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Scotland Tours in September

Experience beautiful landscapes and fascinating heritage on a Scotland tour in September, soaking up the last days of summer and the start of autumn. Our local experts will organise your Scottish itinerary for you, so you can look forward to an unforgettable trip.

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VISITING SCOTLAND IN SEPTEMBER

Thinking about Scotland trip in September? We can help!

September is a transitional month between summer and autumn in Scotland, which means you can enjoy some good weather and picturesque scenery. Although the lively festival season has passed, you can still attend some excellent food, folk and music events, as well as the traditional Highland games.

As a specialist tour operator based in Edinburgh, we know Scotland inside out. Your personal travel consultant will arrange everything on your behalf, whether that’s a self-drive adventure, small group tour, or privately guided vacation.

Plus, when you book a trip to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, you get hand-picked accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline.

Get in touch via our live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll happily plan your Scotland tour.

 

— WHY US?

Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible tour options
  • Value for your money
  • Professional service from local experts
  • 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

 

Experience Scotland on a road trip

Explore the Highlands and beyond on a self-drive tour. You do the driving, and we handle route planning, along with arranging your accommodation and rental car. Tours come with a hand-marked map, attractions guide and more.

Scotland
Best seller
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
Apr - Oct

Classic Scotland

1879GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

1879GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
4.7
Apr - Oct

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye

1566GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

1566GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Self-drive
17 days / 16 nights
4.7
Apr - Oct

Grand Tour of Scotland

Scottish Highlands & North Coast 500

3508GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

3508GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Self-drive
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Classic Scotland at Leisure

2629GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

2629GBP

GBP

Close map view

Visit Scotland on a small group tour

Want to travel with a local guide and make some new friends along the way? Check out these small group tours, with a maximum of 15 travellers and a dedicated driver for your comfortable minibus. Departures are guaranteed.

Scotland
Best seller
Guided Groups
7 days / 6 nights
4.8
May - Sep

Wonders of Scotland

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Isle of Skye

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 2 (Moderate)

2998GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
May - Sep

2998GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Guided Groups
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
May - Sep

Highlights of Scotland

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Isle of Skye

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 2 (Moderate)

4232GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
May - Sep

4232GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland & Ireland
Best seller
Guided Groups
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Wonders of Scotland & Ireland

Ultimate Celtic Adventure

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 2 (Moderate)

5352GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

5352GBP

GBP

Close map view
England, Scotland & Wales
10% OFF IN 2025
Best seller
Guided Groups
12 days / 11 nights
May - Oct

Wonders of Britain

England, Wales & Scotland

Pace Level Level 1 (At Leisure)
Activity Level Level 1 (Easy)

4769GBP

4292GBP

Eur

View map
10% OFF IN 2025
Best seller
12 days / 11 nights
May - Oct

4769GBP

4292GBP

GBP

Close map view

Explore Scotland on a Private Tour

Enjoy more cultural insights on a private tour with a local guide to drive you around in style. Your dedicated travel consultant will pair you with a guide who shares your interests. Plus, you’ll be able to personalise your tour with handpicked excursions.

Scotland
Best seller
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Apr - Oct

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

4345GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

4345GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Privately Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Oct

Scenic Scotland Express - Private

2338GBP

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Oct

2338GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Best seller
Privately Guided
10 days / 9 nights
5.0
Apr - Oct

Classic Scotland - Private

5461GBP

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

5461GBP

GBP

Close map view
Scotland
Privately Guided
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Scotland - Private

8255GBP

Eur

View map
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

8255GBP

GBP

Close map view

Experience Scotland your way

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Sherri, United States
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye, October 2023

Couldn't ask for any better

Everything was organised. No issues at all. Just show up to where you have been booked and everything is good. No checking in or paperwork or credit cards to leave. The tour itself was amazing! The guide, the book, the suggestions. Really couldn't ask for any better.

David, United States
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private, July 2023

Special experience

The tour exceeded our expectations. Our guide (Peter) quickly got a good idea of the things we liked and tailored the tour to see the things that he thought we would like and avoid the things that he did not think that we would like. His judgement was spot-on, and we felt like he truly listened to us and made our experience special.

Sharon, United States
Wonders of Scotland, September 2023

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Barbara, United States
Best of Edinburgh - Loch Ness & Highlands, June 2023

We were in good hands

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Amanda, United States
Classic Scotland, August 2023

Thank you Nordic Visitor!

We had really great experiences with each B&B we stayed at but Gail at Dionard Guest House was especially lovely. If I were to go back I may stay there half the time then go back to the Isle of Skye for the rest of the time. It's just breathtaking there! Thank you Nordic Visitor!

James, United States
Outlander Experience, June 2023

One of the best trips we have ever taken

The entire experience was excellent. Nordic Visitor made it easy for us, although we are amateur travellers. Our guide was the absolute best, we couldn't have asked for a better person. He was able to convey his experience and amazing knowledge to make the trip both fun and educational. One of the best trips we have ever taken, thank you!

Terry, United States
Highlights of Scotland, July 2023

Amazing trip!

It was an amazing trip! My husband and I took the Highlights of Scotland tour in July and had a wonderful time! Our tour guide, Andy, was amazing. His knowledge of Scotland was top notch and kept us informed throughout the entire tour. Andy educated us on Scotland history, shared delightful stories and enlightened us with Scottish culture. The accommodation were all so nice. Each one a bit different, but comfortable and lovely. Each place had helpful and respectful staff. Our bus was very comfortable, lots of room and great windows for the amazing views of Scottish scenery. The drivers were great. So glad they were driving us around the country.

Kristen, United States
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye, June 2023

Enjoyed my tour so much!

I enjoyed my tour of Scotland so much! Booking with Nordic Visitor was so easy. Their itinerary showcased highlights across the country, so I feel like I experienced the best of the best! The communication from our tour consultant, Duncan, was prompt and detailed. It was so comforting knowing that Nordic Visitor was only a phone call away 24/7.

Scotland Travel Guide

Start preparing for your trip by doing some research before your Scottish adventure.

Flights to Scotland

The two biggest international airports in Scotland are in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and in Edinburgh, the capital city and usual starting point for Nordic Visitor tours. Flight times to Scotland are, for example, 6.5 hours from New York City and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Scotland include (but are not limited to) British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta and KLM.

Scotland and the rest of the UK is on GMT time. If your journey to Scotland involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Edinburgh to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that flights to Scotland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCOTLAND IN SEPTEMBER

If you want to know more about Scotland tours in September, read on for our expert advice. We’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions to help you with your Scotland travel plans.

Is September a good time to visit Scotland?

Yes, September is a great time to visit Scotland! As summer turns to autumn, you can still catch some good weather and 11 to 14 hours of daylight per day. 

In September you might like to go along to exciting events, ranging from literary festivals to the traditional Highland games. Taste the flavours of late summer by tucking into freshly caught seafood and perfectly ripened fruit and vegetables. Or watch some live music at a festival or concert.

September is also a great time to admire Scotland’s gorgeous scenery. By the end of September, the natural landscapes and tree-lined city streets are made even more beautiful with autumn hues of ruby, amber and gold.

What are the best things to do in Scotland in September?

There are so many things you can do in Scotland in September, whether you want to immerse yourself in nature or Scottish culture. Plus, the good daylight hours and fair weather allow you to enjoy more of the fun travel experiences Scotland offers.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Scotland in September:

  • Drive around the beautiful Scottish Highlands
  • Admire the natural scenery, including stunning beaches
  • Go hiking in the rugged hills and national parks
  • Sail to one or more of the Scottish islands
  • Explore picturesque, ancient ruins and castles
  • Learn about Scotland’s Viking heritage
  • Taste exquisite food and drink, including Scotch whisky
  • Walk along the lochs and glens
  • Attend the Highland games
  • Visit the buzzing cities, charming towns and fishing villages


What are the most popular events in Scotland in September?

Travel to Scotland in September and you could attend some of the varied events hosted around the country. Why not go along to some Highland games on the weekends, taking place all over Scotland? These involve a series of traditional athletic competitions (with lots of kilts and bagpipes!).

The most famous Highland games event in Scotland is the Braemar Gathering, taking place on the first weekend of September. Come to watch the sporting traditions and Highland dances in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Members of the royal family – including the Queen – attend every year.

As well as this, you might like to experience some music concerts, food festivals or sporting events. If you love golf, don’t miss the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews.

Can I attend Highland games in Scotland in September?

Yes, you can attend the Highland games in September. As a tradition going back centuries, the games are a great Scottish cultural experience. Watch Highland dancing, “tossing the caber” (log-throwing), races, tug-of-war, and bagpipe processions.

You’ll find games held across the country, from Oban and Stirling to the Isle of Skye and northern Highlands. The Braemar Gathering is the most popular Highland games event in September.

Are there any festivals in Scotland in September?

Take your pick from an array of cultural festivals in Scotland in September. These are the most popular ones:

  • Largs Viking Festival
  • Stranraer Oyster Festival
  • Skye Live Festival
  • Tidelines Book Festival
  • Deeside Local Food Festival
  • Linlithgow Folk Festival
  • Islay Jazz Festival
  • Dundee Flower and Food Festival

What are the best places to visit in Scotland in September?

Take advantage of the late summer weather to get to know Scotland's towns, historic sites and natural highlights.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Scotland in September:



What is the weather like in Scotland in September?

Visit Scotland in September and you’ll find the weather is mild as it gradually transitions from summer to autumn. On average, there are highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). You’ll notice that the foliage begins to show its fall colours, particularly towards the end of September.

Bear in mind that you might experience all sorts of weather, as Scotland’s climate can be a little unpredictable. It could rain, be windy or very sunny!

What are September temperatures in Scotland?

Scotland has average high temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F) in September.

Are there midges in Scotland in September?

If you come to Scotland in September you are less likely to encounter pesky midges compared to the summer months. Midges are tiny insects that bite, found especially in the Highlands and islands of Scotland. July and August is usually considered the worst period for midges in Scotland.

They are at their most active in the early mornings and evenings. You can try to avoid being outside in the countryside at those times of the day. Or we recommend carrying the Avon Skin-So-Soft body oil spray, the repellent of choice for Britain’s Royal Marines.

What to wear in Scotland in September?

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 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 rain jacket.

What are the daylight hours in September in Scotland?

Although the long days have ended, you’ll still get a good amount of daylight hours when you visit Scotland in September. Depending on where in the country you go and the time of month you visit, you’ll have between 11 and 14 daylight hours per day.

Come at the start of the month and you’ll have more hours of daylight to explore Scotland. In Edinburgh, the sun rises at 6:15 AM and sets at 8 PM. At the end of September, the sunrise takes place at 7:15 AM and the sunset at 6:50 PM.

Does it snow in Scotland in September?

You are unlikely to see snow in Scotland in September, as it’s only just the beginning of autumn. However, it is possible to catch sight of some snow at the tops of the tallest mountains.



Can I see the northern lights in Scotland in September?

You probably won’t see the northern lights in Scotland if you visit in September. It is possible to see them in the Scottish winter (November to March), when daylight hours are shorter, but it’s still rare.

For your best chances of spotting the auroras, we recommend heading north into the “Northern Lights Belt” between October and March. You could pick a northern lights tour in Iceland, Lapland or Northern Norway.

What to pack for Scotland in September?

For a trip to Scotland in September, you should prepare for all kinds of weather. From warm days to windy and rainy weather, make sure to pack all the necessary clothing. That way, come rain or shine, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country.

Here is an essential packing list for your Scotland tour in September

  • Lightweight layers, including t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and shorts
  • Warm jumper or fleece
  • Jeans or warm trousers
  • Waterproof jacket or shell layers
  • Insulated jackets
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Wool socks for hiking
  • Warm hat and cap

As well as these essentials, be sure to bring good sturdy hiking boots depending on what activities you may want to enjoy.



How to tour Scotland in September?

There are various ways to travel on your Scotland tour in September. Depending on your personal tastes and requirements, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.

Road trip around Scotland
September is a fantastic time to visit Scotland on a self-drive tour. At this time of year, the road conditions are good. Additionally, the 11-14 hours of daylight give you plenty of time to drive and explore.

Pick up your rental car from Edinburgh or Glasgow and drive to iconic locations. You could visit St Andrews, Loch Ness, Inverness, the Isle of Skye and Fort William, amongst many more

Depending on the amount of time you have, there are many options and regions of Scotland you could visit. Do an express tour into the Highlands in 5 days or take 2 to 3 weeks to do a complete tour, including the northern and western isles.

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.



Join a small group tour of Scotland
Do you want to leave the driving to someone else? Between May and September, you could opt to join a small group tour. This way you could explore the highlights of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye with like-minded travellers.

A small group tour offers an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local tour guide. What’s more, you’ll be travelling alongside 14 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.



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.



Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

 

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of Northern Europe

  • Like combining culture with nature? Discover Scandinavia
  • Want more stunning road trip ideas? Venture to Iceland
  • Prefer to visit its Celtic neighbour? Experience the culture of Ireland
  • Keen to go off the beaten track? Explore wild Greenland and Svalbard

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers, which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our flexible booking terms  .
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
  • Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Contact us

Whether you’re looking to add a night in Edinburgh, want restaurant recommendations or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help so get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Call

Our Scottish phone number is
+44 (0)131 344 4630

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