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Wondering what to pack for your autumnal trip to Scotland this September? Your 'favourite' Europe & UK travel guide has rounded up her perfect packing list for visiting Scotland during the most magical time of year.
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Packing for a September Trip to Scotland?
Well, lucky you! Fall is undoubtedly the best time to explore Europe, and I'd add an extra emphasis on the perfection for your visit to Scotland. Gorgeous, sunny Scottish weather, with as little rain as you can hope for for your outdoor activities, and plenty of sunshine. Oh and did I mention fewer crowds than on those long, summer days.
My second-ever trip to the UK was Scotland at the end of September and mu husband and I have agreed it was our favorite Europe trip of all time (high praise!!) The views of changing leaves from Edinburgh Castle, being able to actually move on the Royal Mile, and winding down at the end of a long day in a cozy pub...sound perfect? And it's still plenty warm enough to take a comfortable cruise on Loch Ness, if you're on a Nessie quest like me. Ok, you've convinced me...but what should I pack?
And packing for a September trip to Scotland should be fairly painless as well. With mild weather and not too much rain, pack your best comfortable walking shoes as you're likely to record 20,000+ steps/day in ideal conditions. September offers the best weather you'll likely find in Scotland, but you'll still want to prepare for the inevitable British drizzle, though on the aforementioned trip, we were lucky enough to have *no washout days.*
So here's the plan - we'll walk through a few FAQs about what to expect and packing for a trip to Europe in general and Scotland specifically, then I'll dig into the 8 items you'll want to be sure to pack for your Scottish adventure. Sound good? And while you're here, I hope you'll take some time to explore the many free resources I've created over my years of blogging about Europe travel. There's nothing I love more than encouraging and educating American about exploring my favorite place on Earth! Here are a few articles that might be relevant:
Frequently Asked Questions about Packing for Autumn in Scotland
What's the weather like in Scotland in September?
In a word: perfect! You can expect average temperatures in Edinburgh of 61(high)/48(low) with an average of nine days of rain per month. It sounds chilly, but when you pair that with sunny skies and tons of walking, I think you'll agree with me that it's the ideal weather for exploring enchanting.
Does it rain a lot in Scotland in Fall?
No! You can expect an average of nine rainy days per month in September in Scotland, which isn't too bad for the United Kingdom. Spring is by far rainier. During our visit to Scotland in September, we didn't have a single "washout" rainy day and it maybe drizzled a couple of times.
What do Scottish people wear in September?
Scottish women will wear a lot of jeans and sweaters ("jumpers") along with a light jacket. They do also tend to wear more skirts than you'll probably want to wear as a tourist. It's a fairly "casual" country, but I wouldn't want you to confuse "casual" with "American." We'll dig into athleisure later, but Scots do not wear baggy clothes and tons of logos (or pajamas in public!) like we Americans.
What NOT to Wear in Scotland in September
{2024} 8+ Essentials You Need for Scotland in September
Here we go! The following items will keep you warm, dry, and fashionable (!) during your trip to Scotland. Anxious to start shopping? Cut to the chase:
The right, water-resistant jacket
I'll kick things off with the two most important building blocks of your Scotland in September wardrobe. First and definitely foremost: the perfect jacket. The right jacket will be your best friend. It'll keep you warm and dry, and if it's got good pockets, you can forego a purse if you want. And it'll top off your outfit to help you fit in (Brits & Europeans love jackets. I tend to feel naked without one).
You'll want a waterproof (or at least water resistant) jacket that provides enough warmth for chillier days or evenings. It doesn't rain that much, but it does rain more often than you'd expect. So, making your jacket one that can withstand rain just simplifies things. You don't need to wear a full "rain coat" or (God forbid) poncho-style covering everyday. You aren't on the Maid of the Mist. But just a jacket that will keep you relatively dry in the event of an unexpected downpour and that won't be ruined while you seek shelter. During our trip, I wore my Barbour, and didn't bring an umbrella unless the forecast called for actual rain (which it rarely did). You don't really need a jacket and a "rain jacket" if you can combine the two and save yourself some packing space. I'd recommend either a traditional Barbour or a classic trench coat. I might also pack a vest for hotter days. FAQ: Should I bring my winter coat to Scotland in September?
No. While you will want a relatively warm coat with you for evening, an "American" winter coat would be overkill. It's definitely not cold enough in Scotland in September for a heavy coat. A jacket should be sufficient.
The most comfortable walking shoes for Scotland
FAQ: Can I wear sneakers in Scotland?
Yes! Notwithstanding my strictures on athleisure in Europe, you can wear sneakers in Scotland. If Kate Middleton can wear them, so can we! Clean, sleek, low-profile sneakers, preferably without logos or bright colors will be the best shoes for days upon days of walking! Be sure to bring at least one pair of non-sneaker shoes, in the event that you want to visit an 'up market' restaurant or theater that has a dress code banning what the Brits call "trainers."
The second most important element of your Scotland in September wardrobe is several comfortable pairs of shoes for all that walking. Edinburgh is very hilly, and the roads you'll want to explore are winding, often steep, usually cobblestoned, and occasionally wet. I generally recommend three pairs of shoes for Scotland at this time of year:
Should I bring rain boots to Scotland in September?
You probably don't need them! Rain chances per day are relatively low, and when it does rain, it's just just a few drizzles or a bit of rain. Chances of a "washout" are slim. If it does rain, I'd recommend a "normal" shoe or boot that is waterproof. Most rain boots are uncomfortable, bulky, and difficult to walk in. I generally go for a Blondo boot or bootie. If the forecast is dire and you really want a rain boot, try something like this from Barbour.
A small, foldable umbrella
As we've discussed, thankfully you shouldn't have to worry too much about rain during your September trip to Scotland. That said, I would pack a small, cheap, foldable umbrella for days when you need it. It's always cheaper to bring your own than to try to buy one under duress in a tourist hotspot.
Interestingly, hotels in the UK often have bigger, nicer umbrellas that they allow guests to take with them on rainy days, which is a nice perk! Setting the foundations: the right 'base layers'
For under that jacket for daily wear, you're going to need some good base layers. I'd generally wear long-sleeved shirts and light sweaters. I like long sleeves under a jacket, personally, but it should be warm enough for short, if that's your preference. For evening, I'd bring one or two thicker sweaters for an extra layer. Leave anything skimpy or frilly at home.
Scotland is not a place for prissy. Pants, Jeans, & TrousersFAQ: Can I wear jeans in Scotland?
Yes! You are welcome to wear jeans for your day-to-day tourism in Scotland. I would make sure your jeans are in good shape, without holes or too distressed. And bring at least one pair of non-denim "trousers" or dresses for fancier restaurants.
As far as "pants" (the Brits call "pants" "trousers" and "pants" is their word for underwear - so beware), for day-to-day tourism, a pair of jeans will do just fine. Leave the ultra skinny jeans at home, as they're not in style here or "across the pond."
For non-jean pants, I'd bring a pair of dark joggers or "travel pants" (NOT a sweatpants fabric). You can wear dark leggings, if your top is a little longer. FAQ: Can I wear shorts in Scotland in September?
I would not wear shorts in Scotland in the Fall. It's a little too chilly in Scotland for a pair of shorts. And, Europeans are less likely to wear shorts than Americans, so especially as the temperatures are coming down, you are likely to feel a bit half-dressed in shorts in Scotland (even in summer months).
Exploring the Scottish Highlands
If you're planning to spend time in the Scottish Highlands on your autumnal trip to Scotland (and I sincerely hope you are!), you may want to make just a few packing adjustments.
It is slightly cooler and more mountainous in the Highlands, and you may be spending more of your time in outdoor pursuits. So, prepare for cooler days and, frankly, any types of weather. I'd include some waterproof clothing (anorak and good, sturdy boots). The Highlands are more casual than somewhere like Edinburgh, so I wouldn't be too concerned about things like dresses or "slacks" unless you're staying at a really upmarket hotel or attending a wedding. a note on athleisure...
While the athleisure craze has surely swept "the States," do not plan on living the yoga pants and sports bra lifestyle in Scotland. Not only is it too chilly, but you'll stand out like a sore thumb. Europeans in general, including the Brits, do not wear athletic clothes unless they're going to the gym. The Brits are more likely than other Europeans, but I'd just avoid it altogether. You can get away with slipping in a few pieces of athleisure: neat joggers, sneakers, and crossbody bags, but stay away from logos, sports bras as a shirt (eek), and baseball caps for women, if you want to fit in.
A Hands-Free Purse
Finding the right purse for your trip to Scotland this fall will make all the difference to your day-to-day comfort during your tourism days. I generally say that the purse you take to Europe has two requirements, but I'm happy to say the first requirement is less important in Scotland. First, your purse should close completely. Pickpocketing is far less of an issue in Scotland, even in touristy areas, than it is in other tourist attractions in Europe, and you won't be there at the height of tourist season. Be smart and don't run around with your valuables exposed, but there aren't that many crowds and you should feel pretty safe.
The second attribute is essential: your purse should be small and hands-free. I like a leather, crossbody bag that's classy and easy. Carry as few of your possessions around on a day-to-day basis as possible. Especially when exploring Glasgow and Edinburgh, both of which are very manageable cities, there's really no reason to haul around tons of items. And remember - if you bring a large bag or travel backpack, you may need to check it in the coat check at museums and some historic sites. If you can avoid it, I would. Practical Shades
One of my favorite memories of our September trip to Scotland was sitting on the train across from a Scottish couple who were on their way home from a wedding in Edinburgh. We were off on our first day trip from Edinburgh to lovely St Andrews. We didn't chat during the brief ride, but they heard our accents. And as they departed, the wife smiled and said "enjoy all of the Scottish sunshine!" And did we ever! While the Brits love to complain that their island is gloomy (and it can be) I promise you'll want to pack some sunglasses for your September trip to Scotland.
A Touch of Tartan
If you want to fit in with the Scots, it's best not to look like you're making fun of their love of tartan, something they actually do take rather seriously. But a bit of tasteful tartan in your Barbour or Harris Tweed won't look out of place.
Scotland Packing List
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