When winter descends on Scotland, the landscape transforms: snow-capped peaks, crisp blue skies, and long evenings in front of roaring fires.
But it’s also a season of surprises. The weather can turn on a dime, daylight is short, and many attractions quieten down. With some preparation, though, winter is one of the most rewarding times to explore Scotland.
Here’s your complete guide to enjoying Scotland in winter, from unforgettable experiences to practical tips to keep your trip smooth.
Top experiences in Scotland in winter
This is why you visit Scotland in winter.
Celebrate the new year on Hogmanay
Scotland’s new year celebrations are legendary. How about a fire festival in Stonehaven, a giant street party and concert under the castle in Edinburgh, or why not check into a five-star hotel in the Scottish Highlands to toast in the new year.
Witness Up Helly Aa (mid-January, Shetland)
This Viking fire festival in Lerwick marks the end of Yule. Torches, processions, burning longships — it’s theatrical, intense, and totally unforgettable.
Join a Burns Night Supper (around Jan 25th)
Experience Scottish culture up close: traditional fare, recitations of Burns’ poetry, and of course, whisky. Many towns and restaurants host Burns Night events you can join — ask locally or pre-book.
> Read more: my complete events and festivals in Scotland calendar.
> Jump to events in Scotland in October 2025 | November 2025 | December 2025 | January 2026 | February 2026
Head for snow, sport & wilderness in the Cairngorms
The Cairngorms National Park is your winter playground:
- Explore the beautiful Rothiemurchus Forest or hike around Loch Morlich
- Visit the UK’s only free-roaming reindeer herds
- Go skiing or snowboarding at Glenshee, Lecht, or Cairngorm resorts
- Try dog sledding or winter nature walks
Chase the Northern Lights in Scotland
Scotland’s northern latitudes offer chances to glimpse the Aurora Borealis. The farther north and darker your location (away from light pollution), the better your odds. Keep an eye on aurora forecasts and clear sky alerts.
Snowy walks & winter hiking
Even if mountaineering is off the table, lower level walks can be enchanting in winter. Fresh snow on hills, frost-rimmed trees, and silent landscapes are powerful draws. Stick to paths you know or ones rated for winter. Always plan by daylight hours and safety.
Relax in a cosy lodge or hot tub retreat
There is nothing better than a hot tub out under the stars during winter in Scotland – why not book one of my favourite lodges with hot tubs?
Where to walk & explore in Scotland in winter
Walking is often the best way to experience Scotland’s winter magic. Here are some guidelines:
- Stick to low-level or valley walks if you’re not equipped with winter mountaineering gear
- Use trusted resources (like WalkHighlands) for trail advice and safety warnings
- If venturing higher, consider a winter skills course (navigation, crampon/ice axe use)
- Be daylight-aware: you’ll often have just ≈ 6 hours of usable light, so set out early
- Always carry essentials: torch/headlamp, spare layers, map, compass, phone, and emergency kit
Check out my guide to walking in Scotland for my favourite walks or try your hand at a small hill, my guide to beginners hills.
If you are planning on heading into the hills, read this advice on winter walking from WalkHighlands. If you fancy getting serious about winter walking, think about a winter skills course.
Remember that the days are very short in Scotland in winter, there are on average 6 hours of proper daylight – so head out early and carry a torch.
If you do get into trouble phone 999 and then ask for the Police and then ask Mountain Rescue.
Snowboarding and skiing in Scotland
Scotland draws more winter enthusiasts than many expect. Key resorts and offerings:
- Glenshee Ski Resort: the largest ski area in the UK (22 lifts, 36 runs) check out the huge Glenshee piste map.
- The Nevis Range (Fort William): skiing + the only gondola in Scotland
- Glencoe Mountain Resort, The Lecht, and Cairngorm Mountain.: good options for different skill levels
If you want to try snowboarding, ski touring, or guided back-country excursions, book in advance and check conditions.
What to Expect & How to Prepare
Here is everything you need to know before you visit Scotland in Winter
The weather in Scotland in winter – is it really that bad?
In one word – no. Winter are like any season in Scotland – you never know what the weather is going to be like.
Scotland’s winter weather is famously changeable. Rain, snow, wind, and blue skies can arrive in one day. Be ready for everything.
Temperatures typically range from just below zero to around +10 °C, but cold snaps can drop it far lower.
Snow is most likely January–March, especially in the Highlands.
You should always follow the Scottish philosophy – just wait 5 minutes and the weather will probably change again!
How cold does it get in Scotland in winter?
Temperatures in Scotland in winter generally range from just below zero to +10 degrees; however, we do get ‘proper’ winters where the temperatures got as low as -16 in Edinburgh and the snow stayed in the cities for a few weeks during the ‘beast from the east’.
Does it Snow in Scotland in winter?
Yes – you are likely to see snow in Scotland in January, February and March each year.
Driving in Scotland in Winter
Winter driving in Scotland requires caution:
- Main roads are regularly gritted, but minor roads may remain icy or snow-covered
- Take low gear only, avoid sudden braking, and drive slowly. One thing to remember is stopping distances – in winter, this is a lot shorter than you expect, so slow down carefully.
- You can use snow chains legally, but remove them when no snow remains. Most cars here don’t use snow chains as due to Scotland’s maritime climate and salty air, the snow rarely stays for long.
- Sunglasses help (low winter sun can dazzle)
- Always check road closures, weather alerts (via Transport Scotland, Met Office)
If you’re hiring a car, avoid rear-wheel drive vehicles and opt for safer all-wheel or 4WD options.
If you do get stuck, starting in a higher gear might help you get up that hill and carry a shovel – just in case you need to dig out your car.
If you do start to slide, don’t use your brakes, use a low gear and steer into the skid.
For more advice on Scotland in Winter visit:
- For winter driving advice visit Police Scotland
- The Met Office put out yellow, amber and red snow and ice weather warnings, you can download an app to your phone which will alert you
- Follow the brilliantly named trunk road gritters on the Transport Scotland website
- The Transport Scotland website also notifies you of road closures due to essential winter roadworks or weather.
What to wear in Scotland in winter
If you are just visiting Edinburgh or Glasgow, then dress how you normally would on a cold and wet day – wear a good waterproof and woolly hat, hood, gloves and scarf!
In winter in Scotland, an umbrella is generally useless – the wind in Edinburgh can destroy one in seconds.
If you are planning to head out into the countryside or up to the Highlands, then you will need outdoor clothing – think quick-drying fabrics and lots of warm layers.
- Start with a good base layer – I like merino wool and then a thin fleece (or tech material) jacket.
- On top, I always wear a thin wind and waterproof jacket. Good waterproof jackets fro Scotland are made with either Goretex or Nikwax coating.
- I always carry lightweight waterproof trousers which pack up really small to fit in my bag.
- I can’t live without touchscreen gloves – you don’t have to keep taking them off to use mapping apps on a GPS or your phone!
- If you are planning on doing any walking or hiking then you will need waterproof hiking boots.
How much daylight in Scotland in winter is there?
Not much! Although we do not have an eternal night here in Scotland, it can feel like it – it is no wonder so many Scots are prescribed vitamin D.
Expect it to get light around 8.30 am and be dark by 4 pm.
With only around 6 hours of daylight a day in winter in Scotland you need to squeeze a lot in or be prepared to spend plenty of time in front of a roaring fire, or in one of Scotland’s many distilleries – thankfully Scotland in winter can easily be warmed up by a wee whisky!
Attractions & Opening Times
Many castles, historic houses, and attractions close in winter (often from October until Easter).
However, their grounds or gardens may still be accessible. Always check the site’s calendar before visiting.
Winter in Scotland is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who embrace it, Scotland offers frosty mornings, quiet landscapes, festive events, and that special hush after a snowfall… these are experiences you won’t forget.
If you’re planning a winter trip, I’d love to help. Drop me a message with your travel dates or route ideas, and I’ll suggest custom itineraries. Or leave a comment below, i’m always happy to share more hidden gems.
Safe travels and happy planning!
— Kate, Love from Scotland x