Some consider the weather conditions at this time of year to be inhospitable for a luxury vacation in Scotland. But we beg to differ, as this remarkable corner of the world has something unique to offer in each season – even when it’s cold and wet. Temperatures can vary greatly across the regions, but generally, you can expect it to be somewhere between 4°C and 9°C. Though chilly it may be, it’s an ideal time to witness the nation’s national parks, woods and forests transform with golden hues. And with crowds dispersing from October onwards, you’ll be able to miss the busy tourist crowds. Here are some of the best things to see and do if you’re visiting Scotland and the Highlands in late fall.

November in Scotland is generally cold, damp but sometimes crisp and cool.  Temperatures are usually between 2-10°C (36-50°F) with shorter and often overcast days.  The sun goes down at around 4pm and there is a high chance of rain and wind.  The Scots might describe the weather as ‘dreich’ which means gloomy and dull.  On a more positive note, there can be some crisp bright days which together with the vibrant autumnal colours make for stunning days out as long as you are well prepared for all eventualities.  Snow can sometimes fall in the Highlands on the hills which makes for a spectacular landscape.  Also, visitors will be safe from the Scottish Midge as it is far too cold and gloomy for them to survive at this time of year.

What to pack?

• Waterproofs are essential if you are venturing out on foot into the countryside.
• Thermal layers that you can take on and off easily are useful as the weather can be very changeable.
• Warm fleeces and jumpers to protect from the biting wind.
• Sturdy walking boots/shoes if you are hiking or spending the day exploring a city.

Festivals and Events

Enchanted Forest

This magical festival runs throughout October and the beginning of November.  It is Scotland’s premier light and sound event and it uses the backdrop of Faskally Wood in Pitlochry for the glittering experience.  Every year there is a different theme.

Oban Winter Festival

Taking place in late November, the Oban Winter Festival has a Victorian Market, Reindeer Parade, ice rink, Comedy nights, music workshops for children, cocktails for grown-ups and the odd ceilidh on offer.  Oban has some great shopping, bars and restaurants to be enjoyed when visiting.

Scots Fiddle Festival

Originally set up to promote and sustain traditional Scots fiddle music, this prestigious event takes place at the end of November.  At The Pleasance in Edinburgh, Performers and audience members gather together from all over the world and inspire people to enjoy and take part in traditional music.  With The Pleasance cafe and bar available to everyone all day and evening, there is a relaxed atmosphere for performers and visitors alike to enjoy good music.

Holidays

St Andrew’s Day

Celebrated every year on 30th November, this is an important celebration for Scotland and a national holiday.  St Andrew officially became the patron saint of Scotland in 1320 when Scotland gained its independence at the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath.  There are celebrations all over the country on St Andrew’s Day which involve ceilidh’s, traditional food, community spirit and fun events which display Scotland’s traditions.

The Hermitage, Dunkeld, Perthshire

Originally, this magical part of the Perthshire forest was designed as a pleasure ground for the Dukes of Atholl in the 18th Century.  There are Douglas Firs towering over the paths which lead to the Black Linn Falls, where the River Braan tumbles down into deep pools below.  Ossian’s Hall, a picturesque folly that was built in 1757, overlooks the waterfall and is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the sound of the waterfall and watch the water crashing below.  Look out for red squirrells hopping between the trees and see if you can spot salmon in the river.

City of Edinburgh

Scotland in November is much quieter than it is during the summer months.  So if you prefer a little peace and quiet, November is a good time to visit the capital city of Edinburgh.  There is much to see in the Old Town as well as the New Town and if the weather gets the better of you, there are museums to visit and take you indoors such as the National Museum of Scotland, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and Surgeon’s Hall Museums.  If you have time in Edinburgh, a visit to the Castle is a must, to go back in history and also to enjoy spectacular views across the city and the Firth of Forth.

Cairngorms National Park

For those adventurous visitors, a trip to the Cairngorms National Park offers a chance to explore some of Scotland’s most beautiful wilderness.  With a chance of snow during November, it is important to be prepared when trekking in the mountains.  Aviemore has the UK’s only working sled dog centre, there is a free-roaming reindeer herd and also othe Highland Wildlife Park.

Find the best autumnal walks

On a dry day, you won’t want to miss the incredible views of Loch Dunmore and Faskally Woods in Highland Perthshire, or The Hermitage in Dunkeld. Both of these are relatively flat areas, making them easy to explore even when the ground is wet. Precipitation is much higher in November than October, but if you are lucky enough to have a nice, crisp morning with clear skies, you will find the painted orange and yellow vistas to be nothing short of magical. Be sure to wear walking shoes with a good grip, and don’t forget your waterproof jacket.

Other spectacular places to experience Scotland at fall time include Queen’s View at Loch Tummel, Dawyck Botanic Gardens near Peebles, Crathes Castle Gardens along Royal Deeside, and Glen Finglas in The Trossachs.

Whiskey tasting and distillery tours

Many distilleries are open late into November (with some in December too), so whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy educational tours and learn more about this prolific production in this whiskey-loving nation. Even if you can’t get to a nearby distillery, Scotland’s towns and cities have plenty of whiskey bars where tastings are available throughout the year. If it’s cold outside, a few glasses will certainly warm you up.

If you’re staying in the capital, don’t miss The Scotch Whiskey Experience, or the famous bars such as the old and charming Whiski on High Street, the stylish Whiski Rooms on North Bank Street, the cool and laidback Bow Bar on Victoria Street, and Kaleidoscope Whiskey Bar at the Scottish Malt Whiskey Society on Queen Street.

Enjoy the start of winter festivals

So many interesting festivals take place (indoors) at this time of year. So you’ll find plenty of excuses to escape the cold. The Festival of Wine takes place at The Balmoral in Edinburgh early on in the month, where visitors will have a chance to sample some of the best varietals from around the world. There’s also a number of whiskey festivals, including the Glasgow Whiskey Festival, a major event with regional producers exhibiting.

Other interesting festivals are the Stirling Gin Festival, the Scots Fiddle Festival, and Perth Chocolate and Gin Street Fest.

Discover Scotland’s best indoor attractions

Scotland is home to some of the best museums in Europe, including famous attractions such as The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, a previous Royal residence to Her Majesty The Queen for over 44 years. The capital also boasts the National Museum Of Scotland and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. But outside of the city, the museums are just as unique and interesting. Don’t miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, located by Glasgow’s west end – or the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow. Or learn more about the nation’s favorite son at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.

Photography opportunities

Scotland in November is a stunning time for landscape photographers.  With the beautiful autumnal hues of the leaves on the trees and the weather becoming chillier, there are some good opportunities for keen photographers to catch this magical season in all it’s glory.  The Highlands tend to have dramatic, moody, low-angled golden light in November and with fewer crowds, it is ideal for aurora spotting.