Wondering what to wear in Scotland in October? In this guide we will tell you everything you need to pack for Scotland in October for the weather whether you are planning on visiting cities such as Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow, or are going hiking in the countryside in the Highlands.
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Weather in Scotland in October
Fall/Autumn is in full swing in Scotland in October. But what can you expect from Scotland’s Autumnal 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:
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
- What to wear in the Highlands
How cold is Scotland in October?
Fall definitely brings cooler temperatures in Scotland and the alter in October you travel the cooler it will be.
Generally speaking the average high in Scotland is 13 °C/55.4 and has average lows of 7 °C/44.6. Therefore layers are going to be really important on your Scotland Fall packing list.
It is also worth noting that the later in October and the further north you go the colder it will be. Also if you plan on doing mountain hikes, the higher you go the cooler it will feel.
Does it rain a lot in October in Scotland?
I always say that there is no such thing as a dry month in Scotland however October tends to be one of the rainier months.
On average Scotland sees over 175mm of rain in October and the rain falls on around 15 days of the month. Therefore some waterproof wear and a compact travel umbrella are definitely necessary.
Note: we always recommend checking the forecast at your destination(s) 7 days out from travel to make sure there are no expected weather fronts i.e. heatwaves or cold snaps.
How do Locals Dress in Scotland In October
Anyone who has lived, worked or even visited Scotland will tell you that you always need to have layers with you. And one of those layers should be waterproof including some waterproof shoes.
If you plan on doing day hikes or going for days out on the coast then a microfibre fleece is a good idea as it is very warm but also condenses down in backpacks easily.
What to Wear in Scotland in October
Best Shoes for Scotland in October
Due to the rain and the different types of landscapes you will encounter in Scotland we recommend packing at least 203 pairs of shoes for one week in Scotland. Personally I think the best shoes for Scotland in October are:
Sneakers
Sneakers are the best shoe for Scotland no matter the season in my opinion. They can cope with city terrains, hills and some of the less challenging hikes. Also you will find many locals will wear sneakers both in the city and the countryside.
Due to the weather in Scotland in October we do recommend packing sneakers that have some waterproofing or water resistance.
Click here to shop waterproof sneakers.
Hiking Boots (optional)
If you plan on sticking with the cities then you won’t need hiking boots. However if you are heading to the countryside and plan on doing some hiking in the highlands or near the lochs then then hiking boots are an absolute must.
If you are visiting October then you may also need to add gaiters to your packing list. As the weather gets Rainier, the trails get muddier so gaiters can become an essential.
Click here to shop hiking boots.
Ankle Boots
As the weather is changeable in Scotland in October we recommend having a leather boot with some waterproofing as well as a sneaker. Click here to shop ankle boots.
Though it is worth noting that many restaurants in Scotland will allow you to wear sneakers. Check any higher end restaurants for dress codes, and if they have none you could consider using smarter sneakers for evenings too.
What to Wear in Scotland in October for women
Trousers
Trousers are a great pick for Scotland in October as opposed to dresses and skirts. The reason is that they can cope with Scottish October weather such as wind and rain better.
I would recommend packing chinos and jeans as a better weight for October, especially the later in the month you travel.
But if you plan on going hiking in Scotland then I recommend you bring hiking trousers with you. Bringing a pair with some waterproofing and wind resistance is a good idea due to the weather conditions.
Skirts and dresses
Personally I find trousers more versatile for October however skirts and dresses are a good pick for smarter restaurants.
I tend to pick midi length dresses for October as I find they go better with ankle boots and tights.
Click here to shop Fall dresses for Scotland.
T Shirts
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.
For October I would recommend having a mix of long and short sleeve t shirts with you as the weather in October is quite changeable.
Blouses
A blouse works perfectly for base layer for smarter locales and dinners.
Sweater / Hoodie / Fleece
As October progresses you will need more and thicker layers.
As Scotland is a relatively casual place hoodies and sweaters are perfect for daytimes n the city and countryside.
However if you plan on doing longer hikes then a microfibre fleece is a great pick as it copes better with bad weather and is compact to pack down.
Coat
A waterproof warm jacket is a good idea for Scotland.
Click here to shop waterproof jackets.
Socks
Thicker socks rather than sneaker socks are best for Scotland in October.
Click here to shop hiking socks.
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
Goes without saying again.
Swimwear (optional)
Swimwear is definitely an optional item if you are visiting Scotland in October and only required if you are staying in a hotel with a pool. Otherwise leave the swimwear at home.
What to pack for Scotland in October for Men
Our Scotland packing list for men in October 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 October.
- Trousers – thicker trousers like chinos and jeans are best for October. But if you plan on walking then walking trousers with some waterproofing is a good idea.
- T Shirts – Mixture of long and short sleeve t shirts for day time and night. Polo shirts are also good in Scotland for night. The further in the month you visit the more long sleeves tees you need.
- Waterproof coat – necessary for cities and countries.
- Microfibre fleece – perfect for hikes as it packs down to almost nothing.
- Sweater / Hoodie – layers are needed even in the cities if you are traveling in October in Fall.
- Shirts – long sleeve shirts are more versatile for October.
- Sunglasses
- Sneakers
- Smarter Pair of Shoes for dinner – we recommend an ankle boot
- hiking boots – only if you plan on doing some longer hikes
- Pjs
- Underwear
What to Pack for Scotland in October
So now you know what to wear in Scotland in October, we will turn our attention to what to pack for Scotland in October other than clothing.
- Travel Adaptor for European plug sockets.
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Compact Umbrella – essential for any month in Scotland but especially October as there is around 15 days of rain in October.
- 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.
- Backpack – for storing items on your day trips.
- Insect Repellant – most years the midges in Scotland itend to have gone at the end of September. However if you are traveling in an atypically warm October there is still a chance you will experience midges.
- Camera – Scotland is a beautiful country you will want to take lots of photographs.
FAQs about what to wear in Scotland in October
Do I need a Jacket for Scotland in October?
I would definitely bring a warm jacket or warm coat for Scotland in October due to the temperature drop.
And where possible I always recommend having a coat or jacket with some waterproofing and wind resistance to cope with the Scottish Fall weather.
Do I need jeans for Scotland in October?
Jeans to me are the perfect daytime and evening trouser in October in Scotland.
Note: if you plan on visiting other parts of the UK as well be sure to check out our other British packing lists:
Do you have any questions about what to wear Scotland in October? Drop us a comment below and we will do our best to answer.