Wanderlust World Wanderlust World with relatively mild temperatures throughout the year, with the exception of the Scottish Highlands where the mountain climate is noticeably cooler.
The weather is generally changeable and often unpredictable
with four distinct seasons.
Winters are cold and wet
with average temperatures between 1 and 4°C (34 and 39°F). Snow is common, particularly in the higher elevations, but it rarely settles for long in the lowlands.
Spring and autumn are mild and variable
with temperatures ranging between 7 and 15°C (45 and 59°F).
Summers are cool and wet
with average temperatures of around 16°C (61°F). Temperatures can occasionally reach 30°C (86°F) but this is rare.
The annual average precipitation is around 1,200mm (47in), but rainfall can vary significantly from region to region. The west coast of Scotland is the wettest part of the United Kingdom, with some areas receiving over 3,000mm (118in) of rain per year. The east coast is drier, with some areas receiving only around 600mm (24in) per year.
The prevailing wind direction is from the southwest, bringing mild, wet weather from the Atlantic Ocean.
Storms and severe weather are not uncommon in Scotland
especially during the winter months. High winds, heavy rain and snow can cause disruption to travel and power outages.
The climate of Scotland is influenced by a number of factors
including the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the Gulf Stream and the prevailing wind direction. The interaction of these factors produces a climate that is changeable, unpredictable and often wet, but also mild and temperate.