United Kingdom, Europe
Scottish Highlands in July
Warmest month, but peak crowds, prices, and midges. Skye and Glencoe are packed.
The straight answer
July is a month of real tradeoffs in Scottish Highlands. Warmest month, but peak crowds, prices, and midges. Skye and Glencoe are packed.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 66F (19C), rain likely
- Crowds
- 5 of 5
- Prices
- 5 of 5
What July is like in Scottish Highlands
July is the warmest month, with highs near 66F (19C), but rain is likely and crowds, prices, and midges all peak. Skye and Glencoe are packed, and single-track roads get slow with summer traffic. Everything is open, and Highland Games are held across the region.
It suits families bound to school holidays and anyone who can only travel in summer. Plan shorter driving days, since single-track roads take longer than the map suggests, book everything ahead, and pack serious midge protection. If you can choose, May or September give you a calmer, cheaper, and more comfortable Highlands.
Make the most of July
What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.
Highland Games at full swing
Summer is the heart of the games season. A local event is lively and family-friendly.
The Nevis Range gondola
Ride up to 650 meters near Fort William for big views, even if you don't climb Ben Nevis.
Highland Wildlife Park
A good family day in the Cairngorms, and a break from long drives.
What to pack for July
- Midge repellent and head nets for everyone
- A waterproof jacket and trousers
- Layers for cool evenings
- Car snacks for slow single-track roads
Our timing tip
Book accommodation and the Jacobite steam train months ahead, and head out early to beat tour buses to the top spots.
Book Scottish Highlands for July.
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- Hotels for July
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Scottish HighlandsOpens a hotel search for Scottish Highlands in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Scottish HighlandsWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Scottish HighlandsTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Scottish Highlands for July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in July
Highland Games season
May through September
Caber tossing, piping, and dancing in towns across the Highlands.
Things to do in Scottish Highlands
Glencoe
Scotland's most famous glen, with walks from easy to serious. The drive through it on the A82 is spectacular on its own.
Isle of Skye
Book accommodation months ahead for summer. The Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools are busiest from 10am to 4pm.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
The castle ruins on the loch shore are managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Go at opening or late afternoon.
Cairngorms National Park
The UK's largest national park, with forests, mountains, reindeer, and ski areas.
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.
Eilean Donan Castle
One of the most photographed castles in Scotland, on an island where three sea lochs meet. Seasonal hours.
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 July, quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Scottish Highlands?
July is a month of real tradeoffs in Scottish Highlands. Warmest month, but peak crowds, prices, and midges. Skye and Glencoe are packed.
What is the weather like in Scottish Highlands in July?
Mild, highs near 66F (19C), rain likely.
Is Scottish Highlands crowded in July?
July is peak crowd season in Scottish Highlands; expect lines at the headline sights.
What is happening in Scottish Highlands in July?
Highland Games season (may through september).
Keep planning Scottish Highlands.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
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