The Complete Guide to Visiting Isle of Skye in Winter: Everything You Need to Know
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I guess you could say I really have a thing for Scotland in the winter. My first time visiting, as a study abroad student, I laded in Edinburgh smack dab in the middle of January. At 20, I definitely didn’t do my research to fully realize what I’d signed myself up for winter-wise other than the constant reminder from everyone back home that I was in for a lot of rain.
It turns out they weren’t totally wrong, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as it’s made out to be and I was treated to a few snowfalls that made Edinburgh somehow even more dreamy. Winter in Scotand isn’t for everyone - if you’re looking for a warm, sunny getaway you’ll want to look elsewhere. But, for those that are happy to embrace the chill in the air and explore despite (potentially) snowy ground underfoot, Scotland in the winter is beautiful.
Our Experience on Isle of Skye in Winter
On our last trip to Scotland, we made the bold choice to book for the first week of March. The decision was based on what most other travelers consider when booking a vacation - flight costs, schedule conflicts (or lack thereof) and weather. We knew going it that the weather could swing either way - blessing us with a glimpse at early spring with mild temps and sunnier days or clinging on to the last bits of winter.
We mostly experienced the latter - cold temps topping out in the 40’s (F°) during the day and dipping into the 20’s at night along with snow showers bookending out time in the Highlands. Lucky for us, we were granted mostly sunny skies our entire time on Skye and found plenty of places to explore and even romp around in the snow. It certainly provides a different experience than visiting in the warmer months - trading the iconic lush, green scenery and crowds for the quiet peace that only a fresh snowfall can bring.
What to Expect on the Isle of Skye in Winter
On our last trip to Scotland, we made the bold choice to visit in the last bits of winter. It meant less crowds and no midges but there were certainly some trade offs. These are the best tips and hints about visiting Skye during the winter months.
Portree
🐻 Skye doesn’t have bears but the locals may be in hibernation
The Isle of Skye is very quite in the winter months with far fewer tourists visiting the island in the off-season. With shorter days, and less visitors the locals also tend to hibernate during this time. So, what does that mean for you? It means that bars, restaurants, hotels and campgrounds are more likely to be closed or have limited hours and you’ll be more limited on where you can go.
Before booking your trip, research what pubs, restaurants and hotels will be open during your stay to avoid being disappointed or worse - hours away from the closest place to grab a bite or stay for the night with no back up plan.
🌦️Prepare for the weather… but don’t trust the forecast
As one of Scotland’s most famous comedians, Billy Connolly, has said, “There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing, so get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little.”
Weather on the Isle of Skye can be finicky - sunny and beautiful one minute and pouring cold rain the next. This can be the case with weather warning for wind, rain and snow - but don’t let this totally derail your trip as the rain will stop and give you the opportunity to get out and explore.
You can expect boggy, marshy and even snowy or icy conditions underfoot when visiting some of the Sky’s most popular sights. For warmth and comfort, I would recommend packing a good pair of waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet dry as well as removable crampons such as Yak-Trax for added traction. A good pair of waterproof pants and a rainjacket or waterproof outershell will also go a long way to keep you comfortable and exploring despite less than ideal weather.
🚗 Parking on the Isle of Skye
Because there are far fewer crowds on the Isle of Skye during the winter months, the roads are much quieter (perhaps a total win if you are not used to driving on the left side of the road!) and there was ample parking available everywhere we visited.
To help pay for improvement projects to maintain safety and protect the environment, Isle of Skye has implemented parking machines at some of the more popular tourist destinations including Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and Fairy Pools. Parking is not free in the off season, expect to pay £3 + for parking at these popular destinations.
⛺️Camping on the Isle of Skye in winter
If you plan to camp on the Isle of Skye in the winter, be aware that most campgrounds and holiday parks close in September for the winter season. This means, you’ll need to plan wild camp instead. Wild camping spots are plentiful, and with fewer crowds finding a location with spots available will not be a struggle. Apps like Park4Night (similar to iOverlander for those used to campervanning in the US) are great for help you find somewhere to camp for the night as well as other amenities such as public restrooms and showers.
If you plan to pitch a tent, be mindful that wet conditions in the winter months may mean soggy ground.
Be prepared for possible high winds and cold temps and pack accordingly! We experienced lows in the 20’s(F) even in early March - that meant sleeping with 2 quilts, cotton sweatsuits and a knit cap to keep warm in the campervan each night.
Something else to keep in mind as you plan your winter camping trip - the sun sets very early on the Isle of Skye in winter. Take this into account as you plan your days to ensure you have ample time to find your camp site before dark.
🚐 Winter Driving Conditions on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye experiences rain and snow in the winter months - and with low temperatures, this can lead to icy roads. Due to how remote some of the roadways are, they will not all be treated to prevent freezing - and in some cases my be fully closed.
It is up to you to drive carefully and use your best judgement for maintaining safety in these conditions.
It’s important keep your plans flexible should you encounter these conditions. During our trip, the road accessing the Quiraing was partially closed - we ended up striking that hike from our itinerary and visited other sites instead.
🦟 Scotland’s Midges
One of the best things about visiting the Isle of Sky in winter (other than feeling like you have the island all to your self) is the lack of midges.
During the summer months, the Scottish highlands come alive with these flying, mosquito-like insects. If you’re not prepared, they could totally ruin a trip - BUT if you visit in October-April you need not worry. Midges can’t survive the cooler temps making winter the perfect time to get out and explore the highlands, no midge-nets needed.
☀️ Daylight on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is located pretty far north - think similar latitude to parts of Alaska - so daylight hours vary drastically between summer and winter. In the winter months, daylight hours are very short, rising at approximately 9 am and setting around 3:30 pm on the Winter Solstice. This will play a big part as you plan your trip as you’ll need to keep in mind that you do not have nearly as many daylight hours to see sights as you would in the summer months (sunrise around 4:30 am / sunset around 10:30 pm).
If you love a good sunrise or sunset - there are many wonderful places on the Isle of Skye to catch these - the bonus in the winter months is that you don’t have to get up crazy early to see it.
🧳 What to Pack for a Winter Trip to the Isle of Skye
No matter what time of year you visit Scotland there is one item you MUST pack: a good waterproof rain jacket. Other must have items include:
Waterpoof boots - I like to have a pair of hiking boots & a pair that is more “street wear” like Blundstones
Wool hat
Base layers - these should either be wool (merino is a great option) or a synthetic with moisture wicking properties
Wool Socks - I love my Darn Tough socks for wearing during the day and a cozy knit pair for sleeping
A warm coat
Water bottle
Camera
Isle of Skye FAQs
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The short answers is ABSOLUTELY! If videos of the crazy summer crowds are making you question if visiting is right for you, winter may be the perfect opportunity to see this stunning location without navigating the hoards of tourists that descend on the island each year.
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Spring & Fall: The most favorable times of year to visit Isle of Sky are April-May and Sept-October. The weather is more favorable, midges are less prevalent and there will be fewer crowds.
Summer: June-August is a beautiful time to visit but expect there to be significant crowds in the most popular tourist areas.Winter: To avoid the most crowds, winter is the time to visit - just be prepared for the weather, fewer amenities and be flexible with your plans.
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Yes! It’s most common to see snow in December-February, though we even experienced it in early March.
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