Scotland Tours in January 2026
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10 best Scotland trips in January 2026
Compiled by

MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
- Taste of Scotland | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
- 5 Day Inverness including Loch Ness Experience and Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
- Loch Ness & Highlands Express (Hotel) - 2 days
- 5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
- Loch Ness, Inverness & The Scottish Highlands - Small Group - 2 Days
- 5-Day Edinburgh and Glasgow by Train
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, St Andrews, Stirling, Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Glasgow Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki January departure dates
See All Departure Dates12 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 26 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $1,015
10% Off- US$914You save $102
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“we had a great tour guide with a great sence of humor.”
Susan, traveled in July
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden, Falkland, Culross Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates8 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left 15 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From
10% Off- US$302
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, PitlochrySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator BTOURS January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From $1,576
15% Off- US$1,339You save $236
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator WiseYatra January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $1,792
21% Off- US$1,416You save $376
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $1,302
7% Off- US$1,211You save $91
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glencoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From $705
15% Off- US$599You save $106
Duration 5 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $2,026
7% Off- US$1,884You save $142
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $780
36% Off- US$499You save $281
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $1,672
7% Off- US$1,555You save $117
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $3,511
7% Off- US$3,265You save $246
What people love about Scotland Tours in January
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
Went on the Scotland tour with megs and she was phenomenal. She had so much energy, was always so happy, and made sure everyone had a great time. Sure knew so much about all of our stops as well and the combination of her and our driver was perfect. It is tied for my favorite trip ever and megs was such a huge part of that. She was simply amazing.
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this, our first-ever bus tour. Our guide Chloe provided lots of historical, geographic, and cultural information through running commentary during our drives and at each of our stops. Her delivery was delightful and spirited, and she responded to our many questions with enthusiasm. At times the road noise made hearing her difficult, but Chloe turned up the volume when we let her know. We are in our 70's and were concerned about slowing the group down, but Chloe was able to accommodate me without impairing the others. The accommodations were quite comfortable and the breakfast yummy. We plan to take another tour soon.
- 3 Day Isle of Skye
The tour was fantastic. Our tour guide Neil was fun, told great stories, an absolute legend!! Definitely recommend.
What our customers ask about Scotland Tours in January 2026
What are the best places to visit in Scotland during January?
Scotland's most compelling winter destinations include Edinburgh Castle Glencoe Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Nature enthusiasts can spot winter wildlife at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in the Highlands while urban explorers find shelter in Edinburgh and Glasgow's many museums and traditional pubs. Accommodation options range from boutique properties like The Skye Inn in Portree to larger hotels such as the Leonardo Royal in Edinburgh. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Tom was a fantastic guide who really knew his stuff especially as he grew up on the Isle of Skye - this definitely enriched the winter tour experience."
Are Highland tours still operating in Scotland during January?
Highland tours continue throughout January with adjusted winter schedules. Companies like Highland Experience Tours and Rabbie's Tours maintain regular trips to Skye Loch Ness and Glencoe. Winter routes often use the Skye Bridge instead of ferries and accommodations include places like The Caledonian B&B in Portree. A TourRadar traveler noted "the winter route offered different but equally stunning perspectives of the Highlands."
What is the weather like in Scotland during January?
January temperatures in Scotland range from 1-7°C (34-45°F). The Highlands particularly around Glencoe and the Cairngorms often see snow while the Isle of Skye experiences strong winds and rain. Edinburgh and Inverness typically have milder conditions. TourRadar travelers often note how the weather creates a true Scottish atmosphere with one guest saying "the winter weather highlighted why everything is so green." Properties like The Skye Inn in Portree provide warm refuge during winter stays.
What special events or festivals happen in Scotland during January?
January's cultural calendar features Burns Night on January 25th celebrating poet Robert Burns with traditional suppers poetry readings and dancing. Edinburgh's Hogmanay festivities extend into early January while Glasgow hosts the Celtic Connections music festival throughout most of the month. From a January Intrepid tour a TourRadar traveler shared: "The Burns Night celebration at our hotel in Edinburgh was a highlight - trying haggis and joining the traditional Scottish dancing made for an unforgettable evening."
What are the daylight hours like in Scotland during January?
Scotland sees 7-8 hours of daylight in January. Edinburgh's sun rises around 8:30 AM and sets near 4:00 PM with even shorter days in northern cities like Inverness. Tour companies plan itineraries around these limited hours as noted by TourRadar travelers who mention that guides "expertly planned the day to maximize the available light." The Leonardo Hotel in Inverness offers a central location for winter exploration.
Are tourist attractions and historic sites open in Scotland during January?
Most major sites operate on winter schedules. Edinburgh Castle National Museum of Scotland and Stirling Castle maintain regular hours while some rural locations like Midhope Castle close. Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery provides an excellent indoor option. A TourRadar traveler on a January Highland Experience tour noted: "While some smaller sites were closed we had the benefit of exploring major attractions without summer crowds." The Old Waverley Hotel Edinburgh and Tongadale Hotel in Portree serve as convenient bases.
How busy are tourist attractions in Scotland during January?
January offers a quieter experience at major sites with reduced rates at hotels like the Old Waverley Edinburgh and Radisson Blu Glasgow. Popular attractions such as Edinburgh and Stirling Castles see fewer visitors. A TourRadar traveler from a January Rabbie's tour noted: "The smaller crowds meant we could really take our time at attractions and get perfect photos without waiting. Plus accommodations were more available and often at better rates."





















