These are long-term climate averages, not a forecast for June or December 2027. Scottish weather is changeable, so a single day can be noticeably warmer, colder, wetter or sunnier than the monthly average.
June: cool, mild and extremely long days
| City | Typical daytime high | Typical night low | Monthly rainfall | Days with measurable rain* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 17.4°C | 9.9°C | 66 mm | About 10 days |
| Glasgow | 17.7–17.8°C | 9.4–9.8°C | About 71–81 mm | About 13 days |
| Inverness | 17.0°C | 9.4°C | 62 mm | About 12 days |
| Stirling | 18.1°C | 9.8°C | 67 mm | About 12 days |
*A “rain day” means at least 1 mm of rain. It does not necessarily mean continuous rain throughout the day.
These figures are based mainly on the Met Office’s 1991–2020 station averages. Glasgow varies considerably across the metropolitan area: Springburn is somewhat drier, while Bishopton, west of the centre, is wetter.
What June will feel like
June is not hot in the Singapore sense. Expect:
- mornings and evenings around 9–12°C;
- most afternoons around 15–19°C;
- occasional pleasant days above 20°C, but do not plan on them;
- passing showers, cloudy spells and sunshine potentially occurring on the same day;
- cooler conditions when it is windy, especially on exposed hills and around lochs.
Rain is quite possible, but June is generally one of the better months for travelling. Edinburgh and Inverness are relatively drier; Glasgow is more exposed to rain coming from the west. The Met Office notes that eastern areas tend to be drier and sunnier than western and northern areas.
December: cold, wet and very short days
| City | Typical daytime high | Typical night low | Monthly rainfall | Days with measurable rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 7.3°C | 1.6°C | 67 mm | About 12 days |
| Glasgow | 6.4–6.8°C | 1.3–1.4°C | About 118–161 mm | About 15–18 days |
| Inverness | 7.3°C | 1.5°C | 73 mm | About 14 days |
| Stirling | 7.5°C | 1.1°C | 103 mm | About 15 days |
December averages come from the same Met Office 1991–2020 datasets. Glasgow’s wide rainfall range reflects the substantial variation between stations on different sides of the city.
What December will feel like
The thermometer may say 5–7°C, but rain and wind can make it feel considerably colder. You should expect:
- damp and chilly conditions;
- frequent rain in Glasgow and Stirling;
- frost or icy pavements in the mornings;
- occasional snow, particularly around Inverness and higher ground, but snow in the city centres is not guaranteed;
- limited time for outdoor sightseeing because darkness arrives between approximately 3.30 and 3.45 pm.
Sunrise and sunset
Around your likely travel date: 5 June
| City | Sunrise | Sunset | Approximate daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 04:30 | 21:50 | 17 hr 20 min |
| Glasgow | 04:35 | 21:55 | 17 hr 20 min |
| Inverness | 04:25 | 22:05 | 17 hr 40 min |
| Stirling | 04:30 | 21:55 | 17 hr 20 min |
By the summer solstice around 21 June, sunset is approximately:
- Edinburgh: 22:00
- Glasgow: 22:05
- Inverness: 22:20
- Stirling: 22:05
The sky does not become fully dark immediately after sunset. In Inverness near midsummer, it remains twilight through much of the night. Times are local British Summer Time and are rounded; exact times vary by a minute or two by date and location within the city.
Around the winter solstice: 21 December
| City | Sunrise | Sunset | Approximate daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 08:40 | 15:40 | Just under 7 hours |
| Glasgow | 08:45 | 15:45 | About 7 hours |
| Inverness | 08:55 | 15:30 | About 6 hr 35 min |
| Stirling | 08:45 | 15:40 | About 6 hr 55 min |
Sunrise and sunset calculations use local time and account for daylight-saving arrangements and atmospheric refraction. The earliest sunset occurs before the solstice, while the latest sunrise comes later in December.
June versus December for your trip
June is substantially better for an eight-day sightseeing trip. The temperatures are comfortable for walking, the rainfall is manageable, trains operate in daylight through scenic areas, and you can continue sightseeing until 8 or 9 pm.
December offers Christmas markets and a more atmospheric winter experience, but:
- usable daylight is less than half that of June;
- Glasgow and Stirling are appreciably wetter;
- outdoor attractions may close earlier;
- Highlands excursions are more vulnerable to poor visibility, frost and disrupted conditions.
For June, I would pack a waterproof jacket, a light fleece or sweater, long trousers, water-resistant walking shoes and a compact umbrella. A heavy winter coat is unnecessary, but relying only on summer clothing would be uncomfortable.
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