Why Autumn is a Fantastic Time to Visit Scotland

Why Autumn is a Fantastic Time to Visit Scotland, updated 9/22/21, 3:10 PM

Here are the many great reasons why visiting Scotland in the autumn is the perfect time of year. 

About The Hairy Coo

Experience the best of Scotland with The Hairy Coo.  They offer a selection of exciting and fascinating Scotland Tours that last from 1 to 5 days.  Alternatively, you can book your own private tour of Scotland. Our very popular Loch Ness Tours from Edinburgh, are perfect for anyone who has just 1 day to tour Scotland.

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Why Autumn is a Fantastic Time to Visit Scotland
Tourists flock to Scotland in the summer months knowing that our weather is very varied but at least
it may be a warm in the summer. However, many Scottish people will claim that Autumn is their
favourite season.


Our 5 best reasons for visiting Scotland in the autumn are:

1. Autumnal Weather
Visiting Scotland in the Autumn months means you get to see the countryside in stunning autumnal
colours wherever you go. Often, we are blessed with a period of dry, sunny weather at this time of
year before the winter gales start. It won’t be freezing cold and it tends to be quite pleasant to be
outside with a warm jumper or light jacket. However, it is Scotland so you do need to be prepared
for all weathers!
2. Fewer Tourists
The summer school holidays have ended and the Scottish tourist season becomes a little quieter.
This means you will get to enjoy our sites and scenery with far fewer people. If you are a keen
photographer you will be able to take stunning photos in the Autumn light without the photo being
crowded with tourists.


3. Gorgeous Sunrises & Sunsets
The days start to get a little shorter so you don’t have to wait until midnight to see a stunning sunset
or get up in the middle of the night to watch a sunrise.


4. Midgie Season Ends
The midges in Scotland don’t really harm you but they are extremely annoying and can spoil a trip to
the countryside. If you wait until Autumn when the weather is a little colder, they will be gone. At
this time of year, you can stand and enjoy a view or walk about a historic site in peace without being
bitten by midges.
5. Scottish Wildlife
For lovers of wildlife, you are more likely to see red deer in late Autumn and Winter as they come
down from the hills to look for food. If you visit the coast, look out for seals lying on the rocks with
their pups. There will also be many types of birds to look out for such as geese that migrate to
Scotland from the Arctic for the winter. And if you are very lucky you may see red squirrels
gathering nuts for the winter.
Scotland Tours
If you take one of The Hairy Coo coach tours of Scotland at this time of year, we know you will love it
just as much as in the summer months, if not more. You will get to enjoy Scotland like a local. Or if
there are specific places you would like to visit, then book one of our private tours. We could take
you to all the best places for birdwatching or to the best views for sunsets.
Two of our most popular tours at this time of year are our:
• Loch Ness Tours From Edinburgh
This tour is a day trip that travels North from Edinburgh to Loch Ness visiting beautiful places
on the way there and back. These include Glencoe and the Cairngorms National Park.
• 3-Day Tour of Scotland
This tour visits many places in the Scottish Highlands but also includes a visit to the Isle of
Skye.