What to wear in Scotland in August

Wondering what to wear in Scotland in August? In this guide we will tell you everything you need to pack for Scotland in August whether you are planning on visiting cities such as Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow, the Highlands or the countryside and lochs.

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Weather in Scotland in August

July and August are the hottest months in Scotland. However even in Summer you can experience a range of weather. In this guide we will give you a top level overview of Scottish weather. But if your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly:

• What to wear in Scotland in July
• What to wear in Scotland in September

However if you are only visiting one place in Scotland be sure to check out our location specific guide too.

• What to wear in Glasgow
• What to wear in Edinburgh in August
• What to wear in the Highlands

How hot is Scotland in August?

August is actually one of the warmest months in Scotland, along with July. Generally speaking the average maximum temperatures in Scotland in August averages around 15°C/59°F to 17°C/63 °F.

However depending on where you are you may find the wind can be strong and the temperatures feel cooler.

Does it rain a lot in August in Scotland?

There is no such thing as a dry month in Scotland.

You can get rain in Scotland in any month of the year. Depending on the year you can get somewhere between 8 to 15 days of rain in Scotland across the August.

How do Locals Dress in Scotland In August

Anyone who has lived or worked in Scotland will tell you that you always need to have layers with you even in Summer.

In the cities this translates to light weight denim jackets and cardigans or hoodies. However if you plan on doing day hikes or going for days out on the coast then a microfibre fleece is a good idea.

They condense easily so even if you are struggling to pack lightly this should fit into your luggage and it will protect against rain and wind better than hoodies and sweaters.

What to Wear in Scotland in August

Best Shoes for Scotland in August

Due to the variety of terrains and weathers you are likely to experience in Scotland in August, you will need at least a couple of different types of shoes with you depending on where you are going.

Sneakers

Overall sneakers are the best shoe for Scotland no matter the season. These can cope with city terrain, hills and some of the less challenging hikes.

Sneakers that have some waterproofing or water resistance are always a good idea for Scotland no matter the destination.

Hiking Boots (optional)

If you plan on sticking with the cities then you won’t need hiking boots but for more challenging hikes in Scotland then hiking boots or sandals are a must.

Sandals

Sandals, of the non hiking variety are a great choice for Summer in Scotland. In the city you will need a shoe with arch support as there is lots of uneven terrain in places like Edinburgh. They are also a good choice for restaurants that have a smart casual dress code.

Please note though it you want a sandal with height for evenings, then I recommend a wedge over a heel as these are better in the cities.

But if sandals aren’t your thing espadrilles are another good choice.

What to Wear in Scotland in August for women

Do I need a Jacket for Scotland in August?

Not all summer packing lists include a jacket however for Scotland I would definitely bring a jacket.

Denim jackets are good for cities however a waterproof jacket with some wind resistance is good if you plan on hiking or heading to the coast or islands in Scotland.

Do I need jeans for Scotland in August?

Jeans aren’t always the thing that springs to mind when packing for a summer vacation. But jeans are a great addition to your Scotland summer packing list.

As you can get all the seasons in a day in Scotland it is a good idea to have warmer trousers with you in case of bad weather.

However you don’t need to worry about the style of jeans as in Scotland and the UK more generally you will see all styles of jeans from ripped, to skinny, baggy more. So pick the style of your preference as your jeans won’t mark you are a tourist.

Trousers

Trousers are another great pick for Scotland. Chinos, linen and cotton pants all work well for Scotland in August and walking trousers are an essential if oyu plan to head to the more rural areas, mountains or highlands or islands to hike.

If you can bring zippable hiking trousers with you that is preferable as they can cope with the broadest range of temperatures.

Shorts

It is absolutely fine to wear shorts in Scotland in almost any location including in the cities.

Skirts and dresses

Skirts and dresses are great for the cities but not the most practical for hiking in Scotland. Therefore we recommend packing a limited number of dresses or skirts for in the cities, but sticking to trousers and shorts for hiking.

The style of dress is down to personal preference as there are no dress code rules in Scotland you have to be mindful of.

T Shirts and Tank Tops

T Shirts are perfect everywhere in Scotland no matter the month of travel. As with jeans, the style is completely down to personal preference as you will see all sorts of t shirts on Scottish streets.

And if you prefer to wear tank tops and crop tops, then that is also fine in Scotland as it does not go against any Scottish dress code rules.

Generally speaking for Scotland in summer I would pack more short sleeve t shirts than long. However a couple of long sleeve t shirts are always a good idea too for cooler days in Scotland.

Blouse

A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights in Scotland. Also Scotland is famous for getting midges and mosquitos in the Summer. Blouses with longer sleeves are a great way of protecting your arms against them at night.

Sweater / Hoodie / Fleece

Although it is summer a top layer is an essential in Scotland. For cities and during the day I recommend packing a sweater or hoodie. However if you plan on heading to the coast or countryside we recommend packing a microfibre fleece.

These are lightweight and easy to pack down and offer better protection against wind and rain if you are out for the day in the countryside.

Socks

Although August is summer in Scotland we still recommend packing socks. Sneaker socks are good for in the city to help reduce sweat and odour. However if you plan to do hiking then you will need some thicker hiking socks with you.

Underwear

Goes without saying. 

Pashmina

A pashmina is always on my European packing list whatever the month. It is useful as it can act as a scarf or extra layer on cooler days.

PJs or Nightie

Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are an essential for Scotland in August. That is because a lot of accommodation in Scotland and in Europe generally will not have air conditioning. Therefore lightweight nightwear is a must.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential in Scotland especially in Summer. Be sure to pack a pair with good UVA protection.

Swimwear (optional)

Swimwear is definitely an optional item if you are visiting Scotland in August and are only required if you plan to head to the coast or are staying in a hotel with a pool.

What to pack for Scotland in August for Men

Our Scotland Summer packing list for men tends to follow the same rules as for women in terms of fabric selection and local fashion sensibilities.

However more specifically we recommend packing the below items for men visiting Scotland in August. 

• Trousers – we recommend selecting natural fabrics such as cottons and linen.
• Jeans – a good choice for Scotland no matter what time of year you are visiting.
• Hiking Trousers (optional)- only needed for those who are going out on day hikes in the countryside or along the coast. We recommend the zippable type in case of warm weather.
• Mixture of long and short sleeve t shirts for day time and night. Polo shirts are also good in Scotland for night. 
• Waterproof jacket – necessary for those traveling outside of cities no matter the month.
• Microfibre fleece – perfect for hikes as it packs down to almost nothing.
• Sweater / Hoodie – layers are needed even in the cities.
• Shirts – mix of long and short sleeve
• Sunglasses
• Sneakers
• Smarter Pair of Shoes for dinner
• Pjs
• Underwear

What to Pack for Scotland in August

So now you know what to wear in Scotland in the summer, we will turn our attention to what to pack for Scotland in August other than clothing.

• Sunscreen
• Aloe Vera / Aftersun – just in case you get burnt.
• Insect Repellant – Scotland is famed for its midges in Summer and it also gets mosquitos by still water. Therefore I strongly advise you to bring some insect repellant with you especially for out in the Highlands or countryside. The insects in Scotland are dangerous but are definitely an irritant.
• Travel Adaptor
• Power Pack / Battery recharger
• Crossbody bag – depending on where you are in Scotland will depend on how much this is needed But I would recommend a crossbody bag for cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. As with anywhere in the world tourist cities can attract pickpockets so any deterrents are worthwhile. 
• camera – Scotland is a beautiful country you will want to take lots of photographs.
• Quick Dry Towel – for if you are going to the coast.

FAQs about what to wear in Scotland in August

What to wear to the Edinburgh Fringe?

There aren’t many special events in Scotland that have a dedicated dress code. However one of the main events in Scotland in August is the Edinburgh Fringe. But is there a special dress code?

As the fringe is about theatre, street theatre and has lots of student performers so it should come as no surprise that there is a casual dress code through the Fringe events.

Therefore you should dress however you feel most comfortable. It is also worth remembering that there is a lot of walking between fringe events so you need to have shoes that are good for walking.

Note: if you plan on visiting other parts of the UK swell be sure to check out our other British packing lists:

• what to wear in London in July
• What to wear in London in August
• What to wear in the Cotswolds

Do you have any questions about what to wear Scotland in August? Drop us a comment below and we will do our best to answer.