What To Pack For Scotland

You may have heard Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable…well, I am writing this blog to confirm that fact. The weather can be unpredictable, but wearing the right clothes can save a lot of miserable travel days!

Scotland in the spring can be the most perfect time of year to visit! After reading through this guide, you will be thoroughly prepared to tackle the inconsistent Scottish weather.

Packing is always a bit of a challenge for me. A canceled flight left me stranded in LA with only a weekend’s worth of all-black clothes (the mandatory dress code for the conference I had attended). I arrived in sunny LA looking like a depressed sun-hater; when everyone else had sundress and flip-flops. Ever since, I  have over-packed – preparing for all seasons, no matter where I was going.

I have worked very hard on trying to overcome my obsessive overpacking nature. One of the things that helped me most is packing in layers. Also, outfits I can mix and match.

If you have ever had the same struggles as I have or just would like to know what to pack for visiting Scotland, this packing guide is for you!

Scotland In The Spring:

We visited Scotland in early May, and the temperature ranged from around 50 (10 C) in the morning, then got to around 70 (21 C) in the afternoon. We were very lucky, most Scottish springs are filled with rain showers, and we had only 1 rainy morning out of the 7 days we were there!

Side note: I also recommend bringing some sort of allergy medication. I do not suffer from allergies in the United States, however spending a week in nature, when the pollen is strongest, had my throat scratchy and my nose runny.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Base Layers:

I am a firm believer in layers. Spring in Scotland can be on the cool side, as well as wet (and if you are like me, anything below 60 is chilly) it is best to wear some sort of base layer. I like Under Armour’s shirt base layer in black. 

It not only keeps the chill out, but it allows you to wear thinner, more stylish shirts over top! Cute and cozy – win-win! You can add a scarf to accessorize too!

Rain Gear:

It is essential you bring a rain jacket to Scotland. You should always have it handy for those unexpected Scottish rain showers. My favorite rain jacket is the North Face Venture Jacket – in medium grey heather.

Boots:

I recommend bringing at least one pair of rain boots to Scotland. I pretty much wore mine every day (I could also wear thicker socks with the boots, to keep my toes warm).

Jacket:

I also brought a light fleece jacket, for the cooler mornings. My favorite is the North Face fleece jacket – in black. It worked perfectly under my rain jacket. It kept the wind chill out, and not to mention it is so comfy! 

Keep in mind, there are open areas places, such as Culloden Battlefield. The day we visited was warm, and hardly anywhere to hide in the shade. On another day we visited the Highland Folk Museum, that day it was cloudy and windy – so be sure to check the weather on a day-to-day basis.

Stylish Tips:

Bring outfits to mix and match as well (this will save space in your suitcase too). I brought two pairs of jeans to keep it casual, and three cute sweaters for the week. Also had an “airport” outfit, that I wore there and back.

I also brought my Nikes, they were perfect for walking around the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh and perfect for walking up Arthur’s Seat. They are great airport shoes too!

I usually only wear small earrings on my travels, just to keep it simple. They bring the outfit together and stylish if I put my hair up.

Carry On VS Checked Bag

The suitcases I use most are the Away Carry-On or Away Medium. I have been able to pack a few weeks’ worth of clothes in both suitcases. Depending on the length of your trip, pick between the two (or bring both!) Sometimes the larger, overnight European flights can get a bit full. If you want to save money but don’t want the hassle of bringing your bag on board, take your carry-on bag through security. But have the airline check it at the gate!

Hotel Items

To feel like I am at home and to be absolutely comfortable in a hotel room, here are the essential items I pack:

Slippers (I have smaller footies I pack if I am just using my carry-on)

Pillow Case (Always buy a king size to fit any hotel pillow)

Washcloth (I pack this, so I don’t have to put my face or mouth on any hotel towels)

Antibacterial foam soap (I cannot stand those bars of soap used in hotels, so I bring my own!)

Laundry bag  (This one explains itself, keep those dirty clothes separated from your clean ones)

Airplane Bag

For any trip I have my suitcases, I also like to bring an airplane bag with all the flight essentials. 

Headphones (These work perfectly for movie watching and are noise canceling!)

A good book (I love my Kindle!)

Passport Case (Here is one I use, I can fit my ID, credit cards, and cash)

Blanket (I freeze when I fly)

Airsickness meds

Disinfectant wipes

Save room for any snacks you purchase at the airport and a water bottle.

Extras Essentials For Your Packing List:

Don’t bother with an umbrella, the wind is too strong and won’t be worth it

Passport

Cash

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Camera (This should be at the top of the list!)

Any electrical charges needed

Remember to bring your adapter if you live outside the EU. I love this one and it works well with my curling iron too!

If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below!

Also, if this blog was helpful or you would like something more, please do not hesitate to comment. We would love to improve our blog and get as many helpful hints as we can!

I hope you have enjoyed this blog! Scotland is one of my favorite destinations and I am hoping to explore more of the beautiful country! If you are traveling to Scotland be sure to check out these travel guides!

Don’t know what to eat? I have written down some of my *Favorite Restaurants in Scotland*!

Click here if you need to know the *Best Ways To Get Around Scotland*