Inverness Travel Forum

We will bw touring Scotland to the north of Inverness for two weeks June into July. I expect the weather to be "changeable" . Could I have some idea of what to expect from an experienced traveller or local. I understand that "layering' is a good way to cope with the change. Is there any clothing that is a must take?

The weather is very changeable - it could be hot one day and then cool the next. You may see lots of rain or none at all. Take an umbrella for when you are in town and yes layering is a good idea. Take a coat with a hood for out of town but one that is not too heavy - it will not be cold just cool - perhaps as low as 16c some days. Its the same across the UK but usually the weather should be very hot.

Take a waterproof jacket (with hood as mentioned above), waterproof pants (as the parka alone is useless if the rain is blowing sideways) and if you don't like cold, wet feet, get some sneakers or lite hikers that have a GoreTex lining. Hope you have some of the same wonderful, sunny days I had at this time of year but never be far from your rain gear.

Umbrella and raincoat. A zip-in lining is nice for the raincoat if it's a bit cooler than usual. One day we had bright sunshine, driving rain and snow all within about two hours. It's quite exciting! We were out hiking and got a bit wet. LOL

If you intend to do some walking over 'rough ground' then you will definitely need water-resistant hiking boots (the light ones should be ok in summer). Waterproof over-trousers and/or gaiters are essemtial if you intend to walk for longer distances in this way. Hat, scarf and gloves are light to carry but may be very welcome if the weather deteriorates, even in early summer. In an Orkney July I have needed all three on more than on occasion.

As you will be so far north it is unlikely to be 'hot': a warm day (temperatures in high teens or, if you're lucky, low twenties) is much more likely. Temperatures will be lower in the evenings and early mornings, obviously. They can also drop noticeably if a rain shower/squall passes through during an otherwise clear day.

Layering indeed the way to cope with UK weather all year round: several thinner layers are warmer than one thick one, as well as being bettr able to cope with che changes you will almost certainly experience.

There are monthly averages for Inverness temp and rainfall here, to give you an idea:

http://uk.weather.com/weather/climatology/UKXX0250

Having lived in the Highlands for a fair portion of my life, I do and don't agree with the replies so far.
The east coast can be very dry. It has a low average rainfall, and in summer hose pipe bans apply. The west coast is more likely to be wet than the east. However, if there is wind, then the wind coming off the North Sea from the east can be bitterly cold, so layering is a good policy. But having said that, June and July should be fine and a fleece jacket should be ample . Inland it can be very hot.
Remember that midges are a curse of the Highlands so, long sleeves are necessary if you don't want to be eaten alive. I never had to wear gloves or scarves in summer!

Ah.......but I was up in Orkney (and in John O'Groats). It was freezing (wind-chill)!!!

I too had some windy, cold & wet weather in Orkney and Shetland in June.

I always take long underwear to Scotland and I always wear it. Friends laugh when I say this but are grateful when they follow the advice. Weather is changeable, usually wet and usually chilly particularly north of Inverness. But glorious country - particularly the west coast where the mountains drop right down into the sea. Love the place.

Welcome to VT, april29.

I have to say I have never even considered taking long underwear to Scotland (although I might in the winter, perhaps). You won't need it in June/July, I'm sure.

My visits to the far north (i.e.Orkney) have certainly not required such clothin. Layers/waterproofs are essentia, however (and a woolly hat is comforting if you get earache from a chilly wind, as I do).