As someone who had the immense pleasure of living in Scotland, I can assure you, you’re going to want a solid Scotland packing list before your adventure through the majestic Highlands.
The bad news: packing for a trip to Scotland can feel a bit like preparing for all four seasons in a single day. Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable and you’ll want to be ready for everything. The good news: you don’t want to worry much about finding a specific Scotland packing list for May or January or any month in between as the weather is a crapshoot year round.
This packing list for Scotland should cover you for every season if you’re going to be spending one week in Scotland.
Whether you’re spending one day in Edinburgh, 24 hours in the Isle of Skye or better yet, following my 7 day Scotland itinerary that will have you hiking through the Highlands and soaking up this wee nation’s history, this packing guide has got you covered.
Scotland’s Weather in a Nutshell
Scotland is rather notorious for its cool, damp conditions, particularly from October to March. The temperatures aren’t extreme by any means, but the wind and rain can make it feel much colder, especially in the more exposed areas like the Highlands and islands. On average, here’s what you’re looking at for winter weather in Scotland:
- Average High Temperature: 5°C to 7°C (41°F to 45°F)
- Average Low Temperature: 0°C to 2°C (32°F to 36°F)
That being said, as I detail in my guide to the best months to visit Scotland, visiting in the spring will allow you to get better prices and avoid dealing with crowds.
Rain is pretty much a given, so a waterproof jacket is your new best friend. You might not see much snow unless you venture to higher elevations, but cold, misty mornings and gusty afternoons are common, so pack accordingly.
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Clothing
Tops: 6-7
Opt for long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a couple of thermal tops to wear as base layers. You might not need a short sleeve shirt if you’re not visiting in summer.
Layers are the key to surviving Scotland’s moody weather. Choose pieces in neutral tones so you can mix and match them easily. Of all the places in Europe to visit, Scotland is not particularly posh or snobby, so don’t worry about being too fashionable (looking at you Rome and Paris).
A cozy turtleneck or flannel shirt will keep you warm while looking stylish in those Instagram-worthy photos by Loch Ness. I would personally wear it on the plane ride there though, as transAtlantic flights get chilly and you don’t have that kind of room in your suitcase.
Bottoms: 3-4
I’d say 1-2 denim jeans or thick leggings are perfect for most days depending on your preference.
You’ll also want a pair of waterproof hiking pants if you’re heading into the Highlands or other outdoor adventures. I’d personally go with these hiking pants as they’re fleece lined and waterproof (not water resistant) Scotland’s rugged terrain can be muddy, and your future self will thank you for keeping dry.
Dress or Skirt: 1 or 0
If you’re planning a nice dinner or a trip to one of Edinburgh’s fancier pubs, pack a casual dress or a warm skirt that pairs well with tights and boots. You can easily dress it up with a scarf and a chunky cardigan. If you aren’t planning on spending much time in Edinburgh or exploring things to do in Glasgow, I’d skip this.
Outerwear: 1-2
The most important item in your suitcase and the number 1 answer to what to pack for a trip to Scotland: a waterproof, windproof jacket. Look for something insulated but not too bulky.
Bonus points if your rain jacket has a hood to protect you from surprise showers. If you’re headed somewhere that’s more sheltered (or just want to be extra cozy indoors), pack a lighter jacket or warm sweater for layering.
I personally learned the hard way that water resistant and waterproof are not the same thing. You’ll want a waterproof jacket for Scotland. You can get this one at a great price if you don’t already have one.
You may also want a down coat on days where you get lucky and there is little to no rain. Choose one that packs down nicely like this one.
Sleepwear: 1
It might be cozy inside your Scottish bed and breakfast, but those drafty old buildings can still get chilly at night. Pack some warm PJs for the nights you’ll spend under your duvet. (If you read my essential travel tips for visiting Scotland, you’ll know they don’t believe in top sheets like we do in the USA).
Undergarments: 7-9 pairs
Pack enough for each day of the week, plus a couple of extras. You don’t want to be hunting for a laundrette mid-Highland hike!
Socks: 7-10 pairs
Bring warm socks, including a few pairs of thermal or merino wool socks for those chilly days. Trust me, your toes will thank you. And don’t forget to pack one pair of compression socks for the flight. These babies can prevent swelling and help improve circulation on long flights. If you’re on birth control, flying for extended periods can increase your risk of blood clots, and compression socks can help reduce that risk by improving circulation.*
*Basic Economy B is many things, but doctor is not one of them. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about long periods of travel.
Footwear – 3 total
Comfortable Walking Shoes: 1 pair
Scotland is best explored on foot, so bring waterproof shoes or boots that are sturdy enough for cobblestone streets and muddy trails. These can be tennis shoes or hiking boots depending on how much hiking you have planned in your Scotland itinerary.
I recommend these waterproof hiking boots since they’re a great price at under $60 and mine have held up really well over the years.
Dress Shoes or Boots: 1 pair
For evening outings or more formal occasions, pack a pair of smart, comfortable boots. You’ll be walking a lot, so go for something stylish yet practical. Waterproof is always a plus! My Teva boots are my favorite because a). I’ve never worn a pair of Tevas that aren’t super comfortable and b). These are comfortable and stylish.
Waterproof Ankle Boots : 1 pair
You aren’t going to want to only live in one pair of shoes, waterproof or not, so I would also bring a pair of comfortable waterproof boots to rotate with your walking shoes. Suitcase space is at a premium, so you don’t need knee high boots. These boots are my go-to for any rainy destination like Scotland or Iceland.
You don’t need snow boots unless you’re venturing into serious mountain territory, but something with a good grip is essential. Wet streets can be slippery, and you don’t want to spend your trip nursing a bruised ego (or backside).
Accessories
Scarf, Gloves, and Hat: 1 of each
These are essential. A wool scarf can double as a blanket when you’re feeling extra cold, and gloves are a must when the wind picks up. Go for a beanie or wool hat to keep your head warm, but nothing too bulky—it’ll get in the way when the wind whips up.
- These gloves are waterproof and excellent regardless of if you’re in Glasgow or in the Isle of Skye.
- I would only bring one beanie to save space, so I’d go with a solid, neutral colored one that is waterproof, like this one.
Umbrella: 1
A compact, sturdy umbrella will be your best friend in Scotland. Even if it doesn’t rain for long, it often rains just enough to make you regret leaving the house without one. You can pick this up in Scotland at a local store if you don’t already have one that packs down nicely like this one.
Crossbody Bag: 1
A secure, waterproof crossbody bag is perfect for keeping your essentials safe from pickpockets and dry from the elements. Bonus: it’ll be big enough to hold your umbrella, glove and portable charger.
This one is my personal favorite and is under $20.
Refillable Water Bottle: 1
Scotland’s water is clean and safe to drink from the tap. Stay hydrated on your adventure!
Toiletries
Moisturizer and Lip Balm
The cold air and wind can and likely will wreak havoc on your skin, so keep it hydrated. A travel-size moisturizer and some SPF lip balm will keep you feeling fresh.
Shampoo, Conditioner, and Deodorant
Just the basics. You don’t need to pack full-size bottles—Scotland’s hotels and B&Bs often provide these items, but bring your own travel-sized versions if you prefer.
Cosmetics
As I mentioned, the Scots are not going to turn their noses up at you if you’re not wearing a full face of makeup, so don’t feel a ton of pressure there. If you are going to bring makeup though, do make sure it’s waterproof or you’ll resemble a raccoon in your precious travel photos.
And then definitely don’t forget the makeup remover because that waterproof stuff is hard to get off.
First Aid Kit
Bring a small kit with painkillers, band-aids, and any medications you need. If you’re planning on hiking or spending lots of time outdoors, you might want to add blister plasters and antihistamines to the list.
Tech and Travel Gear
Phone and Charger
Self-explanatory, but don’t forget a power bank for long day trips or hikes. Your camera will drain your battery faster than you think and trust me, you’ll want to snap pictures of everything. Especially if you’re visiting any of the cities on my Top 10 Places to go in Scotland.
Travel Adapter
Scotland uses Type G plugs, so you’ll need an adapter. Grab one with multiple USB ports so you can charge your phone, camera, and other gadgets all at once. This one is my favorite so that my husband and I don’t have to argue about who gets to charge about.
Camera
Scotland’s scenery is stunning, and your phone camera might not do it justice. If you’re serious about capturing the landscape, consider bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Luggage Lock – I like to bring this along whenever I plan to leave my bags at my hotel before check-in or after check-out. Multiple people usually have access to your bags during this time and it’s not a bad idea to have this little lock that’s under $10.
Important Documents
Passport
Obviously, you’ll need your passport to get into the UK. Make sure it’s up to date and keep it in a secure, easily accessible place.
Travel Insurance
Scotland’s beautiful but can be unpredictable. From flight delays to unexpected hiking injuries, you’ll want travel insurance just in case. Even though I’m a Basic Economy B, I’ve started using travelinsurance.com for all of our trips because it lets you check all of the options available to you.
Packing Tips
My biggest advice is that Scotland’s roads and paths can be rugged, so travel light. Even if you’re renting a car, the vehicles in the UK generally aren’t that big and won’t have that much trunk space. Stick to a carry-on suitcase and backpack if you can.
Packing cubes or compression bags will help you maximize space when traveling to Scotland, especially if you’re bringing bulkier items like sweaters and coats. This will make moving around easier, especially when you’re navigating narrow streets and old staircases in Edinburgh. If you’re not sold on the packing cubes, use the roll method and you’ll be surprised how much you can fit in your small suitcase.
Please don’t spend days wondering what to pack for Scotland! With this packing list, you’ll be ready for anything Scotland throws at you—from misty castle visits to Highland hikes. Stay warm, stay dry, and don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure (and humor)!
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