Weather

Scotland has one of the most varied climates on the planet. It is surprisingly temperate for its latitude and is free from any extreme conditions.

In Scotland it is normal to experience both blazing sunshine and rain all in one morning, thanks to being in the path of several major weather systems.

Scotland is on the same latitude as Edmonton in Canada, Stockholm in Sweden and even the southern tip of Greenland – but is warmed by the thermal ocean currents of the Gulf Stream from the Gulf of Mexico.

Sunshine

During summertime, Scotland's long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures are a great advantage to everyone - especially if you're interested in outdoor activities.

  • Southern and eastern Scotland average some 1400 hours of sunshine per year
  • The sunniest months are May and June - the country’s northern latitude means that the days are long and the nights short - temperatures range from 13 to 16°C
  • Around midsummer there is no complete darkness in the north of Scotland - the Shetland Islands get about four hours more daylight at this time of year than London
  • July and August are normally the warmest months with an average temperature of 19°C, although the temperature has been known to top 32°C

Rainfall

Scotland’s rainfall is the subject of much debate. The prevailing climate in Scotland has provided the countryside with lush green pastures all year round.

Another benefit of the weather is the continual supply of fresh water, meaning no droughts or water rationing that has affected many parts of the UK in recent years.

Little-known facts about Scotland's rainfall:

  • During the four summer months, rainfall in Scotland is comparable with the driest parts of England
  • Scotland’s rainfall depends on the locale as much as the season - in general, the east coast is cooler and drier than the west, which is milder and wetter
  • Many of Scotland’s east coast towns have less annual rainfall than Rome
  • Rainfall in Scotland doesn’t result in flooding and riverbank bursting - this can be common in parts of England and Wales
  • There are only a handful of thunderstorms every year
  • Scotland's weather systems generate its hydro-electric industry - an extremely environmentally friendly form of energy

Wind

While the wind generally blows from the south-west it can frequently be very windy on the north-west with gales quite common.

But apart from the very rare storm there is no threat of hurricanes or tornadoes.

However the wind has become one of Scotland’s greatest assets making the country an excellent location for sailing, windsurfing and surfing - not to mention windfarms.

Snow and frost

January and February are the coldest months with maximum temperatures over low ground averaging 5°C to 7°C.

On rare occasions, temperatures have been known to reach 15°C when a moist south or south-westerly airflow warms up after crossing the mountains.

Frosts are common in winter, however Scotland does not endure severe winters and heavy snow. Snow rarely lies at sea level before November or after April.

Snowfall increases considerably with height - Scotland’s winter sports resorts are all found in the Highlands.

Natural phenomena

Scotland is free from the destructive effects of natural phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanoes.

Although the country lies on natural fault lines, seismic activity is extremely limited with just the occassional tremor that shakes tea in cups but nothing else.

Scotland is full of extinct volcanoes, indeed Edinburgh is built upon them, but there has been no volcanic activity since the Tertiary period - some 50 million years ago.

Useful links

The Met Office

BBC weather

Scotland.org