SCOTLAND IN SEPTEMBER – HERE’S WHAT TO SEE AND DO

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 cities. 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:

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. Daytimes 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.

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.

Fill your vacation with history and culture by going to one of the Highland Games. The most popular is the Braemar Gathering, an event that brings together locals and tourists for track events and heavy athletics, traditional displays and exhibits, bagpipe performances, dancers and singers, Scottish tug-o-wars, and competitions.

This event is a thrilling mix of heritage, sport and family entertainment, and members of the Royal Family are often see at this festival.

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.