Scotland Summer Packing List: How To Dress For Your Trip In 2025

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Are you looking for a Scotland summer packing list? I’ve got you covered. Scotland in summer is mild, but the weather is famously unpredictable. You can experience warm sunshine, heavy cloud and sudden downpours all in one day. If you’re unsure about what to wear in Scotland in summer, this guide will help.

I’ve put together a list of my favourite essentials and outfit ideas based on my own summer trips to Scotland. The short answer? Pack plenty of layers, comfy shoes, sunscreen, a rain jacket and midge repellent, and you’ll be ready for anything.

This packing list is for adventure lovers eager to get outdoors and explore Scotland’s scenery. If that sounds like you, keep reading to find your summer outfit inspiration.

Table of Contents

Scotland in Summer: Weather & What to Expect

North Berwick Sunny Scotland — Be prepared for sun

A woman takes a close-up selfie while bundled up in a mustard-yellow puffer jacket with a bright blue zipper, the hood pulled up against the rain. She has a neutral yet content expression, with a backpack strap visible over her shoulder. Behind her, a wooden porch with red and cream-colored details provides some shelter from the damp weather. A rain jacket is an essential on your Scotland summer packing list. — Be prepared for sun

Scotland has a temperate oceanic climate, which means that while summers are mild, they can also be unpredictable. There’s no guarantee of what kind of weather you’ll experience.

I visited Scotland in June and encountered days of chilly drizzle. In July, I had consecutive days of glorious sunshine. I always check the forecast and bring both sun and rain gear!

Summer is the warmest time of year, with an average daytime temperature of 18°C (64°F). During the night, temperatures can drop to 11°C (52°F). You can also expect an average rainfall of 72 mm, with islands and coastal areas receiving more rain than cities.

Despite the unpredictable weather, summer is one of my favourite seasons to explore Scotland’s outdoors. With over 18 hours of daylight at midsummer, there’s plenty of time for outdoorsy things to do, like hiking and sightseeing. In the far north, it never gets fully dark!

Month:	June:	July:	August:
Average days of rainfall:	11	10	11.7
Average daytime temperature highs:	17°C	19°C	18°C
Average daylight hours:	17	16	15

Chart data sourced from Wilderness Scotland.

What to Pack for Scotland in Summer

Dunnottar Castle Scotland — Keep it simple and comfortable!

This Scotland summer packing list covers everything you need, from rain jackets to hiking leggings. But first, I just wanted to stress that you don’t need to overthink it.

While there is a Scottish joke that you can experience all four seasons in a day, you don’t need to pack for it. Sticking to a capsule wardrobe with layerable clothing is the secret to knowing how to dress in Scotland.

If you find yourself needing extra clothes to wear in Scotland, it’s not the end of the world. The shops in cities like Edinburgh have plenty of options if you need to pick up anything more during your trip

Essential Outerwear for Scotland

Red Jacket Arran Scotland — Always bring waterproofs…I like a red jacket

Rain is always a possibility, so a waterproof jacket is one of my core packing essentials for Scotland. A good jacket is also windproof to protect you from unexpectedly chilly winds, but not so insulated that you overheat.

In most cases, I find a long-sleeved top or t-shirt with a jacket is more than enough to keep me warm when I’m out and about. During my summer trip to Pitlochry, this combo was perfect for the changing weather. There was sunshine one moment, drizzle the next!

Rain Jacket

Ideally, you want a lightweight jacket you can easily stuff in your bag when you don’t need it. Just maybe, you’ll have brilliant sunshine for the duration of your trip, and there’s nothing worse than carrying around a cumbersome jacket.

I recommend choosing waterproof jackets like these over water-resistant ones, as they’ll keep you drier for longer. The red really pops in the Scottish scenery. I also wear a black faux leather jacket that goes with everything when I want to look a bit more stylish in the cities.

Best Tops for Scotland

Arthurs seat top Scotland — I wear dressy tops instead of dresses

White fleece Scotland — I wear dressy tops instead of dresses

The secret to packing for Scotland in summer or winter is layers. You can put a layer on or pull one off as and when you need, which might be multiple times a day. I’ve had freezing, rainy mornings and sunshine by the afternoon!

When thinking about Scotland summer outfit ideas, choose clothes with similar colours you can mix and match to create a capsule wardrobe. I tend to stick to blue, red and green with neutral colours like black, beige and white.

Lightweight Sweaters

You don’t need to bring thick sweaters that take up space in your bag. I have a couple of lightweight fleeces from The North Face in black and white that go with pretty much everything.

They’re so useful for chilly mornings, and by lunchtime, I’ve already taken them off and stuffed them in my bag, which is why I need them to be lightweight.

Long-Sleeved Tops

I usually wear long-sleeved tops, but opt for breathable materials that regulate body temperature and wick moisture away from my skin. These are materials like bamboo or cotton. I get my basics from Bamboo Clothing.

I don’t tend to wear dresses when I’m travelling around Scotland, so I like to be more stylish with my tops, but still keep my colour scheme. This might mean a patterned blouse or shirt.

Long-sleeved tops are essential for wetter parts of the Scottish Highlands and the midge territory on the West Coast. They will go for any exposed skin, so you’ll find it more comfortable to cover up.

T-Shirts

Some light, breathable t-shirts are good to have and a handy alternative when the temperature is too warm for long-sleeved tops.

My only advice is to try not to wear them in marshy areas, particularly around the West Coast of Scotland, unless you want to provide a banquet for midges…long-sleeved tops are best, trust me.

Best Jeans & Trousers for Scotland

Viewing looking down at a woman looking down a rugged rocky peak towards a loch in the distance. The top of Cairn Gorm, a Munro. — Black hiking leggings are so versatile

Since I wear dressier tops, I like to keep the bottoms simple and basic so I can mix and match. You can’t go wrong with blue denim, beige chinos and black trousers.

If you prefer skirts, dresses or shorts, you could swap my recommended trousers for them, but have a mix in case the weather is cold and rainy. You should also take care going bare-legged when out in nature, as ticks are a risk.

Jeans

I like to wear jeans on casual days when I’m not too active. This could be when I’m doing a small group tour or sightseeing around Edinburgh, but they still need to be comfortable walking in.

Jeans are restrictive, and they can rub if they get wet, so I don’t recommend them for outdoor activities like hiking. For that, I prefer lightweight hiking leggings or trousers.

Hiking Leggings or Trousers

Hiking leggings or trousers are designed for active movement, so they’re high spec, quick-drying and comfortable. I tend to wear these hiking leggings. They’re thicker than normal leggings, and they aren’t tight-fitting.

Trousers are a good option if you prefer something looser. You can get stylish ones with pockets that don’t feel like you’re wearing outdoor clothing (which, let’s be honest, aren’t always the most fashionable!).

Trousers

It’s always good to have another option that isn’t jeans or leggings. I usually wear courduroys (although I’ve found them to be a bit heavy for summer).

Chinos, slacks and cullottes in neutral colours are also great alternatives. They go well with dressy tops. Just be careful exposing those ankles in midge country!

Skirts, Dresses and Shorts

If you love your summer dresses and skirts, you can absolutely wear them and live your best Outlander fantasy. Like the rest of this Scotland packing list, choose dresses and skirts that go well with layers. You may need to throw on a jacket or sweater as you go about your day.

Skirts and dresses are best worn when exploring cities or road tripping around Scotland. I don’t recommend them for active outdoor adventures as they may get wet and muddy.

I’d also caution against going bare-legged in the countryside. You may encounter midges, but ticks are worse as they can spread disease. They’re commonly found in woodlands and moorlands between March and October.

Wear tights to be on the safe side, or stick to cities and hopping in and out of your car, taking care to avoid brushing against plants and undergrowth.

Shoes to Wear in Scotland

Walking Boots Mull Scotland — I always make room for my hiking boots in my packing list

You’re going to be on your feet all day, so it’s important to choose footwear you’ll be comfortable in. On warm sunny days, you can wear sandals in the city, but I don’t recommend heels. There are just far too many hills and cobblestones for that!

Sneakers

Sneakers are ideal if you plan to be on your feet a lot. Make sure they have grip and water resistance, as you may be dealing with mud and rain.

I love TropicFeel for my summer travel shoes. They’re designed for outdoor activities, and you can get quite stylish sneakers that keep your feet dry no matter where your adventures take you. The AT HDry® collection is also suitable for light hiking.

Walking Boots

For proper hikes, walking boots like these are the most practical, even if they are a bit cumbersome to pack. They have ankle support and a good grip, which is essential for tackling Scotland’s Munros and uneven terrain.

Wear proper hiking socks to protect your feet against blisters. Bamboo is ideal as the material is moisture-wicking and breathable.

I actually recommend wearing hiking socks with your regular sneakers if you plan to be on your feet a lot. You won’t get quite as many blisters on your feet or holes in your socks!

Extra Essentials for Scotland

Hot tub Scotland — If you can find hot tub, even better!

Sunglasses Scotland — If you can find hot tub, even better!

Other than your clothes, you’ll also want to add these essentials to your summer Scotland packing list:

Midge Repellent

Midges can be fended off with bug spray, but not all of them are effective. The best ones to have in your arsenal are Smidge and Pyramid Trek Midge and Tick. They last between eight and 12 hours.

A lot of people swear by Avon Oh So Soft. It’s a dry oil body spray rather than an insect repellent, but for a while, it was the go-to for fending off those pesky midges.

It’s thought that the oil hides the scent of your skin and makes it too slippery to sink their teeth into. You’ll need to buy the oil in the clear bottle as the newer version in the white bottle reportedly doesn’t work as well.

You may want to bring some insect bite cream and antihistamines in case you do get bitten. Midge bites can have a nasty itch.

Swimwear

Scotland has some truly stunning places to go wild swimming, from crystal-clear lochs to pristine coastlines. The water is still pretty chilly, though!

Pack swimwear that’s designed for wild swimming. A whole wetsuit might be too much to squeeze in your bag, but you can get thick insulated suits with long-sleeved versions.

If you plan to do any swimming, paddling or watersports, I recommend packing some water shoes. The shores are rocky, so they will keep your feet protected from anything sharp. Other essentials like a lightweight changing robe and a microfibre travel towel will also come in handy.

Sunscreen

For when the sun does, on occasion, come out! I use non-toxic and organic sunscreen from Green People. It’s non-greasy on the skin, blends in well and smells lovely.

Sun Hat and Sunglasses

Always good to have! A baseball cap, a straw hat or a bucket hat all work depending on your preference. Since you’re less likely to wear it daily, opt for one that’s easily stashable. The same goes for sunglasses.

Water Filter Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re out and about in summer. I pack a water filter bottle as I can use it on any freshwater source in Scotland.

Scottish water is of fantastic quality and safe to drink from the tap. My water filter bottle ensures I don’t pick up any waterborne viruses or pathogens from sources like streams or lochs. It’s a great way to have free, safe drinking water wherever I go!

Waterproof Packable Day Bag

Backpack Mull Scotland — A waterproof day bag is a lifesaver!

I tend to pack carry-on only, and rather than empty my backpack at the hotel, I bring along a packable day bag I can fold away easily when I don’t need it.

The 22L Liventure backpack is pretty basic, but it’s waterproof. I can store valuables like my camera in it during heavy downpours and not worry about it getting wet – an essential in unpredictable Scottish weather!

It’s also very handy for stashing sweaters and jackets if the weather gets too hot. It has a roll-top closure and compression straps so you can really reduce the bulk.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Scotland

Travel insurance should always be at the top of your packing list. It’s one of those essentials that might never get used, but you will wish you had it if you do.

Travel insurance can protect you against accidents, theft, cancellations, lost luggage and medical emergencies (but not midge bites). It doesn’t cost much to cover yourself, and I never travel without it. Make sure you get yours.

Scotland Summer Packing List FAQs

dunnottar castle about page — Hard to believe this is on the North Sea!

Does it get hot in Scotland in summer?

The average summer temperature in Scotland is 18°C (64°F) in the daytime and 11°C (52°F) at night, so the weather is mild rather than hot. There is the occasional heatwave with temperatures up to 25°C or higher.

How much does it rain in Scotland in summer?

The amount of rainfall depends on the region. On average, Scotland in summer receives between 10-11 days and 53-59 mm of rain. The west coast and islands receive more rain than the east side, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean.

Downpours can be sudden, but they pass fairly quickly and aren’t too disruptive. You will be able to do most outdoor activities as long as you have waterproof gear on your packing list for Scotland.

Should I pack an umbrella?

An umbrella is nice to have as an extra way to keep the rain off you. You’re better off packing a small one you can stash in your bag. In high winds and driving downpours, they won’t be much use, so always have a rain jacket as your primary rain protection.

What are midges, and how can I avoid them?

The Scottish Midge (or ‘wee beastie’ as they’re not so affectionately called) is a type of tiny gnat-like biting fly. Although their bites can be itchy and irritating, they don’t pass diseases to humans.

Scottish midges are mostly found in marshy areas in the Highlands and on the west coast. They tend to come out in summer when the weather is warmer. July and August are peak months for midges. They’re around during the day but most prevalent at dawn and dusk.

You will know if the midges find you. They swarm aggressively, biting any exposed skin. They can even get under your clothes.

I’ll never forget cycling on the Isle of Skye and seeing the sky turn dark as the midges descended. My only option was to keep cycling. If I stopped, I felt them biting my hands and face…

The best way to protect yourself is to cover up, wear midge repellent, avoid being out at dawn or dusk and possibly invest in a midge net. If you’re camping, first of all, good luck. Smoky fires can help.

Do I need a raincoat in Scotland in August?

Yes, rain is always a likely possibility in August, as with any other month. It’s also one of the wettest summer months, with an average of 11.7 days of rainfall.

What should I pack for a trip to Edinburgh in July?

Pack sneakers, a rain jacket, an umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses, some long-sleeved tops and t-shirts, trousers, shorts, skirts and dresses, a lightweight sweater and a daybag when visiting Scotland in June, July and August.

Final Thoughts on Packing for Scotland in Summer

bruar falls about page — I do sometimes wear dresses with tights

Your Scotland summer packing list doesn’t need to be too complicated. A mix of layers will help you keep up with changing temperatures, and waterproofs are essential for the inevitable downpours.

Bring comfortable clothing for outdoor activities and shoes you can walk around in all day. Sunscreen and midge repellent will also see you through summer in Scotland.

If you need more packing tips, check out my in-depth Scotland packing list for all seasons featuring all the travel essentials I use.