United Kingdom, Europe
Scottish Highlands in March
Days lengthen quickly. Some seasonal businesses reopen around Easter.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Scottish Highlands. Days lengthen quickly. Some seasonal businesses reopen around Easter.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 49F (9C), changeable
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Scottish Highlands
March is cool and changeable, with highs near 49F (9C). The days lengthen quickly, and the Highlands start to shake off winter. Some seasonal businesses reopen around Easter, but many remote places are still closed early in the month. Crowds are light, prices are low, and snow often lingers on the peaks.
It suits travelers who want quiet roads and low prices and don't mind unpredictable weather. Walkers get lovely light and empty trails. It is still early for island trips and some attractions. If you want everything open with more settled weather, May is the better pick.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.
Longer days, empty roads
By late March you have far more daylight for driving. The A82 through Glencoe is quiet.
Snowy peaks, green glens
The contrast of white mountains and greening valleys makes for beautiful photos.
Culloden without crowds
The battlefield and visitor center are calm, giving you time to take in the history.
What to pack for March
- A waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers you can add and remove
- Waterproof walking boots
- Hat and gloves
Our timing tip
Check reopening dates for castles and seasonal attractions, many of which open around Easter.
Book Scottish Highlands for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Scottish HighlandsOpens a hotel search for Scottish Highlands in March, 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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Scottish Highlands?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Scottish Highlands. Days lengthen quickly. Some seasonal businesses reopen around Easter.
What is the weather like in Scottish Highlands in March?
Cool, highs near 49F (9C), changeable.
Is Scottish Highlands crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Scottish Highlands; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Scottish Highlands.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
- 01Scottish Highlands in FebruaryThe month before: Cold, highs near 45F (7C), wind and rainQuiet value
- 02Scottish Highlands in AprilThe month after: Cool, highs near 53F (12C), showers and some sunny spellsGood
- 03Scottish Highlands in MayThe next best month: Mild, highs near 59F (15C), often among the driest monthsBest
Also at their best in March
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