Each time of year is a great time to see Scotland because each season reveals a distinct aspect of the nation. Scotland comes to life in the spring when creatures emerge from hibernation and plants put on a stunning show of color. Learn more about what you can do in Scotland in the spring as you read on.
1. Beautiful Spring Flowers in Scotland
The arrival of colorful expanses of daffodils and crocuses in the parks and green areas of major Scottish cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, frequently when there is still snow or frost on the ground, heralds the arrival of spring.
It’s a lovely sight, and in less populated regions, the show is even more stunning. When forests convert into an ocean of purple as the delicate bluebells blossom, gorse turns many slopes into yellow.
2. Scotland is brimming with new life in the spring
With its diverse range of wildlife and substantial areas of land devoted to farm animals, Scotland is a place where spring is always a season of regeneration. Here, you don’t have to travel far to encounter fields populated with amusing lambs.
Although adult Highland cows appear on a variety of Scottish souvenirs and memorabilia, their offspring are even cuter. In addition, despite their name, you may find them all around the nation, not just in the Highlands.
When traveling to Scotland in the spring, bird lovers in particular will not be disappointed. There are numerous bird species to keep an eye out for. See formidable birds of prey like the enormous golden eagle and the uncommon osprey breeding in the stunning Cairngorms, and spot clownlike puffins in rocky coastal regions on the mainland and in picturesque island places like Shetland.
3. Spring is the driest season in Scotland
Somewhat surprisingly, Scotland’s best weather doesn’t normally occur in the summer. If you want lengthy, bright days without a lot of rain, April and May are usually your best chances.
At this time of year, temperatures will still be on the cool side, so you’ll need warm clothing. The advantage of this is that you won’t be disturbed by the insects that emerge in the warmer months.
4. Scotland’s Spring is a Wonderful Time for Cultural Events
Scotland’s springtime attractions are not all exclusively natural. Festivals and other cultural events are also very popular right now. April is Whisky Month when a variety of celebrations are staged across the nation in honor of Scotland’s national beverage. The Whisky Trail in the north is the ideal place to visit at this time, as several distilleries will be celebrating in various ways.
Some springtime celebrations in Scotland have a long history, such as the Beltane Fire Festival, which revives an old Celtic tradition and falls on the last day of April. Calton Hill in Edinburgh comes alive with fire, dancing, and a ton of body paint throughout the festival.
5. The best time to see dolphins and whales in Scotland is in the spring.
All around the country, dolphins and whales can be seen, although May is a particularly good month for observing them. The majority of sightings take place between May and September. Scotland offers several locations to search for these captivating marine creatures. While killer whale pods are frequently sighted around Orkney and Shetland, the island of Mull is particularly well-known as a base for seeing minke whales.
Browse our extensive variety of Scotland tours to gain ideas for your springtime journey among Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, or contact us to create a tour that’s unique to you.
6. The Munro Hunt
The season for summiting munros begins in the spring when the days are longer and sunnier. The Munro’s experience an increase in traffic as the season goes on because of less difficult conditions. If you aren’t experienced, we advise waiting until the majority of the snow has melted before attempting a munro.
7. Join Scottish Games
You may take in the first of the Highland Games in early to mid-May as the country warms up and the weather improves at the tail end of spring. The Highland Games are a terrific family outing that is held all throughout the country and are among the most well-liked events in the nation for both tourists and Scots.
