United Kingdom, Europe

Scottish Highlands in January

Short days and many seasonal places closed. Skiing and aurora chances in the far north on clear nights.

Quiet valueCold and wet, Inverness highs near 44F (7C), snow on the mountains

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

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Scottish Highlands. Short days and many seasonal places closed. Skiing and aurora chances in the far north on clear nights.

Weather: Cold and wet, Inverness highs near 44F (7C), snow on the mountains
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Scottish Highlands

January in the Highlands is cold, wet, and short on daylight. Inverness highs sit near 44F (7C), snow caps the mountains, and many seasonal hotels, cafes, and attractions in remote areas are closed until spring. Roads are quiet and prices are at their lowest. On clear nights in the far north, there is a real chance of seeing the northern lights.

This month suits hardy travelers who want empty glens, cozy pubs, snow sports, or an aurora hunt. It is a poor choice for a classic road trip to Skye or a first visit with kids, since services are thin and storms can close ferries and roads. For long days and open doors, aim for May or September.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.

Aurora chances in the far north

Long, dark nights give you the best odds of the year for the northern lights. Get away from town lights on a clear night.

Up Helly Aa in Shetland

On the last Tuesday of January, Lerwick burns a Viking galley in a torchlit fire festival. It is far north of the mainland and a trip in itself.

Hogmanay's afterglow

New Year celebrations spill into January 1. Highland towns hold smaller, friendly local parties.

Snowy Glencoe

The drive through Glencoe on the A82 is dramatic under snow. Stick to low-level walks unless you have winter mountain skills.

What to pack for January

A warm, fully waterproof jacket and trousers
Insulated, waterproof boots
Hat, gloves, and thermal base layers
A headlamp for short days

Our timing tip

Plan your driving for the roughly seven hours of daylight, and check that your hotel and any attractions are open before you set off.

Book Scottish Highlands for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Scottish Highlands
Opens a hotel search for Scottish Highlands in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

Up Helly Aa

The last Tuesday of January

Lerwick in Shetland, far north of the mainland, burns a Viking galley in a torchlit fire festival. A trip in itself.

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Scottish Highlands?

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Scottish Highlands. Short days and many seasonal places closed. Skiing and aurora chances in the far north on clear nights.

What is the weather like in Scottish Highlands in January?

Cold and wet, Inverness highs near 44F (7C), snow on the mountains.

Is Scottish Highlands crowded in January?

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

What is happening in Scottish Highlands in January?

Up Helly Aa (the last tuesday of january); Hogmanay (december 31 into january 1).