What to Wear in Scotland: 14+ Outfit Tips You Need to Know

Wondering what to pack for a trip to Scotland? Your 'favourite' European travel aficionado has you covered. We'll discuss rainy days, that Scottish sunshine, and warming up when it gets chilly in the Scottish Highlands. Let's discuss everything you need to know about packing for a trip to Scotland.

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. I received a dress from Wool& for free. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Updated January, 2024.

Wondering what to wear in Scotland?

Scotland continues to be one of my favorite spots "across the pond," no matter how many other European countries I've visited over the years. 

Gorgeous landscapes, romantic history, endless pubs, small towns, big cities, and charming people - what more could you want! 
Oh and did I mention *the Scottish Highlands?* 

Expect lots of walking, cobblestone streets, and plenty of breaks for pints along the way on your Scotland trip.

And...you can also expect all types of weather. 

Realistically, that Scottish charm also comes with Scotland's weather, which you can expect to include quite a bit of rain, mist, and sometimes, a weirdly bone-chilling cold, even though the mercury might not actually be that low. 

So grab a cuppa, (or a pint!), and let's walk through my recommendations for what to wear in Scotland. Scroll all the way to the end for what to wear in the Scottish Highlands and further down for my updated, complete Scotland packing list.

View of Edinburgh Castle

If you need more convincing to visit Scotland, check out 5 Reasons to Visit Scotland! 

FAQ: What's the weather like in Scotland?

Ah, the Scottish weather. 
​
What you can expect weather-wise will vary greatly by the time of year of your visit. The weather in Scotland is fairly temperate. You can expect a few sunny days in summer months. In July, expect less precipitation (still some) and an average high in Edinburgh of only 65. Scottish winters are significantly milder than we experience here in the Midwestern US, with average temperatures in Edinburgh in December at 45 (high)/34 (low). 


That said, when your'e planning outdoor activities, you always need to be prepared for some showers. True to the stereotypes, it truly does rain a lot in the UK, even if it's just a brief shower or a day of drizzle. During our time in the UK, we've had very few days that were a true "wash out" that really impacts our travel schedule, but plenty of days where a day that started off clear and sunny suddenly has us whipping out the umbrellas.

FAQ: When's the best time to visit Scotland?

There's no bad time to visit Scotland! That said, if the world is your oyster, I'd aim for mid- to late September. Most importantly, you miss the summer crowds, and you'll get some excellent weather before things turn chillier.

​In general, 'shoulder season,' (spring and fall) is considered the best time to visit anywhere in Europe, and Scotland and the Scottish Highlands are no exception. If you're visiting Edinburgh, be sure to avoid the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, when the old city teems with visitors and hotel prices go through the roof.

What to Wear in Scotland

a couple tips...

Using your airplane outfit smartly

Before your trip even truly begins, you have an ideal opportunity to pack cleverly for your trip to Scotland. As you'll likely be bringing a rain jacket and boots on your trip to Scotland, as we'll discuss in detail later, you may want to wear both of these on the plane. This saves room in your suitcase for other close, by removing two of the heavier items, and allows you to hit the ground running when you touch down in Scotland. For more tips, check out What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight to Europe.

​Getting organized with packing cubes

And on that note, no packing article would be complete without recommending my favorite packing cubes, to keep you organized before your trip even starts.

Packing cubes keep all your possessions organized before, during, and on the way home from the trip. I love being able to keep small items neat and tidy in cramped European hotel rooms. 

If you're concerned about germs, you can leave your clothes in the cubes and put them in the hotel drawers.

Ok, let's talk Scotland outfit specifics!

What to Wear in Scotland:
​A light jacket

It rains quite a lot in the United Kingdom, though thankfully a lot of it is either short-lived or just mist. 

It's not like a tropical, mid-afternoon downpour; it's more of a constant, light, drizzle. 

Urquhart Castle, Inverness, The Scottish Highlands

The British don't let it stop them from going about their day, and neither should you!

Of course, you'll want to bring the right clothes. No matter the season, the right, light rain jacket is essential.  The average temperature is only between 46 and 57 through most of the fall. Even if it's sunny, it's generally not super warm, but lovely and comfortable (with very little humidity).

For me, there is no better coat for Scotland than a traditional, waxed Barbour coat. It was literally made to withstand that British mist, and you'll definitely look like a local. I bought a hood that snaps on, as well. When the mist ended, I could just pop it down and carry on touring.

What to Wear in Scotland:
​Comfortable waterproof shoes

FAQ: Do I need my winter coat in Scotland?

In Americans' minds, we think of Scotland as...Hogwarts? At Christmas? The reality is, the Scottish weather is milder than the weather in the US. I would only bring a true winter coat if you are visiting December-February. Otherwise, you should be fine in a Barbour or trench coat.

Picking the wrong shoes for a trip to Scotland can have a catastrophic impact on your tourism stamina. Nobody has time for blisters while you should be hiking up the Royal Mile. 


In general, when I'm packing for 10 days in Europe, I will include the following pairs of shoes in my suitcase:
​

• Water resistant boots or booties
• Classic sneakers
• Comfortable loafers

Most importantly for Scotland, specifically, you must find shoes that can handle a bit of unexpected rain. The skies may be clear when you leave your hotel, but you could be hit by random drizzle mid-afternoon. For everyday wear, I would plan on the boots.


Don't forget some wool socks to go in those boots. In cold weather, I appreciated keeping the toes warm, and it's good to have a bit of cushion if you're going to be taking 20,000 steps in a day.

FAQ: Should I just wear rain boots during my time in Scotland?

No. While I love rain boots, I find them hard to walk in, hot, and extremely difficult to pack (can't wear them on the plane if they don't fit in your suitcase). With the intermittent nature of the rain, I don't think tromping around in rain boots is really necessary, especially when you're popping in and out of different tourist sites.

FAQ: Can you wear sneakers in Scotland?

Yes. A few years ago, a large portion of this post would have been dedicated to a lecture on how Europeans don't wear tennis shoes. But now they do. If Kate Middleton can wear them, so we can we.

A note on dress codes in Scotland...

That said, fancier restaurants and sometimes theaters in the UK are more likely to have dress codes than in the US. These dress codes usually prohibit "trainers," athletic attire, and sometimes really casual items like torn jeans. So while you should feel perfectly comfortable touring around during the day, if you plan to eat anywhere really high-end, be sure you have some pairs of shoes that aren't sneakers, and slacks or a dress.

If you'll be spending most of your trip in the Scottish Highlands, you're unlikely to run into these dress codes. Unless you've been invited to Balmoral, in which case, let's be friends.

What to Wear in Scotland:
​Finding travel pants

St Andrews Castle, St Andrews, Scotland

You can't go wrong with a pair of classic jeans that work with whatever boots you've selected for your adventures. If you're going to tuck your jeans into knee-high boots, be sure to try them out and make sure the jeans fit comfortably in the boots. This didn't used to be a problem with our Millennial skinny jeans...

As we discussed, while jeans are perfect for everyday tourism, you may want some non-jeans for evenings, or just to mix things up. Black travel pants, or even crisp joggers should do the trick.

Personally, it's often too chilly in Scotland for bare legs. Unless you're visiting in the height of summer, you can leave the shorts at home. And if you do bring shorts, make sure they're a reasonable length. You won't see the Scots in 'booty shorts.' 

Top 6+ Historic Things to Do in St Andrews, Scotland on a Day Trip from Edinburgh

What to Wear in Scotland: Bundle up in a sweater

Edinburgh, Scotland

For walking around during the day, or hitting the pubs at night, you can't go wrong with some cozy sweaters. I'm all about Irish fisherman sweaters (I know, I know), as they're just about the warmest thing around.

I also like a few turtlenecks, as I find them comfortable under the coat without having to wear a scarf, but a nice scarf is never a mistake, particularly in winter.

St Andrews, Scotland

What to Wear in Scotland: Cozy dresses

When it's not rainy and you're enjoying that gorgeous, Scottish sunshine, why not add a comfy dress the to wardrobe? Add tights/leggings, one of those big, chunky scarves, and whichever pair of boots you opted for, and you're ready to go!

Wool& has some great wool options that are ideal for Scotland. Their dresses lightweight, yet warm, and wool that doesn't itch or get that stale wool smell in drizzle. And since they're machine washable, it's not a problem if it gets caught in surprise rain.

If you are planning on wearing a dress during your time in Scotland, I'd definitely bring some thick tights/leggings for underneath, especially in the evening.

Eilean Donan Castle

What to Wear in Scotland: Finding the best purse for Scotland

I always say there are two things that a purse for a trip to Europe needs to be: lightweight and pickpocket-proof. Thankfully, pickpockets aren't a major problem in Scotland. Even in the major cities, the tourist sites don't attract the same level of low-level crime as, say, a Park Guell or the Trocadero around the Eiffel Tower. But, be smart, and don't carry an open tote with your wallet sticking out.


As far as purse size, the smaller the better. I prefer a small crossbody. Carry only the essentials that you know you'll need for that specific day (keys, cash, credit cards, phone).


And, of course, make sure it's a purse that can withstand the weather. I like to just wear my crossbody under my Barbour coat or other waterproof jacket if the heavens open up.


Unless you are traveling with kiddos or have a need to carry a large number of possessions, there's really no need for a travel backpack. Edinburgh and Glasgow are both reasonably sized and you could easily get back to your hotel during the day.

What to Wear in the Scottish Highlands

There's nowhere quite like the Scottish Highlands. Exploring Loch Ness, touring Culloden Moor, discovering whisky distilleries, and falling in love with Inverness, the Scottish Highlands will be a highlight of your trip, if you venture that way, and you should plan to spend plenty of time exploring the great outdoors. 


If you are heading to the Scottish Highlands, the most important thing is comfort. 
The further north you travel, the more casual the attire, and the chillier the weather. Add an extra layer to account for the elevation and latitude change. Leave that tank top at home. And I wouldn't worry too much about bringing anything too fancy.


If you're going to be hiking, be sure to include a pair of waterproof boots, suitable for hiking and a warm hat.

Ultimate Scotland
​Packing List [10 Days]

• Waterproof Jacket/ Barbour coat/Trench coat/ waterproof shell jacket
• Small travel umbrella
• 3 pairs of comfortable shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers/knee-high boots)
• Leather, crossbody bag
• 4 long-sleeve shirts/light sweaters (base layer)
• 2 heavier sweaters
• 1 dress & a pair of leggings or tights
• 1 pair of jeans
• [summer only] 1 pair of shorts [reasonable length]
• 2 pairs of black ankle pants/joggers
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Reasonable amount of cash
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

Thanks for stopping by!

Leith, Edinburgh

I hope you have a phenomenal trip to Scotland and that I've provided some useful thoughts on your travel wardrobe. 

Don't be deterred by the threat of rain - the Brits have been weathering storms for thousands of years, and with an umbrella and a good rain jacket, your touring will *not* be impeded. With an umbrella and a waterproof jacket, you'll be 'right as rain.'

Have some whisky for me! xx

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