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Scottish Highlands in June

The longest days. Midges start to appear on the west coast later in the month.

BestMild, highs near 63F (17C), nearly 18 hours of daylight
Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
Scottish HighlandsPhoto: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

June is one of the best months of the year to visit Scottish Highlands. The longest days. Midges start to appear on the west coast later in the month.

Weather
Mild, highs near 63F (17C), nearly 18 hours of daylight
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What June is like in Scottish Highlands

June brings the longest days, with nearly 18 hours of daylight and highs near 63F (17C). It is mild and bright, and everything is open. Crowds and prices rise, especially on Skye and in Glencoe. Midges begin to appear on the west coast later in the month, so pack repellent.

This month suits families, road trippers, and hikers who want long evenings for exploring. Book rooms early, especially on Skye, where beds run short. If you want the same light with fewer people and no midges, May is the better choice. September is the other strong option.

Make the most of June

What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.

01

Nearly endless evenings

With light until late, you can hike or drive well into the evening. Sunsets come very late.

02

Highland Games weekends

Games are held in towns across the region. Check local listings for dates.

03

Loch Ness boat trips

Calm summer days make the boat trips on Loch Ness a fun family outing, and Urquhart Castle is best at opening.

What to pack for June

  • Midge repellent and a head net
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Layers for changeable days
  • An eye mask for the long, light nights

Our timing tip

Visit busy spots like the Fairy Pools and Old Man of Storr before 10am or after 4pm, when the crowds thin.

Book Scottish Highlands for June.

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What's on in June

Highland Games season

May through September

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

Things to do in Scottish Highlands

Full guide
01

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 →

02

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 →

03

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 →

04

Cairngorms National Park

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

05

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 →

06

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 June, quick answers

Is June a good time to visit Scottish Highlands?

June is one of the best months of the year to visit Scottish Highlands. The longest days. Midges start to appear on the west coast later in the month.

What is the weather like in Scottish Highlands in June?

Mild, highs near 63F (17C), nearly 18 hours of daylight.

Is Scottish Highlands crowded in June?

Scottish Highlands is busy in June, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Scottish Highlands in June?

Highland Games season (may through september).

Keep planning Scottish Highlands.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Scottish Highlands in MayThe month before: Mild, highs near 59F (15C), often among the driest monthsBest
  2. 02Scottish Highlands in JulyThe month after: Mild, highs near 66F (19C), rain likelyTradeoffs
  3. 03Scottish Highlands in SeptemberThe next best month: Mild, highs near 60F (16C)Best

Also at their best in June

Everywhere in June

Where else is good in June?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

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