The fall months are the best time to visit Scotland if you’re after some peace and quiet. If you want to book a romantic or luxury Scottish vacation without the summer crowds, this is a great month to discover its stunning towns and cities as well as exploring the dramatic Scottish Highlands. Expect temperatures to drop a few degrees early in the month, before they plummet towards the end. Whether you’re still enjoying the end of summer sunshine, or catching the very first sight of autumn leaves, September is perfect for couples and groups alike.

As well as visiting some of Scotland’s most important and historic castles, here are some of the best things to see and do in Scotland in September:

September offers temperate weather so it’s not too hot and not too cold.  Average daytime temperatures range from 9°C to 16°C with a mix of sun, cloud and rain.  The weather in September is transitioning from the warmth of the summer to the chillier days of Autumn.  The days are getting shorter and the nights are cooler with temperatures between 7°- 9° C (48°-61° F).  September can be the perfect month to visit Scotland as there is stunning scenery and fewer crowds of tourists.  Also, our friend, the Scottish Midge is also on the decrease by this time of year and they are unlikely to be of any trouble.

If you are walking or hiking in the Highlands the temperature can be cooler than in the cities but it rarely gets below 2°C (36°F) even at the backend of the month.

What to pack?

• Layers:  It is always prudent to bring layers as at certain times during the day, if you’re hiking in the Highlands, you may become quite warm.  However, there will be times when it is quite chilly and so good to have layers that can be put on and taken off easily.
• Waterproofs:  Whether you are exploring cities or hiking in the wilderness, a waterproof jacket is essential.
• Sturdy footwear:  If you are doing lots of walking either in a city or out hiking, good sturdy and preferably waterproof footwear is a good idea.

Festivals & Events

Braemar Gathering

The most well known Highland Games in Scotland and attended by the reigning Monarch and members of the Royal Family.  The games always take place on the first Saturday of September and have been running in their present form for almost 200 years.  It is the highlight of the Scottish sporting calendar and takes place in the beautiful village of Braemar being overlooked by mountains covered in heather.  The Braemar Gathering has lots of different events to enjoy such as Scottish Pipe Bands, tossing the caber, hill running, Highland Dancing, and tug of war.

Stranraer Oyster Festival

Celebrating local seafood and Scotland’s last remaining wild and native oyster bed in beautiful Loch Ryan.  The Stranraer Oyster Festival takes place in mid September each year with live entertainment, celebrity chef demonstrations, Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships, artisan market and lots of delicious food & drink.  There are five car parks in Stranraer, all of which are 10 minutes walk from the festival grounds.

Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days in Scotland is a large, free festival to celebrate places and stories, old and new.  Scottish Archaeology Month has been running for over 20 years and encourages people to engage with their archaeology, history and heritage.  During September every year, there is a varied programme of events all over Scotland.  Guided walks, excavations, lectures, performances, re-enactments, traditional skills workshops and storytelling as well as many other activities are on offer.

Public Holidays

There are no nationwide bank holidays in Scotland in September.  However, some local council areas have an Autumn holiday which is usually held on the last Monday of the month.

The Hermitage

September is considered to be the best time of year to visit The Hermitage as the autumnal colours of the leaves on the trees is breathtaking and there are fewer crowds than during the summer months.  It is a National Trust for Scotland protected site near Dunkeld in Perthshire.  There are spectacular giant Douglas Fir Trees, the gushing River Braan and the Black Linn Falls.  Look out for Ossian’s Hall which is an 18th Century folly that has mirrors and hidden panels which reflect the views of the falls.  The Hermitage has a magical and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy with paths of different lengths to cater for all levels of mobility.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

September is probably the best time to visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle as there are fewer tourists and visitors are more likely to be rewarded with serene views of the loch.  Urquhart Castle sits on the shores of Loch Ness, 17 miles south of Inverness near Drumnadrochit in the Highlands.  Urquhart Castle itself is made up of 13th century ruins and overlooks the world famous, Loch Ness.  There are some wonderful walks round the loch and of course, the chance to try and spot the illusive Loch Ness Monster.  Aldourie Castle, situated on the banks of Loch Ness, provides an ideal luxury experience for those looking for an escape from the real world.

Visit the town of St Andrews

St Andrews is home to Scotland’s oldest university as well as being the home of golf in Scotland.  The Old Course is the World’s oldest golf course and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club was founded in 1754.  The University of St Andrews, which was founded in 1413, has some stunning buildings such as St Salvator’s Chapel to explore.  There are two fabulous beaches; West Sands (which those of you who have watched Chariot’s of Fire, will recognise) and East Sands.  There is also great shopping in the town and some good restaurants and pubs.  Birkhill Castle is a fabulous historic castle that sleeps 30 adults and is just 1/2 hours drive from St Andrews.  Easy to get there by car (1 hr 20 mins North East of Edinburgh) or train to Leuchars station and then a short bus or taxi journey to St Andrews.

• University of St Andrews:  Stunning buildings – St Salvator’s Chapel
• Golf:  The Old Course and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club
• Beaches:  West Sands and East Sands
• Shopping & Restaurants

Hiking in the Highlands

For outdoor adventures, September offers temperate weather so it’s not too hot and not too cold. If you’re planning on climbing a Scottish peak, such as the world-famous Ben Nevis (the tallest peak in Britain), you’ll find the climate to be ideal as you ascend but cold when you approach the top. Daytime temperatures are around 13°C (55°F) in most towns and cities, whilst averages of 7°C (45°F) are expected at high altitudes. The mountains can be unpredictable, but Ben Nevis rarely drops below 2°C (36°F) even at the backend of the month.

Snow can be seen on the mountains in the Highlands and the Cairngorms, creating a beautiful contrast as you hike. For smaller peaks, try Ben A’an, Ben Ledi or The Cobbler.

Catch a late summer Festival

Festival season isn’t quite over yet in Scotland, and there are plenty of live music events that may interest you. Electric Fields at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries takes place at the end of August / start of September, while Jura Music Festival and Skye Live both take place mid-late September.

If it’s Scottish cuisine that interests you, don’t miss the Dundee Flower and Food Festival, the Stranraer Oyster Festival, or the Newmilns Food Festival. If you want something to entertain the kids, head to Largs on the Firth of Clyde for the annual Viking Festival – there will be family-friendly entertainment, including a fun fair, magic and mazes.

Deer Stalking/Hunting

Dramatic mountains and forested landscapes have made Scotland a popular deer stalking destination for centuries. And the start of autumn marks one of the best times to go as mating season gets into full swing.

For those who are not interested in hunting, wildlife spotting is simply excellent at this time of year. Head to Red Deer Range at the Galloway Forest Park at the end of the month to watch the striking red deer in the wild.