SCOTLAND IN APRIL: THE WEATHER, WHERE TO VISIT & WHAT TO DO

With dramatic lochs and mountains, spellbinding cities, and mouthwatering foodie haunts, there’s no bad time to enjoy a luxury Scottish vacation. But for nature lovers, spring is especially exciting as flowers are in full bloom all over the country.

Whether you’re cosying up in a castle stay near the capital, or checking into the wilderness of the Highlands, evidence of springtime is everywhere when you visit in April. This is a great time of year to be out and about, as we’ve covered in this comprehensive guide to April in Scotland.

Scotland can be rather chilly during the month of April, with temperature highs of around 10°C-11°C in Eastern, Western and Central Scotland and lows of around 3°C. Parts of Northern Scotland can be even colder in April, with a high chance of rain, so it’s important to wrap up warm and bring your waterproofs.

Despite the weather conditions, Scotland is a great destination in April time, with beautifully lush landscapes and springtime flowers in bloom. Venture outdoors and you’ll be rewarded with crisp and bright conditions, or make the most of the country’s multitude of indoor attractions and enjoy a more cultural break.

Wondering which parts of Scotland are best in the springtime? Here’s where we recommend that you visit.

Parks and Gardens

April is the perfect time to visit the parks and gardens in Scotland. What a time to be outdoors, and you don’t even have to go far from the city to the daffodils, bluebells, cherry blossom and rhododendrons. 

Urban parks are great places to go for a stroll, but if you really want to get away from it all, make sure you add something like the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to your list. They will be in full bloom at this time of year. 

Some more of our favourite places to visit in Scotland in April include the very beautiful Branklyn Gardens in Perth, Belleisle Gardens and Estate in Ayrshire, the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and Dawyck Botanic Garden and Arboretum on the Scottish Borders. Outside of the capital, there are The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow and Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen.

Scotland’s Beaches

Believe it or not, Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Britain. If the weather is mild and dry, enjoy a spring picnic or wrap up warm and enjoy a seafront stroll along the coast of the country. 

The isolated Seacliff in East Lothian offers spectacular views and is also home to the smallest harbour in the UK, which makes it a notable spot. You can also head to the beaches of the Moray Firth in the Highlands, which are the perfect places for dolphin spotting in Scotland in April.

Edinburgh

There are many reasons to see the capital of Scotland, such as the incredible castle, the amazing gastronomy on offer, the Whiskey Trail, the superb shopping, the endless sights and attractions (including kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura), and excellent nightlife. But in Scotland in April, there’s also the draw of the city being one of the driest places to visit. 

Over the last few years, Edinburgh has had the least rain in April, not only in Scotland but in the rest of the UK too. So if you prefer milder weather when you travel, Edinburgh makes an ideal city break for a springtime holiday.

The Islands of Scotland

Not only is April one of the driest months of the year in Scotland (though spring showers can still occur), but it’s also one of the greenest. This makes it a really nice time to take a trip to one of Scotland’s many surrounding islands and explore a unique part of the country to delve deeper into its heritage and culture. 

Some of the most popular destinations in the Scottish islands include Skye (connected to the northwest coast by a bridge), the Isle of Mull (in the Inner Hebrides), and also the Isle of Arran (the largest island in the Firth of Clyde). You’ll need to check ferry timetables in April before you travel, as tourist season won’t be in full swing and some services might still be limited. But it’s well worth the journey over the sea

Along with our recommendations of the best places to visit in Scotland in April, here are some of the best things to see and do at this time of year that you could include in your trip.

Go Hiking in the Highlands

Whilst the weather might feel somewhat nippy, April marks the end of winter in Scotland and it’s a superb time to go hiking in the Highlands. The Scottish fells offer some of the most dramatic views in Europe, and springtime has the promise of wonderful greenery and fewer crowds. 

The walking routes with the most breathtaking vistas include Suilven at Assynt, The Saddle at Kintail, Ben Alligin in Torridon, and The Ring of Steall at Mamores. Make sure that you’ve packed the appropriate hiking gear for all weathers, as rain can suddenly sweep in when you’re hiking in the mountains and you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Climb Scotland’s Toughest Peaks

April weather is not only perfect for hiking, but it’s also ideal for tackling one of the Scottish peaks. Expect temperatures of around 7°C – 13°C (45°F – 55°F), which provides a comfortable climate for any uphill hike. 

Ben Nevis is the tallest at 4,411 feet high, but Ladhar Bheinn in the Knoydart Region is considered to be one of the toughest. Whilst many amateur climbers have conquered the famous Nevis, it’s still a very long day for beginners, taking up to 8 hours (or more) from start to finish. If you’re experienced and used to rough terrain, Ladhar Bheinn may be more worth your while.

See Scotland’s Castles

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to castles and forts in this part of the world. From the beautiful city horizon atop the viewpoint of Edinburgh Castle to the magical sunset reflections of the loch surrounding Eilean Donan Castle, there’s so much to be explored for history lovers and sightseeing fans alike. 

On top of being able to visit a range of historic buildings, there are actually some stunning Scottish castles which are available to rent. These unique holiday properties are also fantastic for kids, making Scotland the perfect place for an unforgettable family vacation.

Go Sailing on the Lochs

April is one of the driest months on the mainland, making it a wonderful time to plan a pre-summer sailing vacation. Charter your own boat and explore the scenic canals, or hop on the many loch cruises open to the public and enjoy the chance to learn about the history of some of Scotland’s greatest bodies of water.

Summer in Scotland usually means crowds, particularly on the well-known destinations of Loch Ness and Loch Lomond, so April is a great time to avoid this and enjoy a quieter experience. And the midges also come out around June time, so a springtime adventure on the water is ideal if you want to miss the insects as well!

Scotland is home to some of the most important festivals in Great Britain, including the world-famous Hogmanay during New Years’ Eve and some of the best arts and music events during the summer. Spring is no different, with many of the best festivals in Scotland taking place in April each year.

Tartan Day is one of the biggest Scottish celebrations in the US and Canada, and it’s also celebrated in the birthplace of tartan, Scotland itself. Every April, the Tartan Day Festival takes place at Market Street in Forfar, Angus.

Edinburgh International Harp Festival

Run by The Clarsach Society, which promotes music played on the traditional Scottish clarsach, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival is a unique music festival celebrating harp music. Attended by fans, teachers and performers from all over the world, it’s a brilliant event for fans of classical music.

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh with family or are just a bit of a science geek yourself, the Edinburgh International Science Festival is a brilliant event with all kinds of talks, workshops and displays. Originally the world’s first public celebration of science and technology, each year has a different theme which all of the festival content is based around, promising an enlightening experience every time you attend.

Beltane Fire Festival

The Beltane Fire Festival draws on Scotland’s Celtic heritage, recreating and modernising an ancient ritual from the Iron Age that celebrated the return of the summer. Taking place on Carlton Hill in Edinburgh, there’s a symbolic procession with various characters from folklore, a performance and then a huge bonfire is lit. It’s a fascinating and very engaging tradition that is a great way to interact with ancient Scottish culture.

For a cultural trip filled with plenty of excursions to popular attractions, April is a brilliant time to visit Scotland. You can avoid the busyness of the summer season whilst also enjoying relatively dry weather, which is perfect for sightseeing and excursions.

If you’re feeling inspired to find out more about visiting this part of the UK, read our blog post on ‘The Best Time to Visit Scotland’ to discover what else there is to do at other times of the year.

Planning a trip to Scotland in April and looking for somewhere exceptional to stay? Take a look at our collection of Scottish castles to rent for a holiday or get in touch to speak to us about what you’re looking for.