United Kingdom, Europe

Scottish Highlands in December

Dark and quiet, with snow on the hills. Christmas and Hogmanay weeks bring a small spike.

Quiet valueCold, highs near 44F (7C), about 7 hours of daylight

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

The straight answer

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Scottish Highlands. Dark and quiet, with snow on the hills. Christmas and Hogmanay weeks bring a small spike.

Weather: Cold, highs near 44F (7C), about 7 hours of daylight
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Scottish Highlands

December is cold and dark, with highs near 44F (7C) and about 7 hours of daylight. Snow sits on the hills, the glens are quiet, and many seasonal places are closed. Christmas and Hogmanay bring a small spike in visitors and prices, with Highland towns holding local New Year celebrations.

It suits couples and families who want a quiet, cozy Christmas or Hogmanay in a lodge. It is not a sightseeing month, and many remote attractions will be shut. If you want long days, open attractions, and outdoor time, plan for May, June, or September instead.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.

Hogmanay in a Highland town

Local New Year celebrations are friendly and small. It is a warm way to ring in the year.

Snowy scenery

The mountains under snow are beautiful on a clear day. Drive carefully and keep plans short.

Dark skies

Long nights give good chances for stargazing and, in the far north, the aurora.

What to pack for December

A warm, waterproof coat
Insulated boots
Hat, gloves, and thermal layers
A headlamp

Our timing tip

Book Christmas and Hogmanay stays early, since the few open lodges fill up fast.

Book Scottish Highlands for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Scottish Highlands
Opens a hotel search for Scottish Highlands in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Scottish Highlands
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Scottish Highlands for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Hogmanay

December 31 into January 1

Scotland's New Year. Edinburgh throws the biggest party, and Highland towns hold smaller local celebrations.

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.

Scottish Highlands in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Scottish Highlands?

December is a quiet, good-value month to visit Scottish Highlands. Dark and quiet, with snow on the hills. Christmas and Hogmanay weeks bring a small spike.

What is the weather like in Scottish Highlands in December?

Cold, highs near 44F (7C), about 7 hours of daylight.

Is Scottish Highlands crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Scottish Highlands; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Scottish Highlands in December?

Hogmanay (december 31 into january 1).