United Kingdom, Europe

Scottish Highlands in August

Heather in bloom and Highland Games, but midges and summer traffic peak.

TradeoffsMild, highs near 65F (18C), frequent rain

Glencoe, Scottish Highlands — Scottish HighlandsPhoto: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Scottish Highlands. Heather in bloom and Highland Games, but midges and summer traffic peak.

Weather: Mild, highs near 65F (18C), frequent rain
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Scottish Highlands

August is mild, with highs near 65F (18C), but rain is frequent. The heather blooms purple across the hills, and Highland Games continue. It is also peak season for midges and summer traffic, with crowds and prices at their highest. Skye and the west coast are especially busy.

It suits families on summer break and anyone who wants to see the heather in bloom. Protect yourself from midges, plan early starts, and consider the east side of the Highlands, which is often drier. If you want quieter roads and fewer bites, wait until mid September, when the schools are back.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.

Heather in bloom

The hills turn purple in August. It is the most colorful time for moorland drives.

Highland Games

Games are held in towns throughout the month. The caber toss is always a crowd favorite.

The east over the west

The Cairngorms and Speyside are often less crowded and less midgy than the west coast.

What to pack for August

Midge repellent and a head net
A waterproof jacket
Waterproof boots
Layers for cool evenings

Our timing tip

Spend more time on the drier, less crowded east side, and save Skye for early mornings.

Book Scottish Highlands for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Scottish Highlands
Opens a hotel search for Scottish Highlands in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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Vacation rentals in Scottish Highlands
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Scottish Highlands
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Scottish Highlands for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Highland Games season

May through September

Caber tossing, piping, and dancing in towns across the Highlands.

Things to do in Scottish Highlands

Full guide

Glencoe

Scotland's most famous glen, with walks from easy to serious. The drive through it on the A82 is spectacular on its own.

Tickets and tours →

Isle of Skye

Book accommodation months ahead for summer. The Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools are busiest from 10am to 4pm.

Tickets and tours →

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

The castle ruins on the loch shore are managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Go at opening or late afternoon.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Cairngorms National Park

The UK's largest national park, with forests, mountains, reindeer, and ski areas.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Nevis Range and Ben Nevis

The gondola near Fort William runs to 650 meters for views and mountain biking. Ben Nevis itself is a long day hike.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Eilean Donan Castle

One of the most photographed castles in Scotland, on an island where three sea lochs meet. Seasonal hours.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Skye and Glencoe in May, June, or September rather than July and August, and hit the famous stops before 9am or after 5pm.
Explore quieter alternatives like the Isle of Mull, Applecross, or Assynt instead of only the Skye headline sights.
Book accommodation on Skye and along the North Coast 500 route months ahead for summer; last-minute rooms are scarce.
Use passing places correctly on single-track roads, and give yourself extra time. Travel times are longer than the map suggests.

Know before you go

Many hotels, B&Bs, cafes, and attractions in remote areas close from roughly November to March. Check before booking a winter road trip.
The Jacobite steam train runs only in the warmer months, roughly spring to fall.
Midges are active from late May to September, worst in July and August on the west coast in still, damp weather. Repellent and head nets help.
Winter storms can close ferries to the islands and mountain roads. Build slack into winter itineraries.