Scotland Weather In October: What To Pack + Travel Ideas
An atmospheric October visit to Portree, Isle of Skye.
Autumn is one of my favourite times to visit Scotland because it’s the start of cosy season - hot chocolate and woolly jumpers are a must, and the arrival of fall colours is wonderful.
October is the height of the autumn season, but it’s also a transitional month - and with the temperature dropping, you might be wondering what to expect from the Scotland weather in October.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel around Scotland in October many times, including road trips in the Highlands and weekend getaways in Edinburgh.
It’s time a time of year that inspires me to plan getaways and though I often struggle to choose my favourite Scottish destination, no matter where I’ve stayed, on every autumn trip I discover something new and beautiful.
Why? because the October landscape is utterly magical.
Safe to say, after years’ of exploring Scotland, I know the best places to go in October. And, most importantly, what to wear to handle the often unpredictable Scottish autumnal weather!
So, if you’re looking for help planning a fall trip, but aren’t sure what to expect from the October weather in Scotland, this guide will help.
Where to stay in Scotland in October
The October Scottish weather and threat of cold temps and rain mean you’ll want extra cosy accommodation.
Boutique hotels often have tempting offers at this time of year, making luxury accommodation options affordable. Look for stays with bathtubs, rainfall showers, and fluffy robes.
Some Scottish hotels have even become a destination in their own right during autumn, thanks to their scenic locations and inhouse pubs with roaring fires.
My favourite places to stay in October are:
The Taybank, Dunkeld
The Glencoe Inn and Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe
Bosville Hotel, Portree
The Torridon, Wester Ross
Ship Inn, Elie
Signal Box B&B, Corrour
Or why not a book lodge getaway? From my experience in the Cairngorms, it’s one of the best autumn experiences - look for one with hot tub and woodburning stove for extra cosy vibes.
Top tours, excursion & activities for October in Scotland:
Top ‘October weather’ attractions:
Scotland tours:
GetYourGuide and Viator
Recommended excursions:
Checking the weather in October
Before travelling, and to help with what to wear and packing, I recommend checking ahead. I frequently use this weather forecast, which is pretty reliable and includes a helpful app with searchable (and saveable) locations.
October weather in Scotland: Edinburgh skyline looking dramatic in the rain.
What’s the weather in Scotland in October like?
Scotland’s weather in October is best described as… changeable.
Often dry, days at the start of the month are still long, with plenty of daylight and generally mild temperatures. A late Indian summer is not unheard of in October! But in general, expect anywhere between 8-15°C (that’s 46-59°F for our US readers).
But there’s ALWAYS a chance of rain during October.
And as the month moves towards far wintrier November, it’s likely to start getting pretty chilly. Though snow in Scotland in the month of October is unlikely, the exception is the mountains and the peaks of the Highlands and Cairngorms often have a sprinkling of snow at this of year.
Weather by the coast
Autumn weather on the East Coast can be an unpredictable mix of calm and blustery. I walked the Fife coastal trail in late October, and most days were glorious, though crisp -except for one exceptionally windy day.
However, October on the Scottish West Coast can be wetter and harsher, and in my experience places like the Isle of Skye can take the full brunt of passing storms. That’s not to say you shouldn’t visit, in fact, quite the opposite - Skye and the West Coast are stunning in autumn and you’ll likely see pretty pastel sunsets.
Weather in the city
For city breakers, October is a fantastic month to visit Edinburgh and Glasgow. Located further south, each city tends to be pretty mild. No matter which you choose, there are lots of indoor attractions, museums, cafes, and coffee shops to keep you busy if the rain arrives!
Weather across the Highlands
In contrast, those of you seeking adventures in the Highlands should be prepared to find snow on the very top of Scotland’s highest peaks.
This is especially true towards the end of the month when flurries around Glencoe, Ben Nevis, and Torridon are a possibility. We visited Corrour last October and had a very wintery walk but also beautiful blue skies!
Otherwise, those travellers visiting Scotland’s wilder places in October, like Glencoe and Glenfinnan, the Cairngorms, and Perthshire should be prepared for autumn chill; pack extra warm layers and a big jacket to stay toasty.
Is October a good time to visit Scotland?
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Scotland, and October is the perfect month for leaf peeping and gorgeous walks. Followed, of course, with visits to country pubs with roaring fires. Yes, there’s a risk of rain - but in Scotland, gloomy days only make the landscape more evocative.
One of the advantages of visiting Scotland in the off-season is fewer visitors at the main attractions. Which means that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take great photos and feel like you have these idyllic spots to yourself.
Another advantage? Thankfully October is a midge-free month in Scotland!
Tip/ It would be remiss of me not to mention the one negative to travelling in October - and it’s that some eateries and hotels in more remote parts of Scotland close for the season. However, I guarantee you’ll always find somewhere warm to eat, drink, and stay. Simply be extra organised and do your research in advance.
Where to visit in October?
But where should you visit Scotland in October?
City break
Well, you’ll definitely want to add a city break to your itinerary. Charming Edinburgh is my go-to, thanks to its abundance of coffee shops and cafes to hide in if the weather does take a turn for the worse. From there, plan a day trip to St Andrews and Fife’s harbour villages.
Perthshire + Cairngorms
Whilst Perthshire, in my experience at this time of year, is best for seeing the autumn colours across its acres of forests. I always make a point to visit the Hermitage, Birks of Aberfeldy, and Faskally Forest (pictured above) for their stunning fall foliage.
The Cairngorms too are wonderful for leaf peeping. Visit Anagach Woods for the best display of colours.
Highlands
Equally stunning in October are the Highlands, when the landscape takes on a burnished fall coat. There’re also no shortage of cosy pubs serving whiskies to keep you warm! In October, be sure to visit Highland hotspots like the Hermitage, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, Steall Waterfall, Eilean Donan Castle, and Kintail. All are extra beautiful in autumn.
Why not read my complete list of places for fall in Scotland for more inspiration.
October road trips
Though the October weather may bring some chill, road trips are incredible at this time of year. Quiet and peaceful without the crowds, choose between:
NC500: the classic loop around the top.
Glencoe + Loch Ness: for a gorgeous Highlands road trip with much less driving than the above option, follow this Southern Highlands route.
West Coast & Skye: in my opinion this is Scotland’s most beautiful road trip. Visit the west coast and Isle of Skye on this coastal route.
Cairngorms National Park: combine a trip to the UK’s biggest national park with a visit to Perthshire on this route (coming soon).
Trossachs National Park: take a trip to Loch Lomond then see the fall colours at Three Lochs Forest Drive.
What to pack for a Scotland October trip?
Scotland’s weather in October means you’ll want to pack plenty of warm layers that you can easily wear when the temperature drops. Think cosy fleeces and hoodies and don’t forget to bring an insulated jacket or wool coat, waterproofs, and comfy walking boots.
. As the month progresses, it can get pretty chilly, so be sure to bring along some woolly hats, big socks, and gloves to keep you feeling toasty.
Plan your trip to Scotland in October with these guides:
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