Packing List: What to Wear in Scotland Every Season

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing”

– Billy Connelly

And who would know better than Billy Connelly, the Big Yin and Scotland native?

Since I first moved to Scotland almost 10 years ago, I have found this to be entirely true. Deciding what to wear in Scotland is a big deal!

Despite what you may have heard, the weather does vary from season to season, day to day and even hour to hour, and creating a packing list for Scotland is no easy feat. 

Aside from dealing with all four seasons in one day, your decision on what to pack for Scotland will also depend on what you intend to do there.

I’ve read packing lists saying you should take an umbrella everywhere, which would just be madness in the countryside (and even in the cities at most times, to be honest!) and others saying you definitely need hiking boots and waterproof pants/trousers, which isn’t always true.

I know people worry about how to dress in Scotland, so after experiencing multiple seasons and many trips around Scotland from the Borders to the far northern islands of Shetland, I’m sharing my best tips on what to pack and wear in Scotland!

The number one rule for what to wear in Scotland

LAYERS.

If there is ONE tip that I could give you when you’re planning your trip to Scotland, it’s to take layers.

As much as I try to tell people the sun really does shine in Scotland, the weather is also very changeable, and you’ll be thankful to have several different layers with you.

And I’m not just talking about when you’re packing, I’m talking about when you’re out and about during the day.

I also love carry-on travel, and it’s even possible to take carry-on only luggage in winter if you pack right.

And by pack right, I mean PACK LAYERS!

You don’t need to have the fanciest of winter gear in the colder months, but you will want to have a warm coat with several layers under it and a hat, scarf, and gloves.

If the day warms up, you can put a layer or your woollies in your bag.

Even in summer, you might want to check the forecast and be prepared with waterproof clothing in the event of rain.

So maybe my second tip would be to have a decent-sized day bag…

Read More: How to Pack for Winter Travel with Carry On Only Luggage

What you wear in Scotland depends on where you’re going

Giving you just one or two Scotland outfits doesn’t really work. Detailing a packing list for an entire country is kind of unusual.

After all, would you have one list of what you wear for the entire year and every eventuality, from city living to getting outdoors, for where you live?

Maybe if you live somewhere with a temperate climate, but chances are your list would be pretty extensive!

So let’s narrow down the Scotland packing list to a few things based on where you’ve decided to visit and what you plan to do.

The main differences are different jackets for Scotland depending on where you go and different shoes for Scotland depending on what you’re doing. 

What to wear in the cities in Scotland

Scotland isn’t a particularly fashionable place, not that I mean that in a bad way. Basically, you can wear what you like! I see so many people worrying about standing out, but honestly, it doesn’t matter if you do!

The clothing style in Scotland is really whatever you like. Smart casual will get you by almost anywhere, even on a night out. Obviously, there are some fancier restaurants, but even then you can really wear what you like, as long as you’re comfortable doing that.

Although some people will dress up more formally, it’s not expected, and you won’t stick out wearing casual clothes (like I feel I do in some stylish European cities!).

Here are some ideas for what to wear in Scotland in the cities during different seasons. 

Winter in the city

You can expect temperatures to average around 5°C (41°F) and although it does snow, it usually isn’t a lot in the cities and will rarely settle in many places in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Even if it does, it won’t be for too long!

Snow is much more common in January-March than in December, so don’t expect a white Christmas.

However, warm/waterproof footwear is a must because you can most definitely expect some rain. 

My usual go-to for what to wear for the colder months in the cities (and towns) is the following:

• A warm pair of boots like these or these
• Jeans or warm tights under a skirt or dress
• Under layers like a vest top or shirt
• Cardigan or warmer jumper if it’s particularly cold
• Warm overcoat (ideally waterproof, although it could be something like this to be more stylish or something like my warm waterproof Regatta which still passes for city-style)
• Carry or wear a scarf (you could wait and buy a tartan scarf here!), hat, and gloves (I love the kind you can use with a touchscreen)
• Light waterproof coat if rain is forecast and you intend to be out walking around a lot and your main coat isn’t waterproof
• A dress like this you can dress up if you go out somewhere more formal (with warm tights!)
• For men, nice jeans, chinos or nicer trousers will do for going out if you plan on something fancier, plus a shirt, and ankle boots/leather shoes.

What footwear you should wear in Scotland is the most common question I’m asked about.

For the city, you can just wear normal shoes like you’d wear at home, although if you plan on being out all day, go for comfort and waterproof or you can spray with waterproof spray in case it rains.

A good waterproof pair of boots that can be comfortable during the day or that are dressy enough to wear out at night are also great, like this.

If you’re not planning any major hikes, you don’t need to wear hiking boots all the time; you just want something waterproof in case it rains.

Some options that cover city walking but also some time in the countryside if it rains, although not for super long hikes are things like Teva waterproof boots, or duck boots.

Summer in the city

Unfortunately, “summer” in Scotland is really only from June to mid-August, although it depends on the year and it can still be chilly during those months if it’s not sunny.

Days are long since Scotland is so far north, and in June it can be light from before 4 am until after 11 pm in Edinburgh, and there are even longer daylight hours the further north you go.

You can expect temperatures to average around 15°C – 17°C (59°F – 63 °F) although there are usually at least a couple of weeks of much warmer weather (as I write this it’s 21 degrees in June!).

Although Scotland can have plenty of sunny days in the summer, the breeze or wind can often bring a chill, which is why once again layers are a must.

I also have a light raincoat (no warm layer) that I still need to use in the summer when the weather isn’t cooperating!

My usual go-to for what to wear in Scotland in the warmer months in the cities are the following things, although it can vary a lot:

• Jeans, or shorts if it’s warm enough, but it has to be really warm for short shorts!
• A dress or skirt (with or without light leggings/tights depending on the temperatures. I have actually often started the day with tights on and taken them off partway through!)
• A light top, t-shirt, or shirt
• Cardigan or another layer like a light scarf to go around your shoulders for when it’s chillier – this is a cool design that has a pocket in it too!
• Summer coat for the colder days (yes, a summer coat is really a thing! Basically, a light coat you can layer with as appropriate. I have a trench-style coat like this in orange parka style one like this in green.)
• Footwear can vary between sandals, ballet flats, Converse, Adidas, or some other type of sneaker, depending on what your plans are and how far you’re walking. Sandals are the most unlikely unless you go for proper walking ones. But to be honest, the weather is rarely warm enough to justify packing them.
• Dress to go out in (but that can often double up as more casual during the day like this)

Spring and Autumn in the city

Spring is one of the best times to visit Scotland, as the weather seems to be more settled and the days are getting longer and warmer. Temperatures range from 7°C – 13 °C (45°F – 55°F) and the days just seem to be sunnier, although with the occasional run of rain.

Autumn is particularly changeable, and it can be hard to determine what to wear in Scotland at that time. Temperatures are roughly the same as spring ranging from 8°C – 14°C (46°F – 57°F) but it seems like the weather changes more often, swinging between sun and rain.

During these seasons layering is key. I usually switch to an in-between coat (I love my orange trench like this), that is not quite as warm as my woollen winter coat but heavier than my light summer coat.

If you don’t own something like this, then it’s easy enough to drop a layer under your winter coat or add one under a summer coat.

I also usually carry my waterproof and stick to knee-high boots if I know it’s looking like it will rain.

Bringing thinner woollen layers like cashmere (more expensive) or merino means you don’t need to have bulky layers and take up more luggage space, although to be honest, if you don’t already own these, then your usual layers of long sleeves etc are probably fine unless you really feel the cold.

What to wear in Scotland in the smaller towns

If you’re heading out of the major centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow to smaller cities like Aberdeen or Inverness or to the small towns and the highlands then you’ll be able to stick to pretty much the above if you’re not doing any major outdoor activities.

But that’s usually why many people visit Scotland!

So you’ll likely want to add a few things to your Scotland packing list, even if you just want to do a couple of easy walks or get out into the countryside.

Footwear will be your biggest difference, as even if you want to do some short walks, I’d recommend good boots or shoes that are waterproof.

However, at the same time, you don’t need to spend a fortune! Don’t buy something you’ll never wear again.

You could look for something like these boots which will allow you to crossover between city and countryside easily and you can wear again at home.

If your shoes aren’t entirely waterproof, then a second pair of walking shoes helps, so that if your feet do get a bit wet you can always change and stay warm. 

What to wear while hiking in Scotland and doing outdoor activities

If you intend to do some hiking in Scotland during your trip, or even walking and exploring areas outside of the cities then you might want to consider some more “outdoorsy” clothes.

What to wear for outdoor activities is pretty much the same all year round, with the addition of layers of course!

• Good waterproof coat (I like this too) including a warm liner in the colder months (I like this)
• Hiking boots or walking shoes that are waterproof
• Gaiters if you intend to be walking somewhere with long grasses or particularly wet. More for longer walks.
• Quick-dry or water-resistant trousers (my husband loves Craghoppers gear)
• Warm socks (you can even get waterproof socks! Although I’ve never tried them myself.)
• Hat and gloves
• Neckwarmer

On really short walks where I have checked that no rain is forecast, I will often just wear jeans or leggings with a t-shirt and jumper, and take my waterproof coat as a windbreaker.

However, if there is a chance of rain and you’re walking for long enough to have your trousers get wet I would definitely consider a waterproof or quick-dry type of bottom layer.

I love visiting Scotland’s islands, and the weather there can be particularly changeable, so be sure to have wet weather gear as well as warmer layers just in case, no matter the season. 

General Scotland Packing List

If the above is a bit overwhelming and you’re thinking, “This what to wear in Scotland thing is really complicated!” then here’s a cheat sheet list of the main things you’ll want to bring, whether you’re travelling mostly in towns or cities or spending time in the outdoors too. 

Coat/Jacket

Choose the thickness according to the season you’re visiting, but remember it does rain in Scotland at some point during all the seasons.

Considering something waterproof is usually useful even in the city. You can get stylish waterproof jackets too you know!

You want to be able to layer up or down underneath it, as appropriate. 

Boots/Shoes

I usually live in my knee-high boots in the city from late autumn through to early spring and switch to hiking boots if I’m in the countryside.

Consider footwear that can handle walking around the city or the countryside, like these.

Having two pairs of footwear is best so you can switch out of wet or muddy boots into something else at the end of the day. 

In the warmer months, I usually still wear covered shoes like Converse or Adidas, although I do have sandals that are occasionally brought out if the weather is unusually sunny and warm! 

Sweatshirts/Jumpers/Cardigans

Remember, layering is key, so you want something that’s warm but not too bulky, that way it’ll fit under a coat and you can remove it in you need to. For cooler weather, I like cardigans and sweaters like these.

Baselayers

I would only suggest thermals if you’re going somewhere in the highlands in the winter and intend to be outside a lot, otherwise, a simple vest top or t-shirt will work as a base layer. 

Jeans/Trousers

Think about the activities you have planned and if you need something more water-resistant.

If you want to go hiking then you likely do, or you’ll want comfortable and quick-dry leggings at least. Otherwise, regular jeans will likely do. 

Dressier outfit

Unless you’re planning a really fancy dinner and night out, it’s unlikely you’ll even need this!

For women, a dress and tights with boots or flat shoes will be fine for going out, and you can wear it during the day too, or even jeans with a dressier top.

For men, jeans or chinos plus any type of shoe or boot that’s not hiking boots would do fine.

Winter warmers

Think warm socks, a scarf or neck warmer, hat, and gloves.

Extras to Pack for Scotland

Aside from what to wear, there are a few extra things you should consider when packing for a Scotland trip.

Plug converter

I like this one that includes USB ports.

Camera

You’re going to want to take plenty of photos! I love my Sony a6000 mirrorless as it’s compact and light but takes great photos.

Reusable water bottle

Water from the tap in Scotland is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and for the environment!

Flashlight

A small flashlight may be useful if you’re staying in accommodation outside of the city, like glamping or pod accommodation, or a headlamp if you’re staying in a hostel. 

Daypack

This can take many forms depending on what you like and your purpose.

My husband and I carry this camera backpack because we have a lot of gear, or I use a regular large handbag when I’m in the city.

You can also use a foldable backpack if you just want something to take out for day trips. 

Hand warmers

These little hand warmers can be really handy if you’re susceptible to cold.

Binoculars

Obviously, only if you have the room, but if you’re heading to the highlands or on a boat trip, consider some small binoculars to view wildlife. Especially if you’re looking for Puffins in the summer!

Midgie repellent

Midgies are small flying insects and are kind of like mosquitos in that they can be found in marshy areas but they bite.

They don’t seem to bother me too much (knock on wood!) but they definitely do some people so if you’re going out of the city in midgie season (May to September) them consider bringing repellent. Locals swear by Avon Skin So Soft lotion as a repellent!

Camping gear

Obviously, if you’re going camping (really only recommended in late spring and summer) then you’ll have a whole lot more gear you need to consider! I won’t go into an exhaustive list here. 

What to wear in Scotland for men

This post is pretty skewed towards a packing list for Scotland for women, mostly because I am one, but also because I think women’s clothing is harder to judge what to wear!

Men seem to need less variation, with the usual layers mentioned above being able to pass for city wear and outdoor wear too!

I have tried to include some tips for what to wear in Scotland for men throughout the post, but to recap, I think men would basically need the following:

• Jeans or chino style pants for in the city and possibly water-resistant or men’s travel pants if needed for walking and outdoor activities (although these ones could double for in town!)
• Layers for the top half, including t-shirts and warm sweaters that aren’t bulky
• A warm and ideally water-resistant or waterproof coat for winter (my husband loves his Craghoppers coat or a lightweight waterproof for warmer months)
• Water-resistant boots or shoes for winter, your regular shoes for summer, and hiking boots for outdoorsy stuff

You’ll notice I never did recommend an umbrella for Scotland, and that’s because I see far too many of them in the rubbish bin on rainy days!

If you are sticking to the cities and the wind is pretty much non-existent you could consider it, but it’s not something I would rush to pack for Scotland by any means. 

You shouldn’t need to do a huge shop for new clothes when you’re packing for Scotland, although, of course, it depends on what kind of climate you’re coming from.

Use your regular clothes for layers as much as possible, but consider investing in a decent waterproof coat and footwear to protect you from the elements, if you don’t already have them, and you should be fine!

Don’t worry if you get here and find you’ve forgotten something or haven’t quite packed the right clothes. There are plenty of shops on the high street where you can buy what you need!

Marks & Spencer have great winter coats and warm clothing in the winter, and stores stock Craghoppers and Regatta clothing lines too.

If you need outdoor gear you can always look at Mountain Warehouse or for a Go Outdoors store. 

That’s the lowdown on what to wear in Scotland and how to plan your Scotland packing list!

It might seem complicated, but at the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is layers and something waterproof!

Sonja x

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out these posts

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• 11 Reasons to Visit the Isles of Lewis and Harris
• Edinburgh in Winter: Things to Do & Reasons to Visit
• 25 Romantic Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples
• Scotland Road Trip: Edinburgh to Glencoe by Car
• 9 Lesser-Known Hidden Gems in Edinburgh
• 11 Reasons to Add Shetland to Your Scotland Itinerary
• 27 Amazing Things to Do in Orkney
• Heritage Travel in Scotland: Planning a Trip
• Two Days in Glasgow: What You Need to Know
• Harry Potter Locations in Scotland You Should Visit
• 32 Things to Do in Oban, Scotland
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