How To Pack Like A Pro For Scotland (Fight The Wind & Stay Dry)

Key items: raincoat & umbrella.

Even while exploring major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, you’ll find yourself strolling through the (mostly wet) outdoors of Scotland. Especially if you’re planning for the Highlands, the Lochs (lakes) or the Isles. The most important thing you HAVE to bring is a raincoat, even if your trip is in July or August. The winds are harsh in Edinburgh and Glasgow is ALWAYS rainy. The Highlands are freezing cold and the Isles…well, they’re by the sea.

Since Scotland is situated in the northern part of the UK, temperature is typically lower than the rest of the British Isles. Winters have an average low of 0 °C (32 °F), summer reach the highest averaging 5–17 °C (59–63 °F). Due to Atlantic Ocean currents and the North Sea, west coast of Scotland is warmer than the east and inland. Check your weather app before you start packing.

Unlike other packing lists, we’re not separating the list in seasons. Rather, we’re providing a general list to help you stay warm, dry so you can fight the wind like a champ!

Here’s a list of must-pack items for every season:

• Raincoat & umbrella: prep for constant rain
• For walking all day: 1 pair of sneakers (or rainproof shoes)
• Sunscreen (men & women)
• Scarfs (men & women)
• Black leggings (women, to wear underneath your pants if you’re afraid of the cold)
• Jeans (men & women)
• Pairs of pants (men & women)
• Layer-friendly tops (men & women)
• Beanies (men & women)
• Giant winter coat (men & women)
• Thick sweaters (men & women)
• Pair of gloves (men & women)
• Thick scarves (men & women)
• Sunglasses (men & women)
• Activewear (men & women)
• Walkable flats (women)
• Short sleeve shirts (men & women)
• Swimwear (if your hotel has a pool, and for swimming in lochs)
• Shampoo
• Soap/shower gel
• Toothpaste + toothbrush
• Razor + shaving cream
• 1 bottle of lotion (men & women)
• Comb or brush
• Underwear (Ladies: bras)
• Socks
• If necessary: voltage converter (Voltage: 220-240 volt)
• Computer/phone chargers
• External battery
• Hard drive: to backup your images
• Money
• Passport
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Compass (for the Highlands)
• Flashlight
• Water bottle
• Camping essentials
• Blanket for picnics & camping
• Lighter
• Bug spray
• Journal

Have you been to Scotland? What else would you add to the list?

Wendy Hung

CEO, FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As the founder of Jetset Times, Wendy is an avid traveler and fluent in five languages. When she's not traveling, Wendy calls Paris and Taipei home. Her favorite countries so far from her travels have been: Bhutan, Iran, and St. Bart's because they were all so different!