What weather can I expect in Scotland during December?

Scotland's December weather means cold temperatures from -2°C to 7°C (28-45°F). Edinburgh and Glasgow stay a bit warmer than Highland areas like Inverness. The weather pattern includes regular rain and some snow in the Highlands. Days are short with the sun setting early around 3:30pm. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The winter weather added an ethereal atmosphere to the Highland landscapes though having proper winter gear was essential."

What are the most popular Christmas events and festivals in Scotland during December?

Edinburgh's Christmas Market fills Princes Street Gardens with craft stalls food vendors and carnival attractions. Over in Glasgow the George Square Christmas Festival brings a festive spirit with its ice rink and light displays. Inverness celebrates with a Highland-themed Winter Wonderland festival. The historic Royal Mile transforms into a holiday destination with TourRadar travelers noting the "enchanting holiday atmosphere along the historic streets."

Which Scottish destinations are best to visit in December?

City experiences in Edinburgh and Glasgow offer protection from winter weather with their markets and museums. The Scottish Highlands near Inverness and Fort William show off snow-touched mountains. The Isle of Skye presents stark winter beauty but weather can limit access. Accommodations like Edinburgh's Apex Waterloo Place Hotel or Portree's Tongadale Hotel give visitors warm bases for winter exploration.

Are Highland tours still operating in December?

Highland tours continue through December adjusting routes based on conditions. Popular stops include Glencoe Loch Ness and Fort William. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our December Highland tour with Rabbie's was magical with the snow-covered mountains though some hiking routes were adjusted for safety." Tour companies use winter-ready vehicles and guides who know how to handle seasonal challenges.

What are the best indoor attractions to visit in Scotland during December?

Edinburgh offers shelter from winter at the National Museum of Scotland and Royal Yacht Britannia. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow welcomes visitors year-round. Whisky enthusiasts can warm up at Glenturret Distillery in Crieff. The Old Waverley Hotel places guests near these indoor options. According to one TourRadar reviewer: "The museums were perfect for the December weather and the whisky tastings kept us warm and entertained."

What kind of accommodation options are available in Scotland during December?

Winter stays range from small B&Bs to upscale hotels. Edinburgh's Pentahotel offers modern comfort while Inverness's Royal Highland Hotel keeps Scottish traditions. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The B&B's were clean and the breakfasts ranged from good (Inverness) to excellent (Oban Portree)." Places like the Columba Hotel Inverness and Dalmore Guest House provide winter refuge with seasonal packages.

Scotland Tours in December 2026

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10 best Scotland trips in December 2026

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City & Culture
Skye High
4.7 (677 reviews)
"The scenery on the way back to Edinburgh was amazing. Overall I would recommend this tour to anyone."
Elaine, traveled in June
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Fort Augustus, Ben Nevis, Dunkeld, Callander,Glencoe,Fort William,Portree,Isle of Skye,Loch Ness,Forth Bridge+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Operated in
English
Operator
Haggis Adventures
25% Off
From $495
US$371per person
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Price based on Shared Room
5 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
4.5 (41 reviews)
"This tour was everything we needed. Carefree, well planned, great tour guide Cloe."
Alison, traveled in October
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden,Falkland,Culross+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
25% Off
From
US$313per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
5.0 (1 review)
"The planned activities were must-dos and we recommend doing everything extra that you can do!"
Jennifer, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness,Pitlochry,Fife,Forth Bridge,Glasgow,Luss,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Stirling+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
30% Off
From $2,219
US$1,562per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Magical Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour - 4 Days
4.5 (2 reviews)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, Killin, Glencoe, Fort William,Glenfinnan,Mallaig,Isle of Skye,Elgol,Kyleakin,Kyle of Lochalsh,Broadford,Kilt Rock,Dunvegan,Dornie,Fort Augustus,Dunkeld+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Scottish HighlandsNorthern Scotland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $1,635
US$1,046per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Taste of Scotland
5.0 (1 review)
"The landscapes were breathtaking, the roads were scenic."
Axel, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Glasgow, Glencoe, Fort William, Ballachulish, Glenfinnan,Mallaig,Fort Augustus,Inverness,Aviemore,Cairngorms National Park,Pitlochry,Edinburgh+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
BTOURS
36% Off
From
US$1,658per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
5 Day Inverness including Loch Ness Experience and Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Inverness, Loch Ness
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $1,311
US$957per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Glasgow, Inverness, Loch Ness
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $2,040
US$1,489per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
5-Day Edinburgh and Glasgow by Train
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glasgow
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $1,683
US$1,229per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $3,535
US$2,580per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
Scottish Highlands Escape
5.0 (164 reviews)
"The trip was well planned and well organized - very enjoyable."
Kathleen, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Culloden, Inverness,Fort William,Oban,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glasgow+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
22% Off
From $1,359
US$1,059per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
4.5 (5 reviews)
"Sure knew so much about all of our stops as well and the combination of her and our driver was perfect."
Casey, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, St Andrews, Inverness, Loch Ness,Aviemore,Glasgow+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
22% Off
From
US$925per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
21 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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City & Culture
Highland Fling
4.7 (660 reviews)
"It was amazing."
Raj, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, Glencoe, Oban, Glenfinnan,Isle of Skye,Dornie,Inverness,Loch Ness,Beauly,Culloden,Dunkeld+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Operated in
English
Operator
Haggis Adventures
25% Off
From $915
US$686per person
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Price based on Shared Room
7 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness
4.6 (124 reviews) award winner
"Wonderful tour, thoroughly enjoyed."
Cathy, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, Glencoe, Oban, Fort William,Glenfinnan,Mallaig,Isle of Skye,Portree,Loch Ness,Inverness,Beauly,Culloden,Dunkeld+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Scottish HighlandsIsle Of Skye+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Explorer Tours
25% Off
From
US$859per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
14 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
City & Culture
3 Day Isle of Skye
4.9 (1,243 reviews) award winner
"An amazing weekend - made our experience so special!"
Nicola, traveled in April
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Culloden, Loch Ness,Kyleakin,Isle of Skye,Sligachan,Portree,Kilt Rock,Fort William,Ben Nevis,Glencoe,Doune,Stirling+10 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
MacBackpackers
25% Off
From
US$257per person
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Price based on Shared Room
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
City & Culture
Isle Of Skye And The Highlands
4.7 (244 reviews)
"we had a wonderful tour!"
Miranda, traveled in August
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree,Fort Augustus,Dunkeld+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Scottish HighlandsIsle Of Skye+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Explorer Tours
25% Off
From
US$529per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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