What to Wear in Scotland: Spring in Scotland Packing List
Scotland in spring is gorgeous! Despite the chilly weather, everything is in bloom and bursting with color. The hillsides around Edinburgh are covered in yellow gorse, and the Princes Street Garden is bursting with cherry blossoms, tulips, and daffodils. You can’t go wrong with a spring trip to Scotland, and I’ve created the perfect packing list for Scotland to take the headache out of packing for you.
Disclaimer: I only recommend products I absolutely love, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, but I may earn a small commission. Please consider using the link to support my blog! You can read my full privacy policy here.
What’s the weather like in Scotland in the Spring?
Spring in Scotland is all over the place. The average highs range from 45°F to 55°F, while the lows will be 30s. One day it might be cold and raining, the next it might be sunny and clear. You might even get both on the same day! And depending on your location, the weather might be quite different. The day we went to Dundee (about an hour’s train ride from Edinburgh) it was in the 60s and sunny while Edinburgh was overcast and rainy.
If you go in April (which I highly recommend), the rain showers will be brief, so as long as you have a rain jacket or a stop for lunch, you’ll be ready to continue exploring in no time.
View of Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens
What should you wear in Scotland?
Dressing Tips for Scotland
Layers & Warmth
While the weather is still chilly, you will warm up throughout the day, especially as you walk around Edinburgh. So layers are essential! Every day is a leg day when you’re climbing the stairs and hills in Edinburgh! Do you know the saying about walking uphill both ways? I think it is quite literally possible in the capital of Scotland. I checked the weather every morning and decided on layers based on the temperature, rain, and activities planned for the day. So here’s what to wear in Scotland, based on what I wore most days: jeans, thick wool socks, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a long waterproof jacket.
Wind & Rain
Both wind and rain are possible on any day, so waterproof, windproof gear is essential to any Scotland packing list. If you are bringing a camera, you definitely want a waterproof bag or cover. We got caught in the rain while hiking Athur’s Seat, and I had to awkwardly zip my jacket around my camera bag because I forgot the cover. Don’t make my mistake!
Blooms in Edinburgh
Scotland Packing List
Waterproof Jacket
This should be the outermost layer on your Scotland packing list. I love this Colombia long jacket with a thermal reflective layer for staying warm when I visit Europe. It’s stylish and functional! It’s both windproof and waterproof with detachable faux fur on the hood.
Waterproof Boots
Comfortable walking shoes are a must in Scotland. If your shoes are too thin, your feet will ache from walking on the cobbled streets all day. Comfortable tennis shoes or booties are stylish and functional for exploring! These waterproof Chelsea Boots were made for Scotland, and these Adidas sneakers are my favorite travel shoe.
Jeans and Pants
A combination of jeans, fleece-lined leggings, and similar pants are essential to any Scotland packing list. My legs were warm enough in jeans, but a few days when the high was around 40, I opted to wear my fleece-lined leggings under them. Don’t forget warm socks!
Tops and Sweaters
What tops to wear in Scotland? A mix of t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters will get you by. I also recommend bringing a sweatshirt for layering. Unless you are going out for a nice dinner, you are going to be bundled up under your jacket.
Scarves and Accessories
I highly recommend bringing (or buying!) a scarf. I brought a huge blanket scarf with me, and its extra warmth around my neck was perfect when the wind picked up. Scotland is known for its fine wool, so if you want a souvenir that is also functional, a nice tartan scarf is the perfect one. My husband appreciated a hat and gloves for himself, especially when we hiked Arthur’s Seat.
Toiletries
Pack all your normal toiletries, but bring extra hair ties if you have long hair like me. My hair was more like a birds nest by the time we returned to our room every night! If your skin gets dry and chapped, bring extra lotion or other soothing creams.
Electronics + Entertainment
You will need a power adapter if you’re going from the United States to Scotland. I recommend buying a universal adapter to take on all your trips! You should also bring a book or Kindle for entertainment or relaxing before bed at night.
Scotland Outfit Ideas
If you’re looking for Scotland outfit inspo, look no further! With only a few pieces of clothing, I was able to mix and match for a new look every day. I even brought a dress and skirt for fancier photos. But don’t let my smile in the green skirt confuse you. That was the coldest day and my whole body was numb by the time I finished taking photos 🤣
PS - Pin these for later!
Final Thoughts on What to Wear in Scotland in Spring
I hope you enjoyed this Scotland packing list covering what to wear in Scotland in the Spring! I loved going to the land of my ancestors, and it quickly became one of my favorite countries. I cannot wait to explore more of it!
For more Scotland inspiration and information, check out my other posts!
One Week in Scotland Without a Car
One Fantastic Day Trip to Stirling