Paying a visit to Scotland in June offers travellers a taste of the summer months, with plenty to see as the sun begins to shine on the landscapes. June is the calm before the storm, with the later weeks of the month becoming flush with incoming tourists enjoying the summer highlights of the Scottish calendar. If you want to enjoy some of the best Scottish weather of the year, see splendid attractions, and miss the bulk of the peak season, then June is the month for you.
If you plan on visiting Scotland in June, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve outlined everything you need to know about how to pack for Scotland in June, things to look out for, and events to attend. Let’s not waste any time and jump right into it!
Weather in Scotland in June
One of the major reasons June is an appealing month to visit Scotland is the pleasant weather. Summer weather seeps into spring by late May, so June offers comfortable weather and mild temperatures. You can expect a daily average between 9℃ – 16℃ (48℉ – 64℉), which makes exploring Scotland a treat.
June also features long daylight hours, with the summer solstice falling on the 21st. The solstice and a few days after offer 18 hours of daylight, giving you ample time to see local wildlife, enjoy hiking trails, or enjoy the excellent weather.
Speaking of, most of June’s weather is fantastic. You may experience the occasional bout of wind, rain, and fog (especially in Western Scotland), but for the most part, you’ll be fine if you bring a few essential clothing items.
How to Pack for Scotland in June
Before booking your flight to Scotland in June, pack a few of these essentials.
A Waterproof Jacket
While much of June’s weather is sunny and gorgeous, preparing for a few cloudy days and showers is always best. If you’re planning to travel to Western Scotland, you may come across haar (a cold sea fog from the Atlantic), and you’ll be thankful to have brought a waterproof jacket.
Sunglasses & Hat
As we’ve said, most of Scotland’s June forecast calls for sunny weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures—perfect weather to pack a pair of sunglasses and a sun hat. Not only do these items make you look fashionable, but they’re the ideal thing to ward off sunburns and glare as you explore the natural beauty of Scotland.
Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Get those “guns oot” and make the most of the sunny Scottish days in June by bringing plenty of short sleeve t-shirts. Outdoor lovers, especially, pack a few pairs to wear as they tackle the abundance of activities available during summer, from hiking trails to mountain climbing. The last thing you need when you explore Scotland is a sweat-soaked shirt, so pack light, and you’ll stay bright!
Keep an Eye Out for Midges
As the winter months pass and summer rears its head once more, one element to keep an eye out for is midges. What are midges? They’re nasty wee insects that resemble mosquitoes and have the same thirst for blood.
While not disastrous, midge bites are itchy, annoying, and can spoil an otherwise eventful day. June usually has a lower midge population than the rest of the summer months (their population peaks between July and August), but it’s still worth taking a few precautions against them.
Midges are the most active during the early morning and evening, so shut doors and windows. If you plan to go out a bit early or late, wear long-sleeved clothing and coat any exposed skin in midge repellent or cream (you can purchase them in most stories).
Things to Do in Scotland in June
Once you’re all packed and ready to go, you can start setting your sights on what excellent attractions you can look forward to in June. From Scotland’s largest city to boat tours with dolphins, Scotland’s June season has a little something for everyone. If you’re coming with an open agenda and want some inspiration for to-dos during your vacation, make sure to take a look at these:
Celebrate the Summer Solstice
The summer solstice is a once-a-year event which falls on 21 June each year and offers a chance to explore the country with over 17 hours of daylight! It’s the perfect opportunity to pack your schedule full of activities and events without any fear of the day growing short on you.
If you want to pay respect to the occasion, you can attend several summer solstice events throughout Scotland. In Edinburgh, the Royal Edinburgh Zoo holds the Summer Solstice Soiree. Other events include sunset yoga and candle-lit musical tributes—find what works for you, or take it at your own pace.
See Scotland’s Diverse Wildlife
One major draw for nature lovers is Scotland’s fantastic wildlife, and June is an excellent time to come and see what the country has to offer. For a start, most of the UK’s golden eagle population lives in Scotland! These magnificent birds can be seen year-round but are most often observed hunting and flying during clear days – which June has in spades.
Puffins and other seabirds are also in full swing in June, with many bird species hatching and raising their chicks on Scotland’s rocky outcroppings. You’ll likely need a private guide and boat tour to reach these bird cities, but along the way, don’t be surprised if you see pods of dolphins, whales, and even orcas! These sea mammals return to Scottish waters at the end of May, making June visitors one of the first to see them!
Finally, the Cairngorms and other national parks offer opportunities to see red deer, red squirrels, beavers, and otters in their natural habitats as you wander the dramatic scenery and great outdoors.
Indulge in Scottish Summer Harvests
Although late summer offers the best time to enjoy much of Scotland’s harvest season, you can still eat fresh Scottish dishes during June. Specifically, June is the start of Scotland’s berry season, which includes raspberries, strawberries, and gooseberries! Whether you prefer to eat them raw or as part of a delicious dessert, don’t deny yourself fresh Scottish berries during your vacation.
Fresh greens like kale, peas, and asparagus are also abundantly fresh and pair well with the in-season protein of June—lobster! Fresh lobster from the Scottish Highlands is a decadent meal you can’t miss out on in June; it’s a culinary rite of passage.
Add a Few Whisky Distilleries To Your Agenda
A visit to Scotland is only complete with paying a visit to one of Scotland’s whisky distilleries. June is an excellent time for visiting the wealth of distilleries all over Scotland, from the Lowlands to the far-flung Orkney Isles. Each distillery has its incredible history you can explore, either with a distillery tour or during a whisky tasting.
If you’re coming to Scotland for the first time and want to stop by the highlights, then make sure to stop by Glen Moray Distillery, Glenfiddich Distillery, and Balvenie Distillery. A wee dram of whisky is the perfect thing during June’s dry weather.
Enjoy June’s Summer Sports
Several places throughout Scotland in June are perfect for sports lovers. Cities like Fort William, Aviemore, Aberfeldy, and Kingussie are considered to be Scotland’s outdoor capitals and offer unique sports like sea kayaking, hiking, climbing, and cycling.
In the summer, Scotland is also the best time to play golf! Not many people know that this beloved sport originated in Scotland and has been a staple for several World Championships. St Andrews is a mecca for many golf players and features links-style courses that conform to the rolling Scottish landscapes. Tee off with full force on Scotland’s beautiful courses, and we bet you’ll be coming back for more in no time.
June’s long hours make spontaneous trips through Scotland’s wilderness a fantastic time, especially if you fit in multiple locations like Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and Loch Lomond. While outdoor activities aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, they’re worth trying to make the most of Scotland in summer.
Visit the Cairngorms National Park
Within the Scottish Highlands sits the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland’s largest national park and a premier attraction during June. While the Cairngorms is the perfect holiday destination no matter what time of year you visit, June is an especially magical time. The verdant trees are teeming with life during the start of summer, with every corner offering a stunning view or a cosy nook.
The Cairngorms take up quite a bit of the Scottish Highlands, around 4,500 square kilometres in fact! Planning a road trip around the sites of the Cairngorms is the perfect way to enjoy your summer in Scotland, but we won’t blame you for planning your self-drive adventure.
See Scotland’s Historic Sites
By June, many of Scotland’s historic sites and attractions are open for visitors to see. Even if you’re not a history buff, visiting at least one of Scotland’s landmarks to indulge in some Scottish history is a necessity. Major attractions that should be on everyone’s to-do list include city break options like Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, and the St Andrew Cathedral.
There are excellent historical attractions outside of Scotland’s major cities, too! Sites like the Calanais Standing Stones, Ring of Brodgar, Fingal’s Cave, and Kilmartin Glen offer a look into Scotland’s fascinating history and pre-history—even if it may take a few hours to reach.
Events in June in Scotland
On top of the fantastic activities you can do while visiting Scotland in June, you can also expect spectacular events that show off the country’s spirit and culture. From traditional music festivals to marathons in kilts to Highland games and more, here are some events in June in Scotland that everyone should add to their holiday agenda.
Glasgow International Jazz Festival (14 – 18 June, Glasgow)
Jazz lovers unite! The Glasgow International Jazz Festival is a collection of local and international jazz musicians who want to show the world their funky music. Jazz is a musical style that touches base with everyone on some level, so if you’re coming to Scotland to enjoy live music events and are on the fence, book your tickets now.
Royal Highland Show (20 -23 June, Edinburgh)
The Royal Highland Show is the season’s summer spectacle and features the best Scottish rural life. You can see and taste the very top food, drink, farm animals, and produce cultivated by the cream of the crop Scottish farmers.
It’s one of the biggest food festivals in Scotland, complete with traditional piping music and kilt-wearing Scots—what else could you want out of an event in Scotland?
Kiltwalk Aberdeen (2 June, Aberdeen)
The Kiltwalk Aberdeen is one of the most impressive sights during June’s event calendar. Hundreds of men and women dressed in their finest kilts, walking mile after mile for charity! The Kiltwalk is open to everyone, so if you want to embrace Scottish culture, this one’s for you.
The Kiltwalk Aberdeen has several options for you to walk, including the Mighty Stride (18 miles) and the Wee Wander (4 miles).
The Highland Games (June, Throughout Scotland)
Imagine this: traditional Scottish folk music elevating the atmosphere of ceilidh dancers, with the shouts and cheers of Highland games nearby, and fantastic food and drink creating an olfactory heaven. The highland games taking place during June, like the Markinch Highland Games and Drumtochty Highland Games, are a rite of passage for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a few burning questions about visiting Scotland in June? Don’t worry—we’ve outlined and answered the most frequently asked questions right here.
Is June a Good Time to Visit Scotland?
Absolutely! June is the beginning of Scotland’s summer season, meaning you can expect excellent weather (by Scottish standards). June sits right before the peak tourist season between July and August, so you can enjoy the country’s major attractions without peak crowds ruining the experience. And coupled with June’s fantastic calendar of events, coming to Scotland in June is an experience you’ll never forget.
Is Scotland rainy in June?
While not the driest month in Scotland, June is drier than most of the year. The most you should expect are bits of light rain every three days, which is worth bringing an umbrella and rain jacket for. June experiences are 9.6 mm of rain—relatively light and unintrusive.
What is the Hottest Month in Scotland?
Scotland’s hottest month sits between July and August, with degrees reaching 18 – 22℃ on average. June weather is milder, and the month enjoys a relatively calm climate from the end of spring to May. If your concern is heat, coming to Scotland in June or September is ideal.
