FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCOTLAND IN NOVEMBER
If you want to know more about Scotland tours in November, read on for our expert advice. We’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions to help you understand what it’s like to visit Scotland in November.
What are the best things to do in Scotland in November?
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 travelling to Scotland during the winter months, you’ll find plenty of things to do.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Scotland in November:
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Drive around the beautiful Scottish Highlands
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Admire the natural scenery
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Attend a winter festival or Christmas market
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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 November?
With fewer visitors compared to the summer, you’ll have more of Scotland’s top places to yourself in November. 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 November:
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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 November?
In November Scotland’s weather is fairly cool as winter is just beginning. On average, there are highs of 8°C (46°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). You’ll still be able to see some of the beautiful fall colours, particularly at the start of November.
As Scotland’s climate can be a little unpredictable, prepare for rain, wind, sunshine and snow in November.
What are November temperatures in Scotland?
Scotland has average high temperatures of 8°C (46°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F) in November.
What to wear in Scotland in November?
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 tour in November
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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 jacket
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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 November in Scotland?
The winter solstice is usually the 21 December in Scotland, which means that daylight hours grow shorter and shorter in November. Depending on where in the country you go and the time of month you visit, you’ll have between 6 and 9 daylight hours per day.
At the start of November, the sun rises at 7:20 AM and sets at 4:30 PM in Edinburgh. At the end of the month, the sunrise takes place at 8:15 AM and the sunset at 3:45 PM.
Does it snow in Scotland in November?
It can snow in Scotland in November, although in the towns and cities it is more likely to rain. If you visit rural areas with higher ground, you will have more chance of experiencing snow in Scotland.
How is driving in Scotland in November?
Winter in Scotland can bring icy and snowy conditions. However, in November, you’re more likely to encounter rain, making it an easy location to do a winter road trip. Just make sure you come ready to drive on the left!
The winter days are short, so we recommend not overloading yourself with too much driving. This way, you can enjoy the sights along the way during the daytime.
During your trip check weather and road conditions regularly. For your peace of mind, our team is on hand 24/7 should you need to contact us at any point. And if there is an unexpected event or severe weather, we’ll get in touch and modify your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed.
When you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, your car rental comes with collision damage waiver and a hand-marked map of your route. You also get two named drivers on the insurance policy so you can share the driving with a travel companion.
Can I see the northern lights in Scotland in November?
It is possible that you could see the northern lights in Scotland in November, 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 November?
Travel to Scotland in November and you could attend some of the varied events hosted around the country. Choose from a range of themes such as art, literature, cinema, drinks and, of course, Christmas!
Here are some of the best events taking place in Scotland in November:
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Oban Winter Festival
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Christmas markets (Edinburgh & Glasgow)
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North East of North (NEoN) Digital Arts Festival
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Stirling Gin Festival
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Edinburgh Art Fair
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Book Week Scotland
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Glasgow Whisky Festival
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Dundee Mountain Film Festival
It’s also good to know that the Scots celebrate St Andrew's Day on 30 November. This is a bank holiday in honour of the patron saint of Scotland, with plenty of festivities you can join in on. Think traditional ceilidh dances, food festivals, and whisky galore!
How to tour Scotland in November?
There are various ways to travel on your Scotland tour in November. Depending on your personal tastes and requirements, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.
Road trip around Scotland
November 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 on the roads compared to summer.
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. Why not try your luck spotting the Loch Ness Monster from Fort Augustus?
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.
You’ll also have activities and day trips, like entry to castles and whisky distilleries, included in some packages.
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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