Short days, big atmosphere
Around seven hours of daylight in December. Brilliant for Edinburgh and Glasgow, cosy pubs and snowy scenery — not for ambitious Highland loops.
Good for
- City breaks and Hogmanay
- Train trips instead of driving
- Snowy Highland scenery from a warm base
- Cheaper accommodation
Watch out for
- Many castles and island attractions are closed
- Snow and ice can close high roads
- Ferries are more likely to be cancelled
The months
December
Christmas markets and Hogmanay. Keep it to the cities.
About 7 hrs lightMidges: NoneModerate
January
Cities, whisky and firesides. Don't plan big Highland drives.
About 7 hrs lightMidges: NoneQuiet
February
Snowy hills and empty roads, if you accept short days.
About 9 hrs lightMidges: NoneQuiet
JJanFFebMMarAAprMMayJJunJJulAAugSSepOOctNNovDDec
Highlands
Castles
Whisky
Islands
Walking
Food
Countryside
Outlander
Harry Potter
Cities
Wildlife
Beaches
