Ultimate Scotland Packing List to Stay Warm and Dry

The United Kingdom is known for being rainy. In 2021, there were 148.7 days in which 1 mm or more of rain fell ¹. Scotland is colder than most of the United Kingdom, as it is the most northerly part of the island. It is also one of the wettest. Average winter temperatures range from 1 to 7 °C. Average summer temperatures range from 11 to 18 °C. There are about 17 hours of daylight hours in the summer in the Scottish Highlands, which offers tons of time to explore! I was genuinely surprised when visiting Inverness that it was still dusk around 11 pm! Don’t let this deter you: there are plenty of warm and sunny days to enjoy in Scotland. (When I went in June 2022, it was 18°C and sunny every day. I only had to wear my raincoat once in the eight days I was in Scotland, on the Isle of Skye). This Scotland packing list accounts for both wind and rain, year round! You will want to pack in layers and bring comfortable clothing to explore the country.

I personally like my packing list to rely on items I already have. Packing layers is the perfect way to not have to go out and buy something new. Creating capsule wardrobes, wearing multiple layers and being prepared are key!

I organize my packing lists with an app called Stylebook. I use it daily, but it’s also really helpful to visualize the items you’re packing in your bag.

Read more: How to Pack a Clothing Capsule for Travelling

What to Wear in Scotland

Scotland is very outdoorsy and eco-friendly, with more stylish clothing worn in Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can’t go wrong packing casual outfits for your visit. Plan to do a lot of walking, or sitting in a car driving around the countryside. The colour palette for Scotland is greens and browns and blues, to match the countryside. I always opt for a bright yellow to pop against the greens and blues of nature!

A mix of layers is ideal for Scotland. The wind can be chilly, but on a sunny day it can be quite warm! During my visit in June 2022, I was expecting cold and rainy and I got lucky with 18°C every day! Having layers to take off, or put on, during the day is a perfect way to stay warm and dry.

I love packing a clothing capsule when travelling. Choose a small variety of items that can all be styled together. I typically stick with neutrals and one bright jacket. I recommend shorts/dresses in the summer with a waterproof jacket and shoes, if possible. In the winter, you’ll be comfortable in a warmer jacket and pants but don’t forget about the rain either!

Scotland Packing List

Of course, adjust the amounts as required for the length of your trip!

• 1-2 activewear outfits (walking through the highlands or exploring the city)
• 2-3 casual day outfits (pants/t-shirts and dresses)
• 1-2 nightlife outfits
• 1-3 sweaters
• A waterproof jacket (warm jacket for winter)
• 1 pair waterproof shoes (Vessi’s are a great option, or hunter rain boots)
• The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is such a fantastic travel accessory to keep your essentials close
• A pair pj’s

Tops for Scotland

Spring, summer and fall are perfect seasons to visit Scotland. It’s warmer and you might luck out with sunny days! You’ll be comfortable exploring the country with layers of t-shirts, sweaters and pants. Spring and fall evenings may be a bit cooler so pack a sweater or bomber jacket for warmth.

I absolutely love this cropped wool jacket from Aritzia and these turtlenecks. Both are perfect to bring as layers. This cotton knit sweater from Province of Canada is also a dream! Comes in navy, forest green and tan, which are all perfect colours for Scotland.

Bottoms for Scotland

For the most part, you’ll be comfortable in pants year round. If you’re visiting in the middle of the summer you might want to bring shorts. These pants from Aritzia are my favourite travel pants because they’re stylish but very comfortable and pack up tightly without wrinkling. You’ll want to pack a pair of leggings or two for outdoor activities. I also have these brown corduroy pants from Patagonia that were perfect in Scotland.

Shoes for Scotland

Comfortable walking shoes will be your best friend. Waterproof is even better. Glasgow, Edinburgh and the highlands are very walkable. Vessi waterproof shoes are great for everyday and a pair of rubber boots are great in the highlands or on exceptionally rainy days.

Outerwear for Scotland

A waterproof jacket is a necessity. It is very likely it will rain while you are in Scotland. If you’re visiting in the winter, warmth is key and a waterproof down jacket is perfect. I have this down filled rain jacket that I bring everywhere. It packs up in a small bag, and is bright for awesome contrast in photos (see my link here for how much you need a yellow jacket for travelling). It’s a great layering piece for extra warmth in the morning!

The uncropped version of the Ganna Jacket from Aritzia is also a great layering piece. It’s 100% merino wool, so it will definitely keep you warm while in Scotland!

Colour Coordinating your Outfits for Photos

Another thing to consider is if you’re interested in coordinating your outfit to the scenery. You will find a lot of blues and greens and browns in Scotland, so contrasting colours like red and yellow give a perfect pop of colour. These brown corduroy pants from Patagonia with a forest green top/jacket looks wonderful. See my Stylebook packing list with outfit choices below!

Other Essentials for your Scotland Packing List

• A reusable water bottle. This is one of the top items that should be on every list! You can drink the tap water in Scotland.
• Towel/Flip Flops: if you plan to stay in a hostel, pack a pair of shower shoes and check to see if you have to bring or rent a towel.
• Sunscreen: While Scotland is rainy, you can get some beautiful sunny days! You’ll want to protect your skin from the harsh sun
• Toiletries/makeup: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, face wash, moisturizer, a comb/brush, etc.
• Photography equipment: including my camera, lens, tripod, shutter remote, extra SD cards, extra batteries and camera bag.
• Electronics and their chargers. This will include my camera battery, iPhone, Fitbit and Kobo chargers.
• Universal adapter.

Non-essential Packing Items

• Hair straightener – can double as a curling iron
• Especially these days, I pack these sanitary wipes in my bag to wipe down any plastic surfaces on the plane/public transport
• Cold medicine and Advil (considered a non-essential because you can buy some in Scotland if you need to).