FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCOTLAND IN FEBRUARY
If you want to know more about Scotland tours in February, read on for our expert advice. We’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions to help you with your Scotland travel plans.
What are the best things to do in Scotland in February?
Thankfully, many of Scotland’s amazing attractions are accessible all year long. What’s more, even with short daylight hours and cooler weather, if you’re going to travel to Scotland in February, you’ll find plenty of things to do.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Scotland in February:
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Drive around the beautiful Scottish Highlands
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Admire the natural scenery
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Attend winter festivals and music concerts
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Visit the buzzing cities, charming towns and fishing villages
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Explore picturesque, ancient ruins and castles
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Discover stunning Scottish islands
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Learn about Scotland’s Viking heritage
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Taste exquisite food and drink, including Scotch whisky
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Walk along the lochs and glens
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Meet the local wildlife
What are the best places to visit in Scotland in February?
With fewer visitors compared to the summer, you’ll have more of Scotland’s top places to yourself in February. Take advantage of this to get to know its towns, historic sites and natural highlights at a relaxed pace.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Scotland in February:
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Explore the historic capital,
Edinburgh, and end the day wirh a hearty meal.
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Pop by
St Andrews to visit Scotland’s oldest university and the home of golf
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Visit the picturesque towns of Pitlochry and
Dunkeld
What is the weather like in Scotland in February?
It’s winter in February in Scotland, so expect cold weather, wind and rain. It gets particularly wet on the west coast. There is also a chance of snow at this time of year. On average, there are highs of 6°C (42°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F).
These weather conditions needn’t put you off though. One of the great things about a Scotland winter tour is warming up at a cosy guesthouse or pub at the end of a day exploring. There’s nothing like experiencing warm Scottish hospitality with some local food and a glass of whisky.
What are February temperatures in Scotland?
February is one of the coldest months of the year in Scotland, so expect average high temperatures of 6°C (42°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F).
What to wear in Scotland in February?
Like in many of the Nordic countries, Scots have the saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
Since the weather is changeable in Scotland, we recommend you wear layers. That way you can remove or add clothes depending on the day’s weather. Make sure to bring some lightweight and warm under layers, as well as a waterproof and insulated jacket.
Here is an essential packing list for your Scotland in February:
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Lightweight layers
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Warm jumper or fleece
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Jeans or warm trousers
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Waterproof and insulated jacket
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Waterproof trousers
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Wool socks for hiking
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Scarf, gloves and a warm hat
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Sturdy boots for forest and hill walks
What are the daylight hours in February in Scotland?
The days are quite short in February in Scotland, although they are gradually growing longer as we approach spring. Depending on where in the country you go and the time of month you visit, you’ll have between 8 and 11 daylight hours per day.
At the start of February, the sun rises at 8:10 AM and sets at 4:45 PM in Edinburgh. At the end of the month, the sunrise takes place at 7:10 AM and the sunset at 5:45 PM.
Does it snow in Scotland in February?
It can snow in Scotland in February, although in the towns and cities it is more likely to rain. If you visit the mountains and rural areas with higher ground, you will have more chance of experiencing snow in Scotland.
Can I see the northern lights in Scotland in February?
It is possible that you could see the northern lights in Scotland in February, particularly if you visit the northern regions. That said, it’s still a rare occurrence. Scotland lies too far south of the North Pole for the aurora borealis to put on a regular display.
To increase your chances of spotting the auroras, we recommend heading further north, towards the Arctic Circle, between October and March. You could pick a northern lights tour in Iceland, Lapland or Northern Norway.
What are the most popular events in Scotland in February?
Although the weather may be cold in February, there are some great events on to liven things up. During your visit to cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, you can always find a music concert, play, comedy or other show to entertain you.
Here are some of the best events taking place in Scotland in February each year:
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Celtic Connections, Glasgow
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February Fest, Glencoe
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Bute Gin Festival
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Up Helly Aa, Shetland Islands
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Fort William Mountain Festival
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Glasgow Film Festival
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Inverness Music Festival
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Braemar Mountain Festival
If you’ve heard about the traditional Burns Night and want to experience it yourself, time your Scotland trip for January instead.
On 25 January, Scotland celebrates the national poet Robert Burns. Typically you’ll get to join the locals in their traditional dancing (ceilidh), haggis dinner, poem readings and whisky drinking.
How to tour Scotland in February?
There are various ways to travel on your Scotland tour in February. Depending on your personal tastes and requirements, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.
Road trip around Scotland
February is a good time to visit Scotland on a self-drive tour. As it’s not the peak season, there are fewer visitors and less traffic. The road conditions are usually fine, although you should take care on mountain roads and look out for ice in rural areas.
Pick up your rental car from Edinburgh or Glasgow and drive to iconic locations. You could visit St Andrews, Cairngorm National Park, the Isle of Skye and Fort William, amongst many more.
Driving in Scotland is an adventure that you won’t regret! Especially if you book with Nordic Visitor, as we offer collision damage waiver and a 24/7 helpline for emergencies.
Good to note: In Scotland, and the wider UK, motorists drive on the left. If you are not used to this, we recommend hiring an automatic car. Alternatively, you could choose a guided tour instead and have a local expert do all the driving.
Learn about Scottish history and culture with a private guide
On the other hand, you might prefer to be accompanied by your very own local expert throughout your Scotland experience.
A privately guided tour is one of the most exclusive ways to see Scotland and learn all about this beautiful country. You’ll have your own personal guide to show you the best locations and teach you about the local history.
Whatever tour you pick, you’ll take advantage of all our signature benefits. These include charming accommodation, daily breakfast, transportation, such as car rental and ferries, our Nordic Visitor Scotland Travel Guide, and a hand-marked map with your route and highlights.
In addition, all our winter tours include a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass so you can pick the attractions you want to visit.
Good to know: Our Scotland itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our Edinburgh-based Scotland experts know the country inside out. They’ll help you see the country your way, tailoring your itinerary and adding all the best excursions to suit you.
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