United Kingdom, Europe
Scottish Highlands in November
Many seasonal places close for the winter. Good for cozy pubs and whisky, less for sightseeing.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Scottish Highlands. Many seasonal places close for the winter. Good for cozy pubs and whisky, less for sightseeing.
- Weather
- Cold, wet and windy, highs near 47F (8C)
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What November is like in Scottish Highlands
November is cold, wet, and windy, with highs near 47F (8C). Many seasonal hotels, cafes, and attractions close for the winter. Days are short and storms can disrupt ferries. Crowds are at their lowest and prices bottom out.
It suits travelers who want cozy pubs, whisky, and quiet roads and don't need everything open. It is a weak month for sightseeing, island trips, or first-time visitors, because so much is shut and daylight is short. For a better trip, with open castles and long drives in the light, plan for May or September.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.
Cozy pubs and whisky
It is the season for fires, hearty food, and a dram. Distilleries that stay open are calm.
Culloden in winter light
The battlefield's visitor center stays a good indoor-outdoor stop on a short day.
Empty glens
On a dry day, Glencoe is almost deserted and quietly dramatic.
What to pack for November
- A fully waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm, waterproof boots
- Hat, gloves, and thermal layers
- A headlamp
Our timing tip
Check that your accommodation and any sights are open, since many close from November to March.
Book Scottish Highlands for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Scottish HighlandsOpens a hotel search for Scottish Highlands in November, 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 November. 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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Scottish Highlands?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Scottish Highlands. Many seasonal places close for the winter. Good for cozy pubs and whisky, less for sightseeing.
What is the weather like in Scottish Highlands in November?
Cold, wet and windy, highs near 47F (8C).
Is Scottish Highlands crowded in November?
November 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 OctoberThe month before: Cool, highs near 54F (12C), more rainGood
- 02Scottish Highlands in DecemberThe month after: Cold, highs near 44F (7C), about 7 hours of daylightQuiet value
- 03Scottish Highlands in MayThe next best month: Mild, highs near 59F (15C), often among the driest monthsBest
Also at their best in November
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