United Kingdom, Europe
Scottish Highlands in October
Fall color in Perthshire, stags roaring, and lower prices. Days shorten quickly.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit Scottish Highlands. Fall color in Perthshire, stags roaring, and lower prices. Days shorten quickly.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 54F (12C), more rain
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What October is like in Scottish Highlands
October is cool, with highs near 54F (12C) and more rain. Perthshire glows with fall color, and red deer stags roar in the glens. Crowds and prices drop, and days shorten quickly. Some seasonal businesses begin to close late in the month.
It suits photographers, wildlife watchers, and anyone who wants quiet roads and fall color. Pack for rain and plan drives around daylight, since it gets dark by early evening by the end of the month. If you want longer days and drier weather, go back to September or wait for May.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Scottish Highlands this month.
Fall color in Perthshire
The forests turn gold and red. It is one of the prettiest drives of the year.
The stag rut
Red deer stags roar across the glens. Dawn and dusk are the best times to hear them.
Lower prices
Hotels and B&Bs drop rates after the summer rush.
What to pack for October
- A waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers
- Waterproof boots
- Binoculars for deer watching
Our timing tip
Plan wildlife outings at dawn or dusk, and check which attractions close for the season late in the month.
Book Scottish Highlands for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Scottish HighlandsOpens a hotel search for Scottish Highlands in October, 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 October. 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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Scottish Highlands?
October is a good month to visit Scottish Highlands. Fall color in Perthshire, stags roaring, and lower prices. Days shorten quickly.
What is the weather like in Scottish Highlands in October?
Cool, highs near 54F (12C), more rain.
Is Scottish Highlands crowded in October?
October 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.
Also at their best in October
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