Wondering about Scotland outifts and what to what in Scotland in June, July, and August? Whether you’re heading to beautiful Scottish cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh or frolicking through the highlands, summer is a wonderful time to visit this enchanting country!
But there are some things to know about what to wear in Scotland in summer (& what you need to pack for a successful trip). Let’s get ino this complete summer in Scotland packing list, updated for 2024!
Here’s what to wear in Scotland in June, July, and August.
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What is the weather like in Scotland in summer?
Before you make your Scotland summer packing list, it’s essential to know how the weather is likely to be. However, Scotland’s weather is a bit all over the place. Some days quite warm, some days quite nippy, and other days pure rainy.
However, June, July and August are the warmest months in Scotland with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 17°C (63 °F). Of course, there are occasionally outlier days where you’ll see temperatures in the low 20s (70° F).
The days are long in Central Scotland with around 15-17 hours of daylight between June and August. The sun rises as early at 3:30 a.m. and sets as late as 10 p.m.
It’s even longer the further north you venture. Actually, the far north will never completely go fully dark.
Keep the weather in mind when planning your Scotland outfits for summer!
What should I wear in Scotland in summer - June to August?
With the weather in mind, here are my top recommendations for Scotland summer packing list, whether you need to know what to wear in Scotland in July or packing for August in Edinburgh.
A waterproof windbreaker: Packing a windbreaker for a trip to Scotland is important if you want to feel comfortable, especially when exploring the highlands. The weather can be windy and chilly, so with this extra layer you’ll be able to frolic around the highlands comfortably.
I swear by Columbia, so here’s my recommendation for a stylish women’s rain jacket.
A couple of light sweaters: You won’t likely need your thick sweaters, so pack a couple of cute light sweaters that you can easily match with your outfits. A lot of people in Scotland wear neutral colors.
One skirt or dress: A skirt or dress can be a very versatile option when packing for summer in Scotland. Locals like to get dressed up for nights out and if that’s your thing too then packing a skirt or dress is a great choice. Plus, you can easily wear the outfit with a light jacket.
You’ll look stylish and cozy in this dress from Etsy! Pair it with a cropped jacket and Dr. Martens for a very Scotland edgy outfit. I also really love this linen spaghetti strap dress because it’s so customizable depending on the weather. Hot? Just wear the dress. Cool? Throw a light jacket or shirt underneath. Cold? Add a turtleneck undeneath and a pair of tights.
A pair of denim or black jeans: These are essential! Denim or black jeans are a staple item in Scotland so pack a pair for your trip! These Levis in any color are a perfect Scotland style!
A couple of short sleeved shirts: Pack a couple of your favorite short sleeved shirts to go with your jeans or skirt.
One dressy top: Just a cute top you would wear to go out for drinks in Edinburgh.
A layerable cardigan or jacket: As the weather can be unpredictable, a cardigan or jacket is a must. The weather can change throughout the day, so having something to layer up is a great idea. You can wear it over your sweater on the chiliest days. I really love the look of this stylish corduroy jacket and it’s perfect for a trip to Scotland. If you want something high quality, choose this longer 100% cashmere cardigan.
Water resistant booties: Ankle boots are so cute and work well when packing for the UK in the summer. Grab some that are also water resistant and you have your perfect shoes for stylishly exploring Scotland (this pair is also high-qualtiy and water resistant, and you can add this coating spray to any of your shoes for Scotland even more waterproof). Less water-resistant, but super durable, Dr. Martens (I love these) are mega popular in Scotland.
Sandals: Check the weather before you go, but I think you’ll likely be able to get to wear a pair of sandals on your trip. If you get a pair like Teva you can even wear them on hikes around Scotland. If not sandals, these Insta-famous flats or toms are great picks for walking around the city!
Accessories: Earrings, scarf for warmth, etc. Whatever you want to add to your style for your trip! You can also get tons of beautiful tartan scarves while you’re in Scotland as well as jewelry from handmade boutique shops. It’s a great way to support Scotland’s economy.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine already and even in Scotland. The sun does indeed shine so pack a kind sunscreen for your trip to Scotland. My daily go-to for face and body is Raw Elements. How else can you protect your skin while traveling? Well, I’ll tell ya!
Now, that we’ve covered what to wear in Scotland in June, July, and August; what else should you pack for summer in Scotland?
What else should I pack for summer in Scotland (Edinburgh & beyond)
A day bag: A purse or small backpack to carry around your essentials. I love this vegan leather crossbody bag when traveling during summer in Scotland!
Optional anti-theft crossbody bag: Fortunately, Scotland isn’t one of the prime pickpocketing destinations. However, if you’ll be traveling to London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, etc before/after your trip to Scotland, you may want to pack an anti-theft crossbody bag for extra protection against pickpockets. (See my guide here.)
A reusable water bottle: Scottish water is clean and delicious, so instead of polluting and wasting your money on plastic water bottles, pack a travel-friendly resuable water bottle instead. This collapsible water bottle is a great option for traveling.
A camera: Scotland’s beauty is begging to be photographed. Pack a camera for your trip. I take this Olympus mirrorless camera on most my trips and you can get an assortment of lenses to fit your photography style!
A book: You can’t go wrong with a good book, whether you’re reading on the plane or on a scenic train ride. Perhaps something like Conversations with Friends or if you want to stick with Scottish themes, I love Outlander.
Travel-size toiletry bottles: If you want to bring your favorite skincare/shampoo products, you’ll definitely want to bring travel-size toiletry bottles to avoid having to hand them over at airport at security.
Packing for the highlands? See my ultimate of what to wear in Scotland packing list here.
What to wear hiking in Scotland
When thinking about what to wear hiking in Scotland, it will often depend on the weather that that day.
However, I wouldn’t go hiking in Scotland without these:
A pair of hike-friendly pants or leggings: These water-resistant hiking pants are lightweight and perfect for all seasons. Love them!
A windbreaker: Columbia is always my go-to for when it comes to what to wear hiking in Scotland. Check out this very popular windbreaker for the best option.
Hiking boots: These are really recommended for a successful summer hike in Scotland. With Scotland’s soft soil, you never know when there might be a bit of a dip and hiking boots will keep your feet and ankles protected. These are my Columbia hiking boots and they are SO comforable, secure, warm, and have thousands of raving reviews.
Day pack: If you want a carry-on friendly 10L day pack for hiking in Scotland, bring this one. It folds up into a little pouch so it takes up little to no room in your suitcase. If you’re doing multi-day hikes, bring something like a 35-50 liters backpack.
Wool base layer: Wool is the best choice for base layer. This Smartwool t-shirt wicks away moisture while keeping your temperature regulated, whether it’s warm or cold outside. My partner swears by these, and he’s a big outdoorsy guy.
Lightweight hoodie: When hiking in the Scottish Highlands in summer, areas like Glencoe will have pleasant weather. Highs in the 60s F / 16-18 Celcius and lows in the low 50s F / 9-11 Celcius. With that in mind, a windbreaker, wool base layer, and a lightweight hoodie like this one should be enough. If you’re trying to hike mountain tops, you might need something a little thicker.
Optional ear warmers: I have sensitive ears and the Scottish wind really bothers them. That’s why I always wear something like this to protect my ears when hiking.
When it comes to what to wear in Scotland for hiking, layers are a big component! You’ll also want water resistant shoes and apparel in case it rains or you need to traverse streams, etc.
Summer in Scotland outfits inspo for June, July, August
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Now that you know what to weaear in Scotland in summer, here are a few hotel recommendations for an AMAZING trip!
Edinburgh budget friendly accommodation
If I’m on a quick solo trip, I almost always book at CoDE The CoURT. It’s an Edinburgh hostel right off the Royal Mile and close to the Waverly Train Station. I’m sort of getting past my hostel days but this one is an exception because of the pod design. You get a bed with privacy curtain and inside you have your own lighting, plugs, shelf, and XL length for a quality sleep.
For another budget-friendly option in Edinburgh BUT you get a private room, I recommend Motel One Edinburgh Royal. It’s a 3-star hotel in Old Town with a beautiful design, cozy bar, and superbly comfortable rooms.
Edinburgh luxury hotels
If you want to soak up a truly magical stay on your trip to Edinburgh this summer, here are two options for you.
Gleneagles Townhouse is an amazing 5-star hotel in New Town, a great area for exploring all of the city. The rooms are bright and airy with a light, colorful palette that really gives off a luxe feel without over doing it.
For a romantic getaway, House of Gods is an Edinburgh luxury hotel like no other. It’s dark and moody with in-room soaking tubs and just screams romance. I just want to take my lover there and stay for entirety… and the bar OMG.
Thanks for reading! I hope these tips and recommendations on what to wear in Scotland will help you plan amazing outfits for Scotland that are perfect for any season.
