United Kingdom, Europe
Scottish Highlands in May
Long days, few midges, and fresh green glens. A strong candidate for the best month.
The straight answer
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Scottish Highlands. Long days, few midges, and fresh green glens. A strong candidate for the best month.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 59F (15C), often among the driest months
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Scottish Highlands
May is one of the best months in the Highlands. Highs near 59F (15C), long days, and often some of the driest weather of the year. The glens are fresh and green, and midges are few. Everything is open, Highland Games season begins, and the Speyside whisky festival carries into early May. Crowds and prices are moderate.
It suits nearly everyone: road trippers, walkers, families, and photographers. Homeschool families get history and nature with fewer crowds. If you want the very longest days, June is the next step, but May's mix of light, dry spells, and calm is hard to beat.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.
Highland Games season starts
Towns host caber tossing, piping, and dancing from May. A small local games is a great family day out.
Skye before the crowds
The Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools are calmer than in summer. Go early or late in the day.
The Jacobite steam train
The steam train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct runs in the warmer months. Book well ahead.
What to pack for May
- A waterproof jacket for passing showers
- Layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Waterproof walking boots
- Insect repellent, just in case
Our timing tip
Book Skye accommodation months ahead, and time a Glenfinnan visit to watch the steam train cross the viaduct.
Book Scottish Highlands for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Scottish HighlandsOpens a hotel search for Scottish Highlands in May, 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 May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Late April into early May
Distillery tours, tastings, and events across Speyside. Book popular events early.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Scottish Highlands?
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Scottish Highlands. Long days, few midges, and fresh green glens. A strong candidate for the best month.
What is the weather like in Scottish Highlands in May?
Mild, highs near 59F (15C), often among the driest months.
Is Scottish Highlands crowded in May?
Crowds in Scottish Highlands are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Scottish Highlands in May?
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (late april into early may); Highland Games season (may through september).
Keep planning Scottish Highlands.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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