my clothing options into these three cubes and it helps me save space and travel lighter.

TOILETRY, LAUNDRY, +  SHOE BAG: Look. I never thought I would see the day when I became passionate about a toiletry bag, or any travel bag for that matter but excuse me while I stand on this little soapbox, *ahem*.

This toiletry bag by Tom Bihn is my field-tested and approved toiletry bag no matter if I am camping, backpacking, on a city break, or even doing something local like spending the night at a friend’s apartment. This bag comes with four refillable containers for creams, lotions, etc., a hook so you can hang this bag anywhere, and a durable design, unlike a lot of other bags * side eye *. I like to pack reusable silicone bottles for my shampoo and conditioner. After a trip, I wash this and it looks brand new!

One of the biggest game-changers for my travel set-up was a laundry bag . If you only use packing cubes, then you end up mixing your dirty and clean clothes together, so I use a laundry sack to keep organized. I also recommend bringing along a bag or some type of shoe bag so your dirty shoes don’t get all over your clothes. These seem frivolous, but they actually do wonders for keeping your bag clean and organized.

What To Wear In Scotland

MOISTURE-WICKING TOP & BOTTOMS

When people bring along shirts, I always feel like that is the #1 thing that is always overpacked, so to keep it on the simple side, I recommend packing three hiking tops, 1 pajama shirt, and two more casual t-shirts that you can pair easily with hiking gear or a more casual outfit. For me, these were just simple cotton tees that I bought from Alternative Apparel . On my trip, I only had two long sleeve hiking tops and I was really wishing that I had a third packed with me. For the most part, I mixed and matched everything, but I would use my Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Thermals as a base layer and then depending on how hot or cold it was, I would layer a t-shirt on top and then one of my sweaters. This way I could strip down if I needed to, but I was able to bundle up at the same time without getting too hot. For pajamas, I packed one or two tie-dye t-shirts for pajamas. I shower before I go to sleep, so I feel like my pj’s don’t really get dirty and I was just fine alternating between the two tops.

I don’t own a fleece zip-up, and this one that I am eyeing from Patagonia wasn’t in my travel budget after buying all my camping gear, so I chose to pack along a couple of sweaters to use in place of a fleece zip up. The only downside to this is that you can’t just zip them on and off, but other than that, they both do the same job, so if you have a fleece, bring it, but if not, pack some sweaters. Or both, you do you.

Jeans are a bit of a debated topic for a Scotland packing list since the country is so wet, but I got away with wearing them a couple of times throughout my trip. Personally, it didn’t rain too much while I was in Scotland. I got extremely lucky, but it might rain every day on your trip when you go and that’s kind of why these are an optional item. I think they’re a great option to “dress up” a little bit more and get a break from hiking gear, so I would take along a stretchy pair that you can move around in. Europeans tend to dress a whole lot more ‘done up’ than us Americans, so you’ll fit in a bit better with something as simple as jeans!

MOISTURE-WICKING SCARF

A lightweight scarf or sarong of some sort is more of an optional item for this Scotland packing list, but I found it to be really useful for my summer trip! It’s a great way to protect your neck from all the harsh winds and overcast rays, or to use it as a blanket in the car or on bus rides!

LIGHTWEIGHT RAIN JACKET

Your waterproof jacket is going to be the outermost layer that you’ll be wearing practically every day of your trip depending on what the weather looks like. Personally, I didn’t have my own raincoat/waterproof jacket, so I opted in for the stylish RAINS Classic Jacket . They’re high-quality rain jackets made out of England, I believe, so if you want something that photographs well and has a range of colors that aren’t too saturated, these are a great option. On the other side of the coin, you can also opt for a hiking-specific rain jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell or the Northface Venture 2 Jacket . Both of these are great options to keep you dry!

WATERPROOF HIKING PANTS

If you don’t have a pair of waterproof hiking pants, trust me, you’re going to want a pair if you plan on doing some hiking. If you try and tough out the rain in leggings and/or jeans, you’ll be a soggy mess. I trust my Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants to keep me dry and since they run on the bigger side, I am able to wear leggings underneath and not feel like a sausage! I only brought along one pair of these pants since they were more of an outer shell than my actual pants so they actually stayed moderately clean for a huge portion of my trip.

You want to hug up your feet with wool since they are microbial, and stay fitted to your foot which aids in avoiding blisters. Cotton socks are quite infamous for causing blisters, so avoid those if possible. Scotland’s weather is known for being spontaneous, so you definitely want the moisture-wicking properties of wool on your feet. Darn Tough  is a cherished brand of wool hiking socks by the outdoor community, but  I personally ALWAYS hike in these !

TRAVEL SHOES

Chances are if you’re visiting Scotland you’re going to be hitting up Edinburgh or Glasgow along the way, even if it’s only for one day . More than likely, that’s going to be either Glasgow or Edinburgh OR if you’re really getting off the beaten path, you’ll be in Aberdeen, but regardless, you want to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Ideally, you’ll want this to match all of your outfits so a pair of timeless white sneakers like these are a great option or if you have a favorite pair of shoes that are comfortable to walk in all day works also. It depends on your personal style so just pack what you’re comfortable in. However, countries in Europe and the United Kingdom tend to dress ‘nicer’ so keep that in mind.

If there is one thing I am not a fan of, it’s soggy feet. I prefer my toes to not resemble a raisin or be chilly, so I rely on my KEEN Targhee III Hiking Boots to keep my feet dry, warm, and comfortable on hikes. I have put these bad boys through the wringer, stepped in multiple rivers, and they have consistently pulled through for me in volcanic, desert, and mountainous terrains. If you’re looking for a great pair of hiking boots that don’t cost $300, these are a great, water-resistant pair! They’re also lightweight and they come in different colors, so whatever your aesthetic is, they have a color to match!

Toiletries, Laundry, & Other Essentials

I am a very visual packer, so this will help give you a good overview of the basic essentials. I also sprinkle in some of my favorite recomendations if you’re looking to change things up. Also, don’t forget, all of these things are readily available in Scotland if you forget to pack them .

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER: I like to pack my favorite hair products in these silicone tubes that are carry-on friendly.

CASTILE SOAP: I present to you the swiss army knives of soap, castile soap . This stuff cleans a n y t h i n g . Plus, a little goes a long way, even with your laundry!

MOISTURIZER: Those Scottish winds will dry out your skin with the quickness. This protective cream helps keep my skin moisturized and helps protect my skin from sun damage.

TOOTHBRUSH/TOOTHPASTE: Pack your toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your mouth so fresh n’ so clean .

STAINLESS STEEL RAZOR: Why spend fifteen to twenty dollars a month on crappy plastic razors that suck after one use when you can buy a quality stainless steel razor that will last for the rest of your life? One caveat, you cannot bring the blades in a carry-on and they must be checked.

DEODORANT:  I’ve tried probably every single eco-friendly deodorant on the planet, suffering through extreme BO in the process, so believe me when I say this natural deodorant is field-tested and actually works.

MENSTRUAL CUP: A  menstrual cup has dramatically shifted the way that I travel. They’re not for everyone, but I love mine. I feel much cleaner, am taken care of for 12 hours, and I don’t have to worry about leaks.

TRAVEL TOWEL: This will come in handy in a variety of scenarios whether it be a makeshift napkin, surprise rain shower, strenuous hike, or dip in a loch. This microfiber towel folds up into a tiny square and dries almost instantly.

What To Pack To Stay Safe & Healthy

TRAVEL INSURANCE:   I never go anywhere without travel insurance , so having this with me while I was wandering Scotland kept me feeling secure throughout my entire trip. Shit can really hit the fan at any moment, so don’t write it off your travel budget! My go-to for travel insurance, like many fellow travelers, is World Nomads ! I rave about them on a lot of my other packing list and safety tips on my website, but check out the link below to learn more about travel insurance, why you need it, and why I recommend World Nomads.

TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

One of my favorite ways to save money for traveling is by using my Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card . Every purchase earns me points to use for booking future trips or cashback. The card comes with plenty of perks but what I am most grateful for when I travel are protection for trip cancellation and delay, flight interruption, lost luggage reimbursement, and car rental insurance. I wish I would have traveled with this card sooner because it has changed the way I travel! Earn free travel with the best travel credit cards!

UNLOCKED SMARTPHONE

One of the best ways I stay connected when traveling to other countries is with an unlocked smartphone. This just means that my cellphone isn’t tied to a specific cell provider, so I can use any SIM card on my phone. Normally there is a shop inside the airport where you can buy/set this up, but you’ll have to go to a shop in Edinburgh to get yours. These allow you to make calls and texts on local towers, so you can call the police if needed and still text your family and friends.

LUGGAGE LOCKS

I always make sure that I have proper locks on my bags at all times, especially if I am staying in hostels . I can’t imagine what would happen if my camera gear or even clothing were stolen, so it’s my biggest priority to keep my things protected. My favorite locks are the ones that have a flexible bridge in them like these since you can connect multiple zippers together and manipulate them to fit wherever you need it to, and set your own code to unlock them. They’re awesome for travel and TSA approved for the airport!

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

I am a huge advocate for not paying for water when I travel. One, because it’s wasteful, and two, because I am cheap, so I always ALWAYS travel with a reusable water bottle . This will save you a ton of money over time and keep you hydrated whether you’re tackling the infamous Royal Mile in Edinburgh or hiking in the Isle of Skye .

SUN PROTECTION

The most important item that you should pack for Scotland is sun protection because the overcast may fool you into thinking you don’t need it, but trust me, you do. And this is coming from someone that got sunburnt on my trip in July one year. I recommend some type of baseball cap or a sun hat to protect your face, minimum SPF 30 sunscreen , and lip balm with SPF .

What To Pack To Stay Connected

In a perfect world, I could travel cell phoneless, with only a film camera in my bag, hanging onto each fleeting moment, but nowadays I have to run this blog and that comes with lugging around an obnoxiously heavy camera bag. You don’t need to have a bunch of different gadgets for this Scotland packing list, but here are some travel-friendly essentials I think you’ll want to bring with you.

POWER ADAPTER

The last thing you want to happen when you arrive in Scotland is to get to your hostel or guesthouse and not be able to plug in any of your electronics because you didn’t pack an adapter. Other countries and regions have different plugs, so you want to make sure your adapter is compatible and can handle the wattage differences. This universal adapter has always worked wonders for me and it keeps me covered no matter where I travel to.

EXTERNAL BATTERY

My cellphone is one of the most important items on a packing list because it allows me to stay connected. However, when I am pulling up language translations, maps, travel documents, directions, email confirmations, etc., my battery tends to run out faster than I’d like, so an external battery is super important. When I travel, my phone feels like a safety net in some ways, so keeping it charged gives me peace of mind, especially as a solo female traveler .

I am one of those pretentious-looking people that travel with their overpriced Macbook , but I have to run my blog when I travel so that’s why this is necessary for me to lug it along, unfortunately. Looking down the road, I would love to get something a little lighter like a Chromebook . It weighs so much less and it’s way more under the radar than a shiny, and rather large, Apple computer. That apple logo is like a massive bat signal for “steal me”. Chromebooks are pretty inexpensive and kind of come with built-in theft protection because let’s be honest, who is going to steal a computer worth only like $200? Probably like two people.

When I am looking to pack for any trip, my camera is always the first thing on my packing list. These days, you don’t need a fancy camera by any means because the quality of smartphone cameras is kind of insane, but I am someone that enjoys photography, so I always bring my DSLR Camera . On a Scotland road trip, something small and lightweight is going to be your best friend, coming from someone that lugged around a 20-pound camera bag for ten days. The Canon G7 X is an amazing little camera for land adventures. I recommend a GoPro for any other adventures that require a more rugged camera.

Be sure to pack extra batteries, charging cables, lenses, and your favorite travel tripod !

WATERPROOF CAMERA BAG

My all-time favorite waterproof camera bag is this one by WANDRD . It’s won many awards for its design, specifically with travel in mind, sustainable business practices, and overall durability. It’s my main camera bag and fits all my necessary gear with absolute ease, while also protecting it from those classic downpours Scotland is known for.

WIRELESS SHUTTER

If you’re heading to Scotland and you want some awesome photos without having to ask someone to take your picture, a wireless shutter is going to be your new favorite thing. This wireless shutter helps me take my own solo travel photos all around the world! I never go anywhere without it.

LOOKING FOR MORE SCOTLAND TRAVEL RESOURCES? CHECK THESE OUT AFTER THIS SCOTLAND PACKING LIST:

–  The Best Time To Visit Scotland

–  The BEST Scotland Packing List For Summer

–  50 Scotland Travel Tips For An Unforgettable Trip

–  The Ultimate 10 Days In Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

–  10 Tips For Traveling Scotland On A Budget

–  72 Hours in the Isle of Skye

–  Hiking The Old Man Of Storr: The Isle Of Skye’s Crown Jewel

RESOURCES FOR VISITING EDINBURGH:

–  3 Days In Edinburgh: The Ultimate Itinerary for Edinburgh, Scotland

–  The 8 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh You CANNOT Miss

–  The 10 Best Hostels In Edinburgh For A Magical Stay

–  The Best Coffee Shops In Edinburgh: 15 Cafe’s You Can’t Miss

–  The 10 Best Mouth-Watering Vegan Restaurants In Edinburgh

–  The Top 15 Places To Get A Vegan Breakfast In Edinburgh

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO WEAR IN SCOTLAND? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

DID YOU FIND THIS SCOTLAND PACKING LIST HELPFUL? SAVE IT FOR LATER!

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4 comments on “ Ultimate Scotland Packing List: What To Wear in Scotland ”

I have looked through what feels like a billion of lists of what to bring to Scotland and this one is everything I was looking for. Thank you soooo much

Glad you enjoyed it! (:

Beautiful pictures and a great list! Scotland is on my list to visit for sure!

Thank you so much! & it is worth making the trip out there! I haven’t seen anything like the landscape there!

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Scotland: What to Pack for Summer Travel (for Women)

One of the biggest challenges packing for a trip to Scotland is the unpredictable weather. With temperatures ranging from chilly to mild, you never know what you will get!

You may luck out and have sun, but I’d say expect rain at least once a day! To help you prepare, here are a few tips for what to pack for Scotland in summer for my fellow ladies:

Summertime: when we did our grand scotland road-trip , we went in june (2022). the summer season in scotland really only lasts from june to august, but this can vary. even during summer, the weather can quickly change to feel chilly- especially when it rains, or if it’s windy. , ||note: when i went again in may 2023, it was sunny every day for 2 full weeks- i wore short sleeves each day and didn’t need any rain gear- be prepared for anything ||, one thing we were pleasantly surprised by is the long amount of daylight during a summer visit. ☀️, due to scotland’s northern location, in june, daylight can last from before 4 am until after 11 pm. we viewed this as a positive as it made us feel we had more time in the day to explore (and find plenty of highland cows ) 🐂, if traveling with children, this can be an issue. bring the right baby/toddler gear so your child has a dark place to sleep 🌙, typically, summer temperatures are around 15°c to 17°c (59°f to 63°f). always check the forecast the week before you leave even on sunny summer days, the breeze brings a chill 🌬️.

Read more: My itinerary of our 10 day trip in Scotland!

Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!).

LAYER UP! : When packing for your trip to Scotland, I have one key tip to share: dress in layers!! Although Scotland does receive that rare sunshine, the weather is among the most unpredictable I’ve ever experienced.

The layering doesn’t just apply to when you’re packing, but also when you’re out exploring during the day. being able to add or remove layers quickly will ensure you’re happy no matter what., with that, i’d recommend a decent sized day-bag or small stylish backpack (versus a purse). this way you can add and remove clothing as needed, and have room for a rain coat or  compact umbrella.

JACKETS : No matter when you visit Scotland, always pack a waterproof jacket (or lightweight rain jacket- this is the rain jacket I brought! ). Scotland is notorious for rain, and a quality jacket will keep you comfortable. 🌧️

I purchased one i could easily squish up and put in my day-pack to have ready for inevitable pop up showers. 🌧️i ended up pulling out my rain jacket at least once a day., i also brought a “ stylish jacket ” that i paired with dresses or other outfits to wear out to dinner- although this one isn’t waterproof.

SHOES: Scotland is a country of rugged landscapes and historic cities with those pesky cobblestones, so you’ll want to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Bonus points if they are waterproof! 👟

Sneakers ( i wore my adidas most days as they look cute with jeans or a dress) or hiking boots are both good options, depending on your plans. 🥾, i personally found these cute ankle length rain boots . they looked good in both casual and outdoorsy settings, and i didn’t have to worry about getting them wet or muddy. i ended up wearing these basically every day .

GENERAL RULE: When it comes to fashion, Scotland isn’t known for being particularly trendy. At least in comparison to other European countries- and I don’t mean this in a bad way! The vibe I got is that you can really wear whatever you like. 

The focus is more on practicality and comfort. casual attire, maybe a bit dressed up, seems generally appropriate for most occasions, including a night out on the town..

HIKING & THE OUTDOORS : If you plan to do some hiking or outdoor exploring during your trip to Scotland, you won’t fully enjoy it unless you pack appropriately. In the summer, a good waterproof jacket is essential- and again, dress in layers!

For footwear, hiking boots that are water resistant are ideal. 🥾 quick-drying or water-resistant pants are also a good idea, along with thick socks (these are my favorite hiking socks ). 🧦, i personally wore hiking leggings , thick socks , hiking boots , a moisture-wicking t-shirt , a cotton jacket, and  a rain jacket on top. on a few of the hikes, the wind made me cold enough to merit adding my snow hat and gloves yes, even in june i wore a snow hat see our hiking outfits below:.

MIDGES : If you’re visiting Scotland in the summer, watch out for midges – annoying and pesky little flying insects! They’re like tiny mosquitoes and they love to hang out in marshy areas. Unfortunately, they also love to bite! We weren’t bothered by them too much, but some tourists really suffer.

If you’re planning to venture out into the wilderness between may and september (midge season), you might want to pack some repellent. locals told us that they swear by avon skin so soft versus purchasing official “insect spray”., however, i’ve heard they recently changed their spray ingredients and so it’s not as effective as it once was. i’m not sure what’s true, but i’ve had success with repel in my other travels.

MY OFFICIAL LIST:

⇒get a pdf checklist of what i packed , sent to your email⇐, jeans, black hiking leggings , and biker shorts (to wear under dresses when it’s windy) , dresses or skirt/top combos- maybe not the most practical, but i wanted cute photos also i actually was very comfortable with these in the cities and small towns. i wore biker shorts underneath, and paired them with comfortable adidas sneakers , or my ankle-length rain boots ., links: dress one: green-white flowy long sleeve dress | dress two: sweater dress | dress three: green peasant style | dress four: this bodysuit with this flowy chiffon skirt over it (perfect for photos), and this skirt too .

A few light tops, t-shirts , and long sleeve shirts. Keep it breezy, folks.

I wore this white blouse over my short-sleeve shirts on most days. it was practical, and added a bit of style., i also ended up using my blanket scarf more often than i had thought it added a bit of scottish flair to my outfits, but also kept me warm when i was often, unexpectedly, cold. again, the key is to layer up… like a stylish onion., summer raincoat for the colder days. yep, a summer coat is totally a thing think light and ideally water repellent. again, i smashed this one up into my purse and ended up taking it out most days. i also packed a cotton jacket for the plane, but ended up wearing it under my rain jacket a few times. , footwear: adidas sneakers , hiking boots , ankle-length rain boots ., some cute ‘fits to wear out to the pubs. honestly, this was really just jeans, sneakers, and a cute top usually. i did buy this faux-suede jacket and found it looked cute with my dresses, and my jean/top outfits too., by following these tips and packing appropriately, you’ll be prepared for any weather scotland might throw your way. happy travels, and i hope you enjoyed my guide of what to pack for scotland in summer for women, extras : with every trip, there are a few basic items i always bring with me. these include:, purchasing travel insurance it’s cheaper than you think, and covers so much. i will not travel without it after having needed to rely on it several times over the years., my luggage of choice: checked bag size and carry on size, small combination padlock to keep on my purse/day bag to prevent theft, portable charger to keep in my purse for my cell phone & packing cubes to stay organized, some sort of notebook or journal to jot down what i did each day, if you’re an outlander fan, check out this sweater i designed – or this fun t-shirt, browse my amazon storefront with all my favorites, see all my best travel safety , organization and packing items, follow me on instagram for even more scotland content, pin it for later.

Tips for Travelling with a Baby (+ Packing List!)

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (10 Days)

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Thank you for your tips. They were very helpful for my packing list for Scotland in May!

I love to hear that! Did you also take a look at my itinerary post and hotel review ones? Hope you have an amazing trip!

I’m headed to Scotland in a month! How did your roller bags handle the streets? I’ve heard the wheels will break and I need to plan for backpack luggage. Is that pretty common?

I hope you love your trip! I did a rolling suitcase and while it was sometimes annoying on cobblestone, I generally found that there were smooth sidewalk in most places. It wasn’t a problem for me! A backpack may be easier if you’ll be moving around a lot, but I didn’t recall thinking the roll suitcase was an issue.

Thank you! Headed there in August so this is helpful!

We just finished a two and a half week “holiday” in Scotland. We stayed at Air B&B’s. A few tips for those staying at Air B&B’s. Don’t expect to have anything in the way of kitchen supplies. We stayed at one place where we were expected to clean and the supplies were there, but there weren’t any paper towels or sponges to use. Bring your own paper towels, as they were only at one of the places we stayed. Also, all the places we stayed had washing machines, but the Scots don’t use dryers. We were unable to do laundry because it was cold and damp and our jeans never had enough time to dry. I bought a pair of trail running shoes (Altra Lone Peak) and wore them the entire trip. This brand of shoes has an expanded toe box and is super comfortable. As Michelle said, my scarf was one of the most useful items I brought with me. I am now a huge fan of packing cubes as they helped me keep organized.

Thank you for the feedback, that is very helpful!!

Just FYI – your “white blouse” link brings me to the v-neck short sleeve t-shirts. Thanks for the tips.

thank you so much! I will fix it now 🙂

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What to Wear in Scotland in July

Wondering what to wear in Scotland in July? In this guide we will tell you everything you need to pack for Scotland whether you are visiting cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Highlands or the countryside and lochs.

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Table of Contents

Weather in Scotland in July

Summer is in full swing in Scotland in July however that does not mean you are guaranteed great weather. You can get 4 seasons in a day in Scotland no matter the time of year you visit.

This guide will give you an overview of what to expect from the Scottish weather in July however for more locally specific guides check out our regional posts:

• What to wear in Glasgow
• What to wear in Edinburgh in July
• What to wear in the Highlands

Also it is worth noting that the weather between months changes quite dramatically in Scotland. Therefore if your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly:

• What to wear in Scotland in June
• What to wear in Scotland in August

How hot is Scotland in July?

July is actually one of the warmest months in Scotland. Generally speaking the average temperatures in Scotland in July averaging around 16-19°C/60-66F°. However depending on where you are you may find the wind can be strong and the temperatures feel cooler.

Note : the average temperatures in Edinburgh tend to be the same however the highlands will be slightly lower.

Does it rain a lot in July in Scotland?

You can get rain in Scotland in any month of the year. In fact you can get up to 15 days of rain in Scotland across the month of July.

How do Locals Dress in Scotland In July

In Scotland any local will tell you that no matter the time of year in the city, locals know the importance of layers. Therefore we recommend packing a mix of short and long length tops as well top layers such as jackets and fleeces.

Best Shoes for Scotland in July

Sneakers are the perfect shoe for summers in Scotland, especially in the cities. And if you plan on doing some walking in Scotland sneakers may be appropriate.

Hiking Boots (optional)

If you plan on sticking with the cities then you won’t need hiking boots. However if you want to do some more challenging hiking then you will need hiking boots or hiking sandals with you.

Sandals are a great choice for Summer in Scotland. In the city you will need a shoe with arch support as there is lots of uneven terrain in places like Edinburgh. These are also a good choice for restaurants in Scotland that have more smart casual dress codes.

However if you are in the countryside and want a sandal then you will need a proper walking sandal.

And if you want a sandal with height for evenings, then I recommend a wedge over a heel as these are better in the cities. Shop sandals for Scotland here.

What to Wear in Scotland in July for women

Do I need a Jacket for Scotland in July?

We recommend taking a lightweight jacket to Scotland even in Summer. During dry spells and for cities, denim jackets are very popular and is commonly paired with dresses among the locals.

However if you plan on heading out in the countryside or plan on doing outdoor activities something that has some waterproofing is a good idea. S hop jackets for Scotland here .

Jeans aren’t always the thing that springs to mind when packing for a vacation. However if the vacation is in Scotland you definitely should.

Scotland can get all 4 seasons in one day so jeans are a great pick for cooler days.

Also unlike in other places in Europe you don’t need to worry about the style of jeans. You will see everything from skinny, baggy, mum cut to ripped so just bring the jeans you feel most comfy in.

Trousers are another great pick for Scotland. Chinos, linen and cotton pants all work well for Scotland in July. However if you want to go hiking in Scotland you should bring zippable hiking trousers with you. Shop convertible walking pants here.

It is absolutely fine to wear shorts in Scotland in almost any location.

T Shirts and Tank Tops

T Shirts are perfect everywhere in Scotland in July and you can pick the style you feel most comfortable in. And it really doesn’t matter what type of t shirt you decide to wear: plain, patterned, slogan or graph. That is because you will see all varieties on the streets of Scotland.

Tank tops are also great in Scotland and they aren’t any Scottish dress code rules that they go against.

Generally speaking for Scotland in summer I would pack more short sleeve t shirts than long. However a couple of long sleeve t shirts are always a good idea too for cooler days in Scotland. Click here to shop tees for Scotland.

Skirts and dresses

One of the things I love about the UK is that it is a very multicultural and diverse especially in terms of fashion choices. As such you will see a range of fashions and styles on the streets.

Therefore it is hard to look like a tourist through your fashion choices. Dresses and skirts of any length are fine for Scotland even in the cities. Click here to shop dresses for Scotland.

A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights in Scotland. Also Scotland is famous for getting midges and mosquitos in the Summer. Blouses with longer sleeves are a great way of protecting your arms against them at night.

Click here to shop blouses for Scotland.

Sweater / Hoodie / Fleece

Although it is summer a top layer is an essential in Scotland. For cities and during the day I recommend packing a sweater or hoodie. However if you plan on heading to the coast or countryside we recommend packing a microfibre fleece.

These are lightweight and easy to pack down and offer better protection against wind and rain if you are out for the day in the countryside. Shop fleeces here.

A pashmina is always on my European packing list whatever the month. It is useful as it can act as a scarf or extra layer on cooler days. Shop pashminas here.

PJs   or Nightie

Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are an essential for Scotland in July as much accommodation in Scotland and Europe generally will not have air conditioning. Therefore lightweight nightwear is a must.

Sunglasses are essential in Scotland especially in Summer. Be sure to pack a pair with good UVA protection.

Swimwear  (optional)

Swimwear is definitely an optional item if you are visiting Scotland in July and are only required if you plan to head to the coast or are staying in a hotel with a pool.

Although July is summer in Scotland we still recommend packing socks. Sneaker socks are good for in the city, however if you plan to do hiking then you will need some thicker hiking socks with you.

Goes without saying. 

What to pack for Scotland in July for Men

Our Scotland Summer packing list for men tends to follow the same rules as for women in terms of fabric selection and local fashion sensibilities.

Generally speaking we recommend packing the below for men in Scotland in July. 

• Trousers – we recommend selecting natural fabrics such as cottons and linen. However jeans are also a good pick even in summer.
• Hiking Trousers – only needed for those who are going out on day hikes in the countryside. We recommend the zippable type in case it is a warm day.
• Mixture of long and short sleeve t shirts for day time and night. Polo shirts are also good in Scotland for night. 
• Blazer / Linen Jacket – perfect for smarter restaurants in Scotland and cooler days.
• Shirts – mix of long and short sleeve
• Jacket – if you are heading into the countryside and plan on doing outdoor activities then you will want a waterproof with you.
• Smarter Pair of Shoes for dinner

What to Pack for Scotland in July

So now you know what to wear in Scotland in the summer, we will turn our attention to what to pack for Scotland in July other than clothing.

• Aloe Vera / Aftersun –  just in case you get burnt.
• Insect Repellant – Scotland is famed for its midges and also gets mosquitos. Therefore you will want some insect repellant with you especially for out in the Highlands or countryside.
• Travel Adaptor
• Power Pack / Battery recharger
• Crossbody bag   – depending on where you are in Scotland will depend on how much this is needed But I would recommend a crossbody bag for cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. As with anywhere in the world tourist cities can attract pickpockets so any deterrents are worthwhile. 
• camera –  Scotland is a beautiful country you will want to take lots of photographs.
• Quick Dry Towel – for if you are on the coast.

Note : if you plan on visiting other parts of the UK swell be sure to check out our other British packing lists:

• what to wear in London in July
• What to wear in London in August
• What to wear in the Cotswolds

Do you have any questions about what to wear Scotland in July? Drop us a comment below and we will do our best to answer.

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Scotland packing list – what to wear in scotland in all seasons.

Even before we lived in Ireland, we made several trips to Scotland. We had a leg up, though, in putting together our Scotland packing list because of our years of traveling and living in Ireland. The two countries have a lot of similarities, including weather, which means we are pros on what to wear in Scotland.

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Scotland Packing List And Guide – Updated 2023

There’s a reason why Scotland is so beautiful – the weather. Scotland receives a lot of rain in a year, even during the summer. Winters can be brutally cold and it seems to be windy all year round. This is why packing for Scotland can be a challenge.

We’ve been to Scotland several times. My first trip was when I was 17 years old. More recently, we’ve visited Scotland in the summer as well as winter. So, we’ve seen the extremes.

This packing list for Scotland will include tips on what to wear, what to bring, and what to leave at home.

What To Wear In Scotland 

Putting together a travel wardrobe for  Scotland  is important. It’s a gorgeous country, known for its extensive coastline, stunning views, and unique history. Scotland is also known for something else – the weather .

Rain and unpredictability rule the day. Scotland is also colder than other countries in Europe. As much as average temperatures in winter rarely drop below freezing, average temperatures in the summer don’t spike as much as they do elsewhere.

As much as it was not as cold as it was when we visited Edinburgh in winter, packing for Scotland in the summer was just as much of a challenge. Particularly because we did it all with carry-on bags only!

In this post, I will talk about the weather in Scotland and how it might affect your Scotland travel outfits. I will also share tips on what to pack when you travel to Scotland besides clothing.

Some of these tips might not be needed for seasoned travelers to Europe, but for others, I hope to talk about some packing issues that people might not consider normally.

Looking for more travel tips? Check out our  Priority Pass Lounge Review  & Save 10% on membership  here .

Tips on How To Book Hotels In Scotland For 2023

Since leaving the US over a decade ago, we’ve traveled to Scotland numerous times. During these trips to Scotland, we learned a few things about booking hotels in Scotland.

We’ve stayed at stunning luxury hotels like  the Dowans Hotel of Speyside  and  Sherbrooke Castle Hotel  in Glasgow. And sadly we have stayed in our fair share of not-so-great hotels in Scotland.

When planning our trips to Scotland, we use  Booking.com  for hotels in Scotland. In addition to booking hotels, we’ve used them to book  apartments in Scotland  for longer stays.

We’ve even found some charming and less expensive  guest houses in Scotland  on Booking.com.

Scotland For Food And Drink Travelers

Most of the research I did on what to pack for Scotland focused on people traveling to hike or backpack through Scotland. I do share some tips for hikers, things to pack or consider when fully exploring the outdoors.

Our tips, though, focus on the people who travel like us – on our stomachs. This includes travelers focused on city breaks to Edinburgh or Glasgow (both cities definitely worth exploring) or people focused on the  Malt Whisky Trail  and other food and drink tourism. 

We spent a lot of time outdoors during our trip through the Highlands and Speyside and prepared for inclement weather. More so than we normally do when traveling.

A lot of our advice, though, focuses more on the casual traveler, or the Scotland road trip traveler, more than the traditional backpacker. 

We also share tips for  how to pack lightly for Europe , including cold and wet destinations like Scotland.

Weather In Scotland – Four Seasons Per Day

Like our  Ireland packing list , a good number of our tips on what clothes to wear in Scotland focus on preparing for the weather in Scotland.

Regarding Scotland’s weather, they often say that Scotland experiences four seasons in one day. This is true and makes packing for Scotland a challenge. The weather does vary among the seasons, but it also changes from day to day.

How To Dress In Scotland Pro Tip : The one concept that prevails through this entire Scotland packing list is that, overall, Scotland is cold and wet. There is no reason to wrap yourself in Saran wrap to make it through.

Always remember – clothes dry, shoes dry. Be prepared for rain, but don’t stress about combating it. My Irish mother-in-law always said, “You can’t do anything but talk about the weather.”

Creating a Packing List For a Scotland Vacation

When creating your own packing list, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions. Your needs might be different from my needs. I hope to cover all scenarios, but understanding your goals and your plans will help. 

• Are you hiking or biking around Scotland? Or, are you focused on city breaks or road-tripping?
• How much walking will you be doing? 
• Are you packing carry-on only (I always recommend this!)?
• Are you renting a car, taking a tour, or booking train travel in Scotland?

Best Luggage For Scotland

Oh boy, I could spend thousands of words talking about this very issue. The most important thing when traveling in Scotland is to pack as light as you can. It just makes the entire trip around the country so much easier.

Now, I generally travel with a carry-on-sized bag that I can carry, roll, and lift wherever I need to without any help. Eric carries the same bag as I do. Occasionally I check my travel bag, but mostly that is because I carry toiletries that are not travel-sized.

All that said, I use this same bag whether traveling for a weekend or a month. I’ve used this bag for summer trips and winter trips and for business trips where I am packing a blazer. We’ve even used this bag to travel to Scotland in the winter, with all sorts of bulky clothes. 

Looking for new luggage?   ROAM Customizable Luggage  is our absolute favorite for carry-on sized luggage for travel. Almost cavernous inside and most important, so easy to maneuver and fits in all storage spaces.  Use the code FoodDrinkDest to save $50 off your new bag  >> Click  here  for ROAM

Backpack For Scotland

It’s taken a very long time, but we’ve finally found the backpack for us. I fell in love with my Knack Expandable Bag the first time I used it for a long weekend in  San Sebastian, Spain . Knack has, for us, created an easy-to-use backpack that can be used as a carry-on or for a long weekend away.

I’m able to bring my laptop an extra pair of shoes, clothing, and everything else all in this one compact bag. Knack Bags fits under the seat in front of you on a train or airplane. It’s lightweight, roomy on the inside, and easy to carry or attach to my Roam suitcase.

Check out the  Knack Expandable Backpack Here.  

If you do need to pack a lot but want to ensure carry-on only try using packing to organize your gear or compression bags to save space in your luggage. 

Eric and I never used to use packing cubes. Not sure why, but now we do. We use the packing cubes from  Knack Bags . They start out small and unzip to expand depending on how much you need to fit.

I use one for electronics and cords and another for undergarments and socks. They are so easy to use particularly when packing a smaller bag where space is important. 

Crossbody And Anti-Theft Bags

For traveling in Europe, generally, I do recommend a crossbody bag or even an anti-theft bag . For Scotland, if you are only exploring the Highlands, this might not be necessary.

But, Glasgow and Edinburgh are different. They have a reputation for pickpockets as any larger city does.

I recommend  Travel-On  as an anti-theft day bag option, which comes in a messenger or crossbody bag as well as other options.

They make bags for men as well. If you are feeling concerned, these bags are a great option to provide a little peace of mind.

Packing Cubes

I didn’t used to use packing cubes when traveling, but I would recommend them for Scotland. They can serve a few purposes. We stayed at six different hotels over two weeks during our recent trip.

Packing cubes can help organize clothing and accessories on trips like this. They can also help segregate dirty clothes or wet items. It’s Scotland, things will get wet! 

If you do need to pack a lot but want to ensure carry-on only try using packing to organize your gear or  compression bags  to save space in your luggage. 

We use the packing cubes from  Knack Bags . They start out small and unzip to expand depending on how much you need to fit.

I use one for electronics and cords and another for undergarments and socks. They are so easy to use, particularly when packing a smaller bag where space is important. 

Check out the  packing cubes from Knack Bags .

Things To Consider Packing When Traveling To Scotland

There are some other items you might need when traveling in Scotland that don’t have to do with Scottish dress.

These are some of our recommendations and considerations anytime you travel to Europe. We’ve added some modifications to our standard advice for the particulars of packing for Scotland.

Here is our Packing List For Scotland (aside from clothes) along with a more in-depth description for each of these items: 

• Credit Cards and Cash

Filtered Water Bottle

Windproof umbrella.

• Camera or Smartphone
• Portable WiFi
• iPad  or  Kindle Fire

Eye Mask For Sleeping

One of the best times to visit Scotland is in the summer. That said, if you are traveling to Scotland in summer, be aware that it rarely gets dark. You’ll experience lots of sunny days, but this means the sun sets about midnight and it starts to get light around 3 am.

Some hotels had blackout curtains, but others did not. If you have difficulty sleeping when it is light outside, I would recommend an  eye mask for traveling .

We’ve never had problems drinking tap water when traveling in Scotland. They have a reputation for crystal clear water. There are no safety concerns, but environmental ones. We try to reduce our use of plastic whenever possible.

And, traveling with a filtered water bottle can just reduce any concerns you might have about drinking the water straight from the tap.

To reduce your use of plastic, I recommend bringing a  Brita  filtered water bottle so you can fill up your bottle from the tap and carry it with you through the day. 

Portable Coffee Maker

Scotland is a tea-drinking country. Sure there are plenty of Starbucks and Costa Coffee shops in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

But, if you are particular about having great coffee when traveling, a portable coffee maker might help. Check out our post on the  Best Travel Coffee Makers  for some recommendations. 

It rains in Scotland. Did I already mention that? If you are used to traveling with an  umbrella , be sure it is high quality and windproof. For us, I am happy with a quality rain jacket for Scotland rather than an umbrella.

What Technology To Pack For Scotland

We travel with a lot of tech, which is understandable considering our profession. I also recognize that even “normal” travelers want to stay connected while traveling.

Binoculars 

I wouldn’t normally suggest binoculars for a trip, but Scotland is known for nature. If heading to the Highlands, heading out on a boat, or if you are just really curious, consider a small pair of  binoculars  if you have the room in your luggage.

iPad or Laptop or MacBook

We always travel with our MacBooks, but that’s because we work while traveling. There are some great laptops for travel, but if heading out on an actual vacation an iPad or Kindle Fire might work well. This will help you stay connected and provide reading material, hopefully by a peat fire in the evenings with a  dram of whisky  by your side. 

Battery Pack

We always travel with at least one portable battery to top up our smartphones during long days of sightseeing.

We also carry our charging cords with us during the day because there are often cafes or restaurants where we can top up along the way. We’ve had a few  power packs from Anker  that have worked well. 

UK Travel Adapter

A must for any packing list. A proper travel adapter will help you charge all of your devices while traveling. I recommend taking multiple adapters on a trip.

We generally carry at least four on each trip, two for our laptops and two for our phones, so we can charge most of our devices at one time.

This is important when you have long days and might not have a ton of time to charge up at the hotel.

A  Universal Adapter  is a good value because it can be used in Europe, the UK, and Asia. When in the UK and Ireland, we always bring a few UK adapters as well. 

Scotland, like the UK, has a different-shaped electric outlet than the rest of Europe.

Most universal travel adapters will work in Scotland, but I always carry at least one UK-specific adapter as a backup. Look for a UK adapter, or a “Type G” adapter, which will work in Scotland, England, and Ireland.

Travel Accessories And Clothing To Pack For Scotland

Let’s start moving into what to wear in Scotland and what to pack. For Scotland (unlike packing for Italy ), I tend to focus more on function than fashion, but there are a few ways to dress up or feel a little more feminine.

First, what do people wear in Scotland? It’s important to note that Scottish fashion is very casual, particularly outside of the big cities.

Think jeans, sweaters, and boots, almost all the time. Even during the best weather in Scotland, it’s not common to see people wearing short shorts or skirts, except maybe the youth (which I am not).

The Best Shoes For Scotland

Here’s where our advice differs a bit from what others might say. Many people who write about Scottish apparel for travelers focus on hiking. We did not pack hiking boots for Scotland.

Although it is quite common to see the locals wearing hiking boots in Scotland, we tried to pack light. And, because we were traveling in Scotland in the summer we thought we could skip hiking boots and walking shoes. For us, the gamble worked out well. 

I brought sneakers for our summer trip, which were fine for walking around even in wet grass (they dried quickly). I brought my trusty  Birkenstock  sandals and wore those the most. I even wore them in the rain and they also dried quickly. I had a simple pair of  allbirds ballet flats for dinners.

In the end, the best shoes for Scotland really depend on how you plan on spending your time. If you are hiking, walking, fishing, or traveling in winter, you probably need something a little more hefty than what we traveled with.

Packing Rain Boots or Rain Shoes For Scotland

When we traveled to Scotland in winter, though, I packed a pair of  ankle boots . For both trips, I didn’t feel that I missed not having some good Scottish rain boots.

That said, when we visited a farm in Speyside, they offered us some wellies, and I was happy to have them. I have Joules wellies , and I love them!

Or, try the more classic-looking  Crocs rain boots for women . For men, check out these  Tretorn rain boots . The men’s rain boots just don’t come in the same fun colors as the women’s. 

If you do plan on doing a lot of walking, particularly if traveling to Scotland in the winter, a lightweight rain boot or shoe may be helpful. That and a good pair of wool socks.

This really depends on your itinerary and whether you have space in your luggage. If you have a good walking shoe and maybe a few pairs of travel socks that resist the water, this might not be needed.

Recommended Shoes For Scotland

That said, the best walking shoes for Scotland are ones that are practical and water resistant if you plan to do a lot of walking.

As for the type of shoes to bring to Scotland, if staying in cities and villages I try to choose something a little more stylish than a hiking shoe, so it is something I can wear out for dinner or to the pubs.

If you plan on doing a good amount of walking, then a good walking shoe is in order. This could be a waterproof shoe or a boot/sneaker hybrid. It’s also important with waterproof shoes to have quick drying socks . While wool socks might sound appealing, they don’t dry quickly.

Recommended Year-Round Shoes For Scotland

For women, I recommend an ankle boot like these by  Lucky Brand  (which come in a variety of colors and designs), or for a hybrid shoe, I’ve always been a fan of  Merrell walking shoes . For men, I would recommend an  ankle boot from Clark’s  or again a  waterproof Merrell walking shoe .

Scarves For Scotland

There are a few options for scarves when traveling to Scotland. For summer, a fashionable scarf is sufficient to keep away the chill.

If traveling in spring, fall, or winter, or you plan to do a lot of hiking, a moisture wicking scarf is best. These scarves can keep you warm while keeping the moisture away from the skin. 

Also if traveling to Scotland in winter, perhaps consider a  blanket scarf . This is a hefty scarf perfect for cold weather. But, it can also be used as a blanket on the plane, on trains, or if you are feeling the chill at the hotel.

Pack For Layers And Wear Wool

The most important thing about packing clothes for Scotland is to dress in layers. We kept most of our rain jackets in our rental car when driving around the countryside. That way we could grab our rain jackets if need be, or shed an outer layer when it got warmer.

When in Glasgow, I threw our windbreakers in my purse just in case. In Edinburgh in winter, we dressed warm for outside, but shed layers as soon as we stepped in a pub. That’s the burden of winter in Scotland. 

We spent the bulk of our time during our last trip in Moray Speyside, exploring the stunning coastline, visiting whisky distilleries, and even visiting farms. I felt comfortable being casual during the day and dressing up a bit for dinner in the evenings.

In the cities, though, I felt a little uncomfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt our first night out and dressed up a little bit more after that. 

We also packed some  merino wool clothing  for our summer trip.  Wool&Prince  offered us an opportunity to wear practical clothes, that were still stylish. Everything we own from WoolAndPrince is either wool or a wool blend.

It was perfect for the Scottish weather. And, it offered us an opportunity to look a little nicer. This was particularly the case with my  wool&  dress, which I was able to wear for a tasting menu dinner at the Dowan’s Hotel.

Eric spent most of the trip wearing his Merino wool Henley t-shirt and a fab wool dress shirt. Best of all, because the clothing is made with wool, it doesn’t need to be washed as much as cotton or cotton blend, making it perfect for travel! 

Wearing Wool& In Scotland

Scotland Packing List

Keeping all of this in mind, here is what I brought on our trip to Scotland in the summer, which included visits to the countryside, coastline, and cities. 

• 4 t-shirts and tank tops for layering
• 3 long sleeve shirts (a black one for dressing up and two more casual ones for the day)
• 1 pair of jeans or skinny jeans, 2 pairs of khaki pants (I also brought capri pants but never wore them)
• Sneakers, sandals, ballet flats
• Denim jacket, rain-proof windbreaker, or rain jacket

Eric brought a couple of short-sleeved polo shirts, a Merino wool t shirt, one pair of jeans, one pair of pants, a long-sleeved henley, and 3 long-sleeved dress shirts. Honestly, we managed to just wear the same thing over and over.

The benefit of traveling in Scotland is that it is not overly hot and everyone is pretty casual. We were able to travel carry-on only for the two weeks.

Scotland Rain Gear And Outerwear

Eric and I each brought a rain-proof windbreaker to Scotland, which I actually did not use as much as I anticipated. I was glad I had it though. There are a few other additions or changes to be made based on activities or seasons.

When we traveled to Scotland in winter, we wore much heavier jackets. I would also add a hat and gloves. Even though it doesn’t generally get super cold, it is a wet cold. If hiking, I would recommend one or two pairs of quick dry pants, water resistant socks, and waterproof hiking shoes.

Other Scotland Packing And Travel Tips

There are a handful of issues that I recommend travelers consider when planning a trip to Scotland. Some of these are considerations for all travelers to Europe but some of them are for Scotland in particular. 

Passport Requirements For Scotland

If you are traveling from within the European Union, a National Identification card is sufficient to enter Scotland (for now). For the rest of us, a passport is required. Be sure to have at least six months’ validity on your passport.

For example, if your trip begins on January 1, be sure that your passport doesn’t expire until after July 1. Scotland is part of the UK but falls outside of the  Schengen Zone . Generally, Americans can stay in Scotland for up to six months. 

I recommend scanning a copy of your passport or taking a photo on your phone and keeping it in the “cloud.”

This can mean keeping it in  Dropbox , Google Drive, or even just emailing it to yourself so that you can access it if need be. I don’t recommend carrying your passport with you during the day in case your day bag is lost or stolen. 

If you have your American driver’s license, that is sufficient to show ID during the day. If you are ever asked by a police officer, a photocopy of your passport is normally sufficient.

If there is a serious issue, you can always present your passport later. This has never been a situation we’ve encountered in the 20 years we’ve spent traveling to Europe but readers have asked us.

Traveling To Scotland With Medication

If you have prescription medication that you must travel with, try to bring it in the original bottle that shows your name and details.

We’ve never been stopped, but you never know. This is better than bringing random pills in a pill organizer.

I don’t generally offer a medication or toiletries packing list, but there is one health issue that is unique to Scotland – Midges. Midges are small flying insects.

They are found in wet areas. They can bite like a mosquito and are just not fun. Consider a quality insect repellant. Or, the Scottish use  Avon’s SkinSoSoft  to keep away the Midges.

Money Issues When Traveling In Scotland

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions about traveling in Europe, particularly for Americans.

This advice comes from an American perspective. We have both American and Spanish bank accounts and all American credit cards. 

Money Belt or Passport Belt

As mentioned above, Edinburgh and Glasgow can be problematic with pickpockets so it is important to take precautions. 

A lot of people consider a money belt, fanny pack, or passport belt when packing for Europe. We have not traveled with one since our first trip to Italy in 2000.

First off, there is no reason to carry your passport with you during the day. Leave it at in your hotel safe and have a copy or a photograph on your phone instead. That way it stays safe.

As for money, Eric doesn’t carry a big wallet when traveling. He keeps his money in his front pocket where it is most safe.

If you follow my advice above about keeping money in various places and not carrying all your credit cards with you, you should be fine.

This is particularly true if you are used to traveling in big cities, like New York or Chicago. You just need to keep your wits about you.

All that said, if you would feel more secure using a money belt, we recommend this  Stash Neck Wallet . It includes an RFID blocker, which means that your credit cards are more secure. It also has room for a smartphone to keep it secure as well.

ATM Cards And Credit Cards In Scotland

I recommend bringing one ATM card and two credit cards. Keep one credit card in your hotel safe, or hidden in a suitcase just in case your day bag is stolen during the day.

Call your bank and your credit card companies before leaving to let them know you are traveling to Scotland and when so that they do not turn your credit card off for suspicious behavior.

Most important, check whether your credit cards charge  Foreign Transaction Fees . Foreign Transaction Fees can be 2-3% of every purchase you make.

Some cards have these and some don’t. Most of our Chase credit cards don’t charge the fee. The same goes for ATM cards.

Just call to confirm so you are not surprised when you get home with random fees. I can place a travel alert on my Chase cards online and on that page it tells me what Foreign Transaction Fees are for each of my cards. 

Accessing Money in Scotland

As for money, the easiest and best way to access cash when traveling in Scotland is to use the local ATM machines to withdraw Pounds.

Because Scotland is part of the United Kingdom they only accept British or Scottish Pounds and not Euros. British and Scottish Pounds are equivalent. It’s just one issued from the Bank of England and the other from the Bank of Scotland. 

There is no need to convert USD to Pounds at your bank before leaving home. There is no need to convert at the airport in the US or in Europe.

Generally, the exchange rates and fees are way worse than simply withdrawing money at an ATM.

Avoid ATMs that are located as part of a souvenir shop or convenience store in touristy areas – stick to the ATM machines at legitimate  banks  (i.e. Bank of Scotland).

Most small towns in Scotland will have an ATM machine, but if concerned, try to stock up in larger cities and towns.

Large TESCO supermarkets in Scotland also have ATMs, which is convenient when driving around the country. To find the closest ATM use Google Maps (click Explore – More – ATMs).

Travel Insurance

Buying travel insurance for your trip. It’s easily one of the top questions we’ve received over the past 11+ years of travel. While we generally don’t buy travel insurance, if it makes you feel more comfortable when traveling, then go for it.

Overall, travel insurance is not as expensive as you think but is a great investment if something goes wrong.

Travel insurance is important to have peace of mind during your trip. We recommend using  World Nomads  for travel insurance for every international trip you take.

You never know and it is better to be safe than sorry. This is particularly true if renting a car or doing any hiking or outdoor activities in Scotland.

They offer immediate quotes so you know the cost and coverage immediately. Check out World Nomads  here .

Scotland Packing List – Final Thoughts

Scotland is a simply stunning country, but it does take a little bit more to pack for a trip. Sure, you want to be prepared for rain and unpleasant weather. In the end, though, the most important thing is to not think too much about it. Just enjoy the journey! 

FAQs – What Kind of Clothes to Wear in Scotland?

By September, Fall has completely settled in Scotland. Average temperatures are in the mid-40s (F) to upper 50s. In terms of rain, it’s Scotland so there’s always a chance. In terms of packing, it’s best to pack layers. This way, when you enter a pub, restaurant, or museum, you can peel off clothing and be more comfortable. Make sure you have gloves, a warm hat, a scarf, and of course, a rain jacket.

Why not! Sneakers make for great walking shoes, especially when there are cobblestone streets (leave the high heels at home). Compared to hiking boots, sneakers are lighter and take up less room in your luggage. Many people would recommend a good pair of walking shoes, but depending on the style of sneakers, you’ll get more use out of them compared to walking shoes.

Summer in Scotland is stunning. Days are longer, much longer. Temperatures are warmer, but it does still rain. Even if it’s a lightweight, compactable, rain jacket, it’s a good idea to pack one. A lightweight rain jacket can easily fit in a checked bag or daypack. Have a rain jacket handy and you can thank me later.

Amber Hoffman

Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together over the last 20 years, they have traveled to over 70 countries. Amber is the author of the Food Traveler’s Guide to Emilia Romagna. She regularly lectures on social media marketing to travel professionals throughout Europe.

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Clothing Tips for Traveling to Scotland in the Summer

Europe Packing List , Travel Packing Lists

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Summertime can be the most favorable season to plan a trip to Scotland. The warm and dry weather, festivals, and extended daylight tend to bring more visitors to the small country at this time of year. If you find yourself headed to Scotland, continue reading for tips that will keep you looking good and prepared on your upcoming trip.

Clothing Tips for Scotland

Written by: Niki Landry

Nike Free 5.0 Flash ID  /  Hooded Rain Jacket 

Be prepared for the unpredictable weather.

On a typical visit to Scotland most travelers will spend a few days in the cities, and the majority of their time will be spent exploring the outdoors in the Highlands and countryside. Packing items that can work for both situations is important, as is being prepared for the unpredictable weather.

The weather during the summer does tend to be warmer and drier, but this is relative to the country’s other seasons. It may be colder than expected, and be prepared for sudden rain and temperature changes depending on the region. Prepare for the unexpected with a small umbrella, a raincoat , and if possible waterproof sneakers .

Unless you are doing serious hiking, look for sneakers with some weather protection. They will take up less room in your luggage than bulky boots, and would be suitable for your daily activities in the cities and towns.

Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe .

  Lou & Grey Composition Anorak  /  One-Button Fleece Wrap Cardigan

Bring along fashionable fleece.

The temperature can drop at night, and if the weather is humid it will feel colder than the temperature suggests. Be sure to have one or two warm sweaters you can layer over your clothing. Select a neutral color or pattern that can coordinate with most of your outfits, or if your overall palette is neutral opt for a pop of color.

Use packing cubes to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space.

Athleta Leggings  /  Zella ‘Live In’ Leggings

You can’t beat a pair of leggings.

A good quality medium weight legging will be indispensible on a trip to Scotland. It will keep you warm while outdoors, and comfortable in the cities. I am addicted to Athleta brand leggings, because they hold their shape and color after many of washings. Be careful that your choice doesn’t stretch or sag after one wear. Also, look for a legging without the shine that signals workout gear. A matte fabric will be more versatile over the length of your trip.

Steve Madden Ruski  /  Iovine

Flat Boots are the best shoes.

The best shoes for walking around in the towns and cities are comfortable flat boots. A neutral pair that would look good with jeans or dresses is your best bet. Also, choose a light pair that wont weigh down your luggage. Make sure to break them in before your trip to prevent rubbing and sore feet.

Don’t forget to protect yourself from the midges. If you are traveling to an area where midges are prevalent, be sure to take along a little skin protection. Some people swear by Avon Skin So Soft, but I would stick to proven insect repellents to keep the bites at bay.

Other Alternatives

The best way to enjoy your holiday no matter the conditions is to be prepared. Pack the essentials and layer in other pieces and accessories that reflect your personal style.

Do you have any tips to add? Please comment below!

For more Europe summer packing tips,  please read:

• What to Wear in Hungary: 5 Quick Packing Tips for Budapest in Summer
• What to Wear in Greece in Summer: Islands and Cruising
• Planning a Summer Barcelona Vacation? Follow these 8 Packing Tips!
• 5 Wardrobe Essentials for a Summer Trip to Madrid

Suggested travel resources:

• Lonely Planet Scotland (Country Guide)
• Travel Shoes for Europe
• The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe

Hope you liked this post on summer clothing tips for Scotland. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs.  nikilandry.com   nikilandrydesigns   niki-landry-designs-llc

24 Comments

Can’t wait for our trip to Scotland!! Great info!!

I’m returning to Scotland soon and will be heeding your advice. My first trip was taken without the advice of this outstanding site! So grateful for all of the wonderful information available through TFG!

Followed much of this for my recent trip to England and Scotland. So incredibly helpful and, for the first time, I didn’t overpack!

I took my Blundstones on my August trip to Scotland and found them pretty perfect- they worked for the short hike we went on that had a surprise burst of rain, and looked good enough to wander around in Edinburgh and for a nice-ish dinner that we decided to do spur of the moment. If you’re looking for a single pair of shoes to take, I really can’t think of a better option. They work with jeans and dresses and plenty of locals were wearing them too! The other definite packing win was a light rain coat from Joules ( a UK company) that worked to keep me dry and not too warm during those surprise rain bursts! Don’t forget to try the Irn Bru!

This helped so much for my trip to Scotland! Very practical suggestions

Just got back from beautiful Scotland at the end of August. I totally overpacked for my 8 day trip. One skirt would have been plenty. I packed dresses and two pairs of sandals. Not necessary!! All I needed were Lulu leggings and long and short tees. Of course my Barbour waterproof jacket was functional and fashionable. Chelsea boots and asics were all I needed.

What should I pack for a trip at the end of May?

Hi Lela, check out this guide for tips to help you with packing for the weather in spring time: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-trips-to-scotland/

Have a brilliant time!

Great reading for our summer 2023 trip to Scotland!

What are midges ?

Hi Margaret, thank you for reaching out. A midge is a small insect common to the highlands of Scotland and, like mosquitoes, it is known to bite people. You can learn more about them here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_midge

If you are worried about insects, you might be interested in our round up of the best insect repellents: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-insect-repellent/ Hope this helps answer your question. Happy travels!

Hi, I’m planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland from July 3-6, 2018. Can you please offer some travel tips on how I should dress? What are the temperature ranges? Is the weather warm to cool and does it get downright cold? It’s tricky trying to figure it out given Scotland’s extreme northern latitude and proximity to large bodies of water.

Hi Ishaam, have a look at these TFG articles about packing for Scotland for some ideas: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-scotland/ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-trips-to-scotland/ They may be a good place to start planning your packing! Have an amazing trip! 🙂

Does anyone know what the weather is like in late September/October? Also; does anyone know how to make “waterproof” Teva ankle boots less slippery? They are the only waterproof ones I found and they are comfortable, but found out they tend to be slippery on rainy concrete. Also: would long sleeve t-shirts with a “quilted” type vest and lightweight rain jacket be enough in late September??

Hi Kath, the weather in late September/October is likely to be varied and unpredictable, you would be best to check the weather forecast nearer your trip. For some more ideas about planning your wardrobe for your trip to Scotland have a look at these posts: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-trips-to-scotland/ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-scotland/ Take a look at this post about how to care for your shoes during the winter for some ideas: https://travelfashiongirl.com/shoe-care-tips-for-winter-travel/ Hope this helps! 🙂

I’ve travelled for the past several years in Scotland for two months at a time. Mid August, all Sep, mid Oct. I use one suitcase, one lightweight daypack and all clothes are the wicking type that can be layered, as well as wash and dry quickly. I have several pairs of pants that are water resistant and a pair of leggings. No fleece, doesn’t layer well and too bulky. I wear a lightweight down vest depending on temp. 2 pairs of shoes, alternating each day. I do keep a pair of long underwear, nice to have when on the islands, which can be very windy and cold. The most important, mandatory item is a rain jacket. Gore tex is waterproof, but a lightweight water resistant jacket (with hood) will do fine. Do not get one that’s heavy. Never ever leave for the day without it. Tie it around your waist if you don’t need it right away. Most of my clothes come from REI. Great products, knowledgeable staff. Be comfortable, Scots are casual dressers, bring only clothes you know go with what/where you’ll be. Have fun!

Looking for style guide for Edinburgh! Thanks!

Thanks Sharon!

I’m a Scot, so feel qualified to comment on this. Two things:

1. If you’re coming to Scotland soon, you should know that we’re not having a great summer so far. It has been cloudy and cold for the last month. It may change, but bring extra layers.

2. Don’t pack a fleece. I pass tourists shivering in fleeces every day. In Scotland, a lot of the chill comes from the wind, which goes right through fleece. Bring a light jacket, or something woollen instead. You’ll thank me for it.

Thanks for the tips Caitlin! 🙂

Are most summers this way?

Hi Caitlin, we are planning to visit Scotland, Wales & Manchester in April 2018. Are these tips still applicable 3 years later?

hey there Caitlin, I’m coming to Scotland in November do you have any different suggestions on clothing tips for someone coming from the USA?

Hi Jayme, for more wardrobe tips, have a look at our guide to Scotland for some ideas to help you with your packing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-trips-to-scotland/ Have an awesome trip!

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Scotland packing list: what to bring and what to wear in scotland.

This Scotland packing list will help you know what to wear in Scotland without over packing. Be prepared for any weather with this tried and tested gear! 

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Scotland is an incredible destination! If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, you’ll be spending hours exploring historic sites, hiking majestic mountains, and gazing out into its mysterious lochs and seas. With all the time spent outside, you’ll need to be sure you pack properly so that you stay warm and dry.

Scotland is famous for its history, legends, romance, scenery, and of course its terrible weather! Even during the summer months, Scotland can be notoriously cold and rainy.

I’ve had the awesome opportunity to go to Scotland three times. It’s somewhere I truly love. I’m sharing all of my packing tips for Scotland below. So don’t stress about what to wear in Scotland. Take my advice and you’ll be great!

I hope this Scotland packing list has been helpful. With a little bit of planning, you’ll have a perfect trip to Scotland with all the right gear! If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch!

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Scotland packing list: what to pack for scotland in may.

Last updated on August 17th, 2024 at 02:35 pm

I recently returned from my first solo trip to Scotland. After spending two weeks exploring the moody streets of Edinburgh, road tripping to mystical castles, and hiking to waterfalls, I’ve learned a few lessons about what to include on a Scotland packing list. Perhaps more importantly I’ve learned what not to pack for Scotland – especially if the trip is in the Spring. If you’re wondering what to pack for Scotland in May, keep reading.

This packing list for Scotland is perfect for a well rounded trip that includes a few day hikes as well as city exploring during May. Of course, I’ll also include items to pack throughout the year so that you can have a comfortable and memorable trip to Scotland! If you’re planning to hike the West Highland Way, check out this specific Highland Way packing list .

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. For more, check out m y disclosure .  

scotland travel resources

• Book your flight to Scotland with Omio
• Get reliable travel insurance with World Nomads
• Find awesome accommodation with booking.com or Hostelworld
• The best 7 day road trip itinerary for Scotland
• Get the essentials for your trip to Scotland here : my favorite waterproof booties, this power bank to stay connected, and a reusable water bottle

Reasons to Pack in a Carry-On for Scotland

The first part of having a comfortable trip to Scotland is by packing lightly. I highly recommend doing your very best to pack in a carry on only.

Edinburgh is filled with hilly streets and steep and narrow alleys (called closes). If you are taking the tram into the city from the airport you may have to contend with carrying your luggage up those streets and steps to your accommodation. Don’t hurt yourself by over-packing.

If you’ll be traveling the country via train or bus, you’ll then have to carry the luggage to the train or bus station. And there is limited space on trains and buses to store huge bags! Make it easier on yourself by minimizing what you’re carrying.

Road tripping around Scotland is a must. You may think that by having your own vehicle you can just throw your luggage in the trunk and go. If that’s your plan, make sure you know it will actually fit in the trunk of the car before you pack it! 

My only exception to this rule is if you’re planning to stay in one place for your entire trip, and using a taxi to drop you off directly at your accommodation. If that’s the case, then fill that suitcase with whatever you’d like!

Otherwise, this Scotland packing list is based around packing in a carry on!

Type of Luggage to Bring for Your Scotland Trip

Typically, I pack for international trips using two backpacks. I use a 40L Osprey travel backpack for all of my clothing, toiletries, and footwear. I traveled for over a year with this bag and absolutely love it!

The secondary backpack, I carry on my front and use it for my most important items like my wallet, passport, and electronics. Plus snacks!

However, on this trip, I wanted to try packing in a carry-on suitcase, along with a backpack for a day bag. I used a TravelPro as my luggage, which I got from work. I think my Monos carry on is actually too small for longer than a weekend. 

For this trip, I upgraded my backpack to the Nordace Siena bag which I absolutely adore. It has so many pockets! It was also comfortable enough for a couple of day hikes as well as walking around the city.

The only drawback to using each of these items for Scotland is that neither of them were waterproof. The TravelPro is fabric and the Nordace is as well. However, you can get a rain cover for the Nordace backpack.

I will say that I don’t think it would’ve been much easier moving about with the double backpack route. Either way you’re going to have to heft your items up stairs and hills. Even many accommodations don’t have an elevator! So no matter what you decide to pack your items in, make sure it’s light enough for you to carry!

3 Quick Tips for Packing in a Carry-On Only

I’ve got a full blog post that goes into detail about how to pack in a carry-on only . But I’m going to highlight three of my biggest tips.

• Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a great way to keep your items organized! I upgraded to these compression packing cubes from Amazon for this trip and found I was able to fit a few extra items than I could otherwise. I like to keep the kinds of clothes needed together. For instance, all hiking clothes went in one packing cube, and other clothes went in a second. Alternatively, you could pack all pants in one and all tops in another. 
• Plan Outfits in Advance: This will ensure that you actually know what you’ll wear and probably re-wear. Remember, laundry is available in hotels and hostels!
• Pack for One Week: With the exception of underwear, pack your clothes as if you were going for only one week. Use Febreze to keep things fresh for re-wearing. Let’s be honest, we all wear the same 5-7 things at home anyway! And if you are going for a week – then you’re set.

I also have a TikTok video of my actual packing process for this trip if you want to see how I used the packing cubes and what I packed. You can watch it here.

Essential Items on Your Scotland Packing List

We’ll get to what to wear in Scotland soon, but first there are a few things that you absolutely must travel with to Scotland that are not influenced by the weather (or fashion trends).

I recommend packing these items in your personal item or backpack. You’ll want them for the flight over to Scotland and they’re small enough to fit!

Backpack : As noted above, you’ll need a backpack, or some sort of day bag to keep your portable charger, water bottle, camera, extra layers, and anything else you may need for a day of exploring. If you’re planning on a few day hikes, make sure it will be comfortable enough for those as well. I also used the Uniqlo fanny pack that is all the rage on TikTok when I was going out just for a few hours and didn’t need much!

Travel Insurance: I never leave for an international trip without travel insurance . In the past I’ve used World Nomads , but for this trip I went with SafetyWing as it was a better price point. No matter what travel insurance company you choose, make sure it will cover the activities on your itinerary.

Camera: Another item I never travel without is my mirrorless camera. I used this trip to reignite my passion for photography and let me tell you – it worked! Scotland is filled with fantastic landscapes and cityscapes just begging to be photographed. I found that I used my Tamron 17-28mm wide-angle lens for most of the shots I took. 

Portable Battery Pack: You will be out all day using your phone for photos, directions, and restaurant reviews. Make sure that you start the day with both a full phone battery and fully charged portable charger. I’ve traveled with this one for years and it can recharge my phone and camera multiple times with one charge. Unfortunately, I left it in the hotel the morning of my return flight home so I’ll be re-purchasing this!

UK Adapter: On my first solo trip I traveled with multiple adapters. Talk about bulky! Thankfully, they’ve come out with adapters that will fit multiple countries and have USB ports. I got this one off of Amazon and love it for easy charging of all of my devices at once.

Umbrella: The only thing predictable about the rain in Scotland is that it can be unpredictable! I would plan for rain any time of year, so bring a compact umbrella like this for unexpected showers. Yes, it’s Nordace. I bundled it when I purchased my backpack and am so glad that I did!

Reusable Water Bottle: You can drink the tap water in Scotland. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic usage. You may want to bring a collapsible water bottle to save space when it’s not in use. I simply traveled with my Hydro Flask .

Sunglasses : No matter what time of year, you’ll want to have sunglasses on standby for the rare sunny days you’ll encounter. As someone with sensitive eyes. I even wear mine on cloudy days to help with squinting! 

Hat: I recommend packing both a baseball style hat and a beanie. Baseball hats are in style now and are an easy accessory to an outfit while a beanie will keep your head and ears nice and warm on colder days. 

Rain Jacket: The type of rain jacket you bring will depend on the season you visit, but no matter what you’ll want a water repellent jacket year round. In the summer a lightweight waterproof shell jacket that packs down small will be perfect. However, in the winter you’ll definitely need a jacket with some lining (or use the shell to layer over a down jacket). I love this yellow one for a pop of color in your photos!

Febreze: You will likely be re-wearing a shirt or two. Keep your clothing smelling fresh with Febreze. They make a small travel size you can purchase here ! I never travel without it.

What to Pack for Scotland in May

May can see some warmer temperatures. When I was in Edinburgh there were multiple 60 o days with cloudless blue skies. Then there were days where it would be pouring rain and then 15 minutes later it was sunny! You’ll likely encounter all types of weather in May! When packing your clothes, think in terms of light layers that can easily be removed or added as needed.

Clothing to Pack for Scotland in May

I found that Scotland overall is a laid back country when it comes to attire. Jeans are acceptable for day and night. You’ll see everything from outdoorsy attire to the latest trend in Edinburgh. As a millennial who is finding it difficult to let go of my skinny jeans, I appreciated this about Scotland. 

• T-Shirts : 2-4 short sleeve shirts (make sure they’re NOT cotton).
• Workout/Hiking Shirts : 2 hiking shirts that are moisture wicking.
• Long Sleeve Shirt : Long sleeves are great for layering or worn alone. You’ll need 1-2 long sleeve shirts, one that could be used for hiking.
• Tank Top : You only need 1-2. One could be a dressier tank top for a nice dinner at one of Edinburgh’s fancier restaurants worn under a jacket.
• Lightweight Jacket/Fleece : A fleece is great for hiking or a chilly night out. Alternatively, pack a leather jacket for a night out in the city if you’re not planning on hiking.
• Rain Jacket: A lightweight, packable rain jacket is sufficient for May.
• Ultra Light Down Jacket: I love this Uniqlo jacket. It packs down super small and is plenty warm enough with a long sleeve shirt underneath.
• Leggings : 1 pair of leggings is sufficient (unless you aren’t packing jeans, then two pairs!) I recommend these fleece lined leggings. They were super flattering, comfortable for hiking, and great for rainy days in Edinburgh.
• Jeans: You only need one pair of jeans.The type of jeans you pack are 100% a personal preference. I’m working on getting away from skinny jeans, but it’s hard! So I packed my skinnies. Any jeans you like that go well with the shoes you’re packing and the rest of your clothing. 
• Hiking Pants : I fell in love with these REI Trailmade hiking pants. They’re not only a good price point, but are lightweight and very comfortable. While not waterproof pants, they do dry very quickly.
• PJs : A pair of shorts and a t-shirt should do the trick. I packed thermals to sleep in, but found them to be way too warm and ended up sleeping in a t-shirt I bought and my undies (yes even in a hostel!). Anything cozy you can snuggle into after a full day of exploring.
• Undies : Undies are where you can overpack! Pack enough for each day of the trip if you prefer.
• Bra : 2 sports bras and one regular bra should do the trick here!
• Socks: You know I love my Darn Tough socks for hiking. I packed 3 pairs and am glad I did because one pair got soaked on a hike. Also pack 5-6 pairs of regular socks.

What Shoes to Pack for Scotland

How many pairs of shoes do you need to pack for Scotland? I recommend two to three. You’ll wear your bulkiest pair of shoes on the flight, and pack the other one or two. The type of shoes you pack should allow you to comfortably walk for hours everyday. Now, the exact style or brand of shoe will depend on your personal style and any outdoor activities on your itinerary. 

Comfortable Walking Shoes : From your Edinburgh itinerary to your Scottish Highlands road trip, you’ll be doing lots of walking. Pack comfortable walking shoes that are well broken in. I wore a pair of Hokas for city exploring and easy walks in the highlands. Admittedly, they aren’t the cutest shoes for the city but thankfully Edinburgh’s dress code is relaxed so they worked!

Waterproof Boots: I packed two pairs of boots for this trip; Blundstones and my well loved Keen hiking boots . If you’re not planning on doing any hiking leave your hiking boots at home. Blundstones are great ankle boots for city exploring and easy 1-2 mile trail walks. No matter what type of boots you pack, make sure they’re waterproof!

Sandals: This is up to your discretion. I packed flip flops to use in hostel showers, but otherwise I didn’t need them. If you want a nice pair of sandals for dinner, and they’ll fit in your bag, go ahead and pack them.

What Not to Pack for Scotland

There were a few items I packed that were completely unnecessary and actually quite uncomfortable. Here are a few things to leave behind.

• Towel: I packed a sand cloud towel which I love and is light. But it did take up more room than I liked and each hostel I stayed in offered towels for $2.00. Hotels and hostels will have towels, leave yours behind.
• Cotton shirts : I didn’t realize the four basic t-shirts I packed were 100% cotton. I now understand what people say when cotton doesn’t breathe! When I was sweating walking the hills in Edinburgh it had nowhere to go and was so uncomfortable. Check your clothing labels and make sure you leave the cotton at home!
• Anything you’re not comfortable in: If there is anything that you don’t absolutely love and feel great in When you trial pack and try on your outfits, leave it behind (and maybe donate it!). I packed a couple of turtlenecks because they looked cute, but I actually HATE wearing things on my neck. I never wore them. Save the space for something you actually love or a purchase in Scotland.

What to Pack for Scotland in Each Season

Scotland is a stunning place to visit throughout the year, with each season offering something unique. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant blooms of summer, the golden hues of fall, the snowy wonderland of winter, or the blossoming landscapes of spring, Scotland has it all.

While this blog post focused on packing for Scotland in May, let’s explore what to expect in Scotland throughout the year, along with the unique items for each season to pack for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Summer (June – August)

Scotland in the summer offers longer and warmer days. The lush green landscapes are at their peak, and it’s the perfect time for outdoor adventures. When packing for a summer trip to Scotland, consider including lightweight clothing like shorts, dresses, and t-shirts for warm days. 

No matter the time of year, expect rain in Scotland. A lightweight waterproof jacket like this will keep you dry during unexpected rain. 

The summer months also bring in midge season, you’ll need to include insect repellent in your toiletry bag to help ward off the pesky bugs. I really like these mosquito repellent wipes . If you forget this don’t worry, many local shops will sell repellent.

Fall (September – November)

Scotland bursts into even more color in the fall as the trees change to vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a truly magical ambiance. To contend with increasingly unpredictable weather, layers are essential. Pack a few more long sleeve shirts, a light sweater, and a warm jacket. You may want to include scarves, gloves, and a warm hat for chilly mornings and evenings. 

Winter (December – February): 

Winter in Scotland is a wonderland, with snow-capped mountains and cozy, festive vibes. If you’re planning a solo trip during this season, pack warm layers. Add thermal base layers and a winter coat to your packing list. 

If you’re doing winter hiking, make sure you have sturdy waterproof boots with good traction. 

Consider adding hand warmers to your carry-on. These take up minimal room and can provide extra warmth during chilly adventures. 

Of course, a hat, scarf, and gloves are essential this time of year.

Spring (March – May): 

Springtime in Scotland is absolutely stunning. Cherry blossoms bloom around Edinburgh Castle, bright yellow gorse line the roads to the highlands, and there are lambs and baby highland cows everywhere! It’s the best time of year to visit Scotland!

Scotland blooms brightly in the spring. If you’re prone to allergies, consider bringing allergy medication to prevent congestion. You can also pick this up when you get there if needed. However, I found my allergies actually improved in Scotland compared to San Francisco.

If you follow this packing list for Scotland, you’ll have everything you need for a fun and comfortable trip to this gorgeous country. The beauty of this somewhat minimalist packing list is that you’ll have plenty of space in your bag for souvenirs! Let me know if there’s anything that you packed for Scotland that you found absolutely essential, that’s not on this list so I can add it to further help others planning their solo trip to Scotland!

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2 thoughts on “ scotland packing list: what to pack for scotland in may ”.

You tip about what hat to pack was so helpful!! I know American trends sometimes stick out badly in Europe, and ballcaps used to be one of the worst offenders. I’m glad to know I don’t need to look for an alternative!

I totally agree that some American trends do not translate well in Europe. But the trendy ballcaps are popular over there too!

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• Packing Lists

Scotland Packing List: A Guide for Every Season

Published November 19, 2022

Written by:

Bennett Collins

Awkward Instagramer, hater of air travel, and intense lover of donuts, Bennet spent most of his 20s, as a nomadic...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Scotland is a great country for the snappy dresser, but ultimately Scots don’t care what you wear. No matter where you’re going, the golden rule is to layer.

Where do you begin with a place like Scotland?

Robert Louise Stevenson said, “There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveler who is foreign.” Ironically, I think the Scottish poet forgot to mention that in Scotland, no visitor is foreign. Scotland is a place where words fall short in describing such unfettered, yet familiar beauty and untamed, yet welcoming people.

To be able to write about the country I’ve called home since I was 18 years old is truly a pleasure. From getting that classic kiss under Edinburgh’s fireworks on Hogmanay (New Year’s) to fishing weekends in the Outer Hebrides with friends to hiking the Fife Coastal Path with my brother to speaking with a native Gaelic speaker for hours on the ‘Harry Potter’ train through the Highlands, this country has provided endless and invaluable experiences that will last a lifetime.

If you’re planning to travel to Scotland, beware that the country quietly snickers at you when you expect everything to go according to plan. Ultimately, whether it’s the weather, poor cell reception, bridge closures, or just those unsuspecting breathless moments, like a Scottish sunset, this country demands not just your patience, but also that you remain in the moment. While you can’t plan for every unexpected situation, at the very least you can pack for it.

In this article, native Scot and friend Katie MacLeod-English, who runs the travel blog Stories My Suitcase Could Tell , and I will help you figure out what to pack for Scotland. Whether you’re traveling to Scotland in July or September, use this Scotland packing list to pack your backpack .

Pack for trips of one week or more without checking a bag.

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The Basic Scotland Packing List

Let’s start with a basic list of what to pack for Scotland, year-round, before getting into the nuances of Scottish seasons.

Water-Resistant Backpack

First off, you will want to be as comfortable as possible. Any trip to Scotland will likely involve lots of walking, trains, and buses. Not to mention, Scotland and the UK at large are notorious for awkward urban planning. Imagine rolling a suitcase on cobblestones and skinny sidewalks while trying to find your hotel or Airbnb.

Spoiler alert: It’s hell.

Choose a carry-on-sized travel backpack that’s easy to maneuver and easy to pack and unpack. The  Travel Backpack by Tortuga  is a great pick for a Scottish trip. It opens like a suitcase so you can see everything you packed instead of having to dump your entire bag out just to find that one clean pair of socks. The bag’s hip belt transfers up to 80% of the weight of your backpack to your hips, saving your shoulders. Plus, it’s made out of waterproof sailcloth, so if you’re caught in the rain, you’ll be fine.

Shirts (2-3)

Ideally, this would be one to two long-sleeve shirts and two short sleeve t-shirts or tanks for layering, depending on the season (more on that in a bit). If you don’t already have a favorite tee, check out our list of the best travel t-shirts .

Sweaters or Sweatshirts (1-2)

Bring one or two warmer layers to wear on top of your shirts.

Wool Socks (4 Pairs)

Wool socks are some of the best  socks for travel since they’re naturally temperature regulating, which is great for Scotland’s unpredictable changes in weather. Especially in colder months, bring one thicker pair to wear at night.

Bottoms (2 Pairs)

Choose two pairs of jeans ,  pants,  or  leggings that are easy to mix-and-match.

Sweatpants or Long Underwear

A good merino wool base layer of leggings or long underwear can make a mild-weather outfit warm enough to wear on cold days as well.

Waterproof Windbreaker

This can be paired up nicely with a sweater, instead of a winter jacket, to save space.

Dressier Outfit

Edinburgh and Glasgow tend to be a bit dressier than the country villages. Pack one nicer outfit to wear there or on nights out.

Be rain-ready and include a travel-sized umbrella in your Scotland packing list.

UK Converter

Scotland has the same outlets as the UK. Bring a UK converter or universal travel adaptor for your electronics.

Reusable Water Bottle

Scots are environmentally conscious and tap water is very good to drink so pack a water bottle .

Unlocked Phone, UK SIM card, and Headphones

Make sure you have a phone and a SIM card, which you can order in advance on Amazon or pick up in the airport, to use while in Scotland, along with your favorite pair of headphones.

Book or Kindle

Make sure you have something to keep you entertained on public transportation and those rainy days inside.

Unless you plan to just rely on your smartphone camera, pack a travel-ready camera to capture shots of your trip in Scotland.

Keep reading for how to tweak this list for each season.

What to Pack for Scotland in Autumn

Scottish autumn is comfortably cold, rainy, short, and usually remains confined to the months of October and November. This is a perfect time to visit as daylight hours are normalizing and the days are a healthy mix of sunny and cold. The fall is perfect for enjoying cozy evenings in front of a fire or a day in a café with a cup of tea and a good book.

What to add to your basic Scotland packing list for September, October, and November:

• Pair of light gloves
• Pair of sunglasses
• Light scarf

What to Pack for Scotland in Winter

Scottish winters can get bleak. The population retreats inside their homes or the local pub to spend time with friends and family. Daylight can be as little as six hours long with the sun setting around 3pm. Short days mean less warmth, and you’ll want to bundle up, especially at night.

Scottish winters are not very snowy. Instead, at the worst, you should prepare for windy days with cold rain. December and January tend to have the worst weather.

What to add to your Scotland packing list for December, January, and February:

• Replace one short-sleeve shirt with a long-sleeve t-shirt
• Extra pair of wool socks (5 total)
• Long underwear (1-2 pairs)
• Winter scarf
• Waterproof winter jacket
• Waterproof hat
• Pair of waterproof gloves
• Sunglasses (when the sun is out, it is bright!)

What to Pack for Scotland in the Spring

Spring arrives usually on time in March and lasts until the end of May. Unfortunately, the season is quite rainy, chilly, and windy. However, increasing temperatures and more daylight hours begin to have an impact on everyone, and the general mood is more positive. Scots will shed whatever layers they can at the first sign of warming temperatures.

What to add to your basic Scotland packing list for March, April, and May:

• Lighter hat
• Pair of sunglasses
• Light travel scarf
• Lighter dress/shirt in case of a warmer than usual day

What to Pack for Scotland in the Summer

A Scottish summer can be an oxymoron. Many Scottish friends of mine complain that spring just extends into fall through the summer months of June, July, and August.

Summer is still a rainy time, just less so compared to the other seasons.

My favorite thing about Scottish summers is the long daylight hours, where the sun won’t set until 11pm and will rise around 4:30am. It’s the perfect opportunity to milk a trip in Scotland, as the long hours trick your body into staying up later.

What to add to your basic Scotland packing list for June, July, and August:

• Short sleeved t-shirts (1-2)
• Shorts (1-2 pairs)
• Swimsuit (if you dare to swim in any of the chilly freshwaters or seas)
• Lighter dress/shirt

Katie adds, “Pack some long sleeve t-shirts, and then a cardigan or a sweater to put on over them if it gets chilly, and most importantly, take a light waterproof raincoat to put on over the lot. I can’t travel without a waterproof jacket. I know, it’s a stereotype that it always rains in Scotland, but I’ve learned from (a lot) of experience that the one time you don’t take a jacket with you, it’s going to rain.”

I couldn’t agree more. Rain is your companion in Scotland year around. No matter how well you dress, expect your clothes to get at least a mist, if not fully drenched, if you don’t bring a rain jacket in your weatherproof backpack .

What to Wear in Scotland

If you want to feel like a newb, just wear a t-shirt and shorts for a summer day, or wear only a heavy winter jacket for protection in the winter. As Katie says, “The most important thing about packing for traveling to Scotland is to take layers, because we’re not joking when we say we can experience four seasons in one day.

Kilt-Wearing Etiquette

Let’s cover kilts. While they are comfortable to wear on the appropriate occasion, if you aren’t at a wedding or on a Stag Do (bachelor party), expect to get a few weird looks. Scots do not wear kilts outside of ceremonies and sporting events. If you’re not Scottish, expect to be interrogated about why you’re wearing a kilt, as many are not fans of the kilt, a national cultural symbol, becoming a kitschy costume.

Packing Tips for the Scottish Country and Highlands

Whether you’re in the Highlands, the Shetland, Orkney Islands, or the Isle of Skye, you’ll notice that you’re more exposed to the elements as these places are on the more remote and wilder side of the country.

Depending on what time of the year you head to “Highlands and the Islands’,” you’ll also need to prepare for rougher weather. Cell phone service is harder to come by, the roads get a wee bit more dangerous, and wildlife is afoot (mostly deer and smaller herbivores). In short, expect everything outside of Scotland’s urban centers to be a little wilder.

Scotland Packing List for the Highlands and Islands

If you’re traveling outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, be sure to pack:

• Map of Scotland: Either download an offline version of Google Maps before you go or purchase a paper map. It’s better to have a map of the roads than rely on the shoddy cell signal of the Highlands.
• Battery pack: I always carry a battery pack with me since I never know how much I’ll need to use my phone or when I’ll be in a place to charge it.
• Favorite snacks:  If you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or have certain allergies, you’re entering remote regions of the country that might not cater to your specific dietary requirements. Better to be safe than sorry.
• Sturdy shoes: Expect to walk and do some light hiking.

Shoes to Wear in Scotland

For travel in Scotland, pack a pair of good, preferably waterproof,  walking shoes  with a solid tread. Leave the sandals and flip flops at home. Also, per Katie, “Unless you’re literally climbing mountains in the Highlands, leave your hiking boots at home –  your regular trainers or boots will be fine for most activities.”

If it comes down to a space issue, pack the following pairs of shoes:

• Good walking shoes
• Pair of rain boots, wellies, or something waterproof

Shoes will make or break a Scottish trip since it’s inevitable that you will be walking up and down hills, on and off trains, on cobblestoned and even dirt roads. If you need specific recommendations, check out the  best shoes for urban adventures .

Where to Go and What to See in Scotland

Katie, a native Scot, grew up in and traveled the country extensively. I asked her a few questions to tease out which touristy things are worth doing and which off-the-beaten path adventures can’t be missed.

What is your best tip for traveling to Scotland?

Look past the stereotyped version of Scotland. While we all know Highland cows are cute and kilts are unique, but there’s so much more to see in Scotland than the shortbread-tin pictures suggest. There’s really so much more to do here than you might expect at first.

What’s the best thing to do in Edinburgh?

It’s touristy, but the one thing I always do in Edinburgh is climb up to Calton Hill. The views across the city and out to Firth of Forth are gorgeous, and I never get tired of them.

Another good spot to get a view of the city is from the rooftop of the National Museum of Scotland. I’d also add that you absolutely have to get chip shop chips with “salt and sauce.” Just trust me on this one – it’s an Edinburgh specialty!

And the Best Thing to Do in Glasgow?

Checking out Glasgow’s architecture is a must. There’s a real mix of styles here, like Victorian, Gothic, and Art Nouveau, and more recently there’s the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum. I love the contrast between shops and cafes on the ground level (Glasgow is the UK’s biggest shopping mecca after London, by the way), and the proud columns and elaborate carvings above.

What one thing to do would you recommend in the Highlands?

Drive all the way to the north along the eastern stretch of the North Coast 500 route and visit Caithness. There are ancient castles, puffins nesting in the cliffs, beautiful scenery, and the mainland UK’s most northerly distillery at Dunnet Bay. Their Rock Rose Gin is made from local botanicals, and I can personally recommend it for a G&T!

What is your favorite thing to do, or to visit, in all of Scotland?

I’m from the Outer Hebrides, so the islands will always be my favorite place to visit. I could go on and on about all the brilliant things to do there (and I usually do!), but one highlight is definitely sailing out to St. Kilda. It’s a remote archipelago about 40 miles west of the Hebrides – the last residents left there in the 1930s – and the islands are a double World Heritage Site for their cultural and environmental significance. I’ve honestly never been anywhere else like it.

Visiting Scotland

There are tons of things to do in Scotland, like enjoying the views of Calton Hill in Edinburgh, taking in the architecture of Glasgow, exploring the North Coast 500, or ferrying out to the Outer Hebrides.

Choose the right luggage for your trip. Your best bet will be a water-resistant, carry-on-sized travel backpack .

No matter the time of year, wear layers and pack a waterproof jacket,  as it rains all year.

Good and sensible walking shoes are one of the most important things to consider when packing for a trip to Scotland.

Autumn and spring are good times to visit  as the country is experiencing milder weather, is less touristy, and has more normal daylight hours. Pack for rainy and chilly temperatures.

Winter can be quite cold and miserable, especially with short daylight hours.  Pack for cold temperatures , accompanied by cold rain and the possibility of snow.

Summer can be an extension of spring but is becoming a warmer season. Pack for incredibly long daylight hours, slightly warmer temperatures and, of course, rain.

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What to Pack for a Trip to Scotland's Gleneagles Hotel

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Few properties are so inextricably associated with their location as Gleaneagles , where days are composed of traditional clay pigeon shoots on misty moors and fireside whisky tastings. This year marks 100 years of the Scottish estate , which has celebrated by collaborating with the British outdoor brand Barbour and releasing a Rizzoli tome devoted to its glamorous history (royal escapades included), all while planning a centenary ball that will take place this fall. Walk the line between country chic and laid-back glamour with soft creams and pinks that will look as at home in the glen as in the plum-colored American Bar .

To help you look and feel as special as the iconic hotel, we gathered a list of timeless and sophisticated packing essentials inspired by the property, from cashmere sweaters to chic ballet flats. Keep scrolling for your ultimate guide on what to pack.

The Gleneagles is a destination, not just a hotel, where interesting pleasures and people, both traditional and modern, converge

The Gleaneagles–inspired pieces we love:

The sophisticated sweater, the polished pant, the day-to-night dress, the evening bag, the statement necklace, the sleek flat, the perfect pout.

Build your packing list around comfortable, versatile basics you can easily layer other pieces with and rewear throughout the trip. A chic collared pullover is a great base to your outfit and can be dressed up or down. We're eyeing these neutral essentials from Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Uniqlo, and La Ligne.

Whether you're headed to lunch at the hotel or venturing out to explore nearby Drummond Castle Gardens , a light-colored trouser will look stylish and put together while still keeping you comfy. A slightly fitted pair looks polished with a ballet flat or loafer and any sweater or polo can be neatly tucked in.

Every type of trip requires at least one go-to dress (bonus points if it transitions well from day to night). These options work just as well with a pair of comfortable sandals during the day as they do with a kitten heel or pump for dinner.

You'll want to pack a sleek clutch or crossbody bag that's elegant enough for a night on the town. To maximize its mileage, we suggest sticking to a neutral color, like cream or black.

Rather than filling your suitcase with multiple pieces of jewelry and risking losing or damaging something special , pack a statement necklace that can really elevate an otherwise simple outfit. Stacked necklaces, elegant pearls, and floating gems are all fair game.

Nothing can sooner ruin an otherwise perfect travel day like a uncomfortable walking shoe. Save your slingback heels for dinner time and instead opt for a simple yet sleek flat shoe to explore the grounds during the day. We welcome the resurgence of ballet flats with open arms—especially this ultra-lightweight, pointed pair from Rothy's and these black leather Mary Janes from Dolce Vita. Another flat shoe you'll always be glad you packed: a versatile loafer ; slip them on effortlessly with trousers, with jeans, with everything.

Your look isn't quite complete without the perfect pout . And while there's no shade as equipped to tie a look together as a bold red , a subtle, pinky nude will never let you down. Keep a soft, rosy shade like this one in your bag at all times.

This article appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of  Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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