What are the best places to visit in Scotland during March?

Scotland's iconic destinations are particularly appealing in March when tourist numbers dip. The dramatic valleys of Glencoe the misty shores of Loch Ness and the rugged landscapes of Isle of Skye offer clearer views and quieter trails. Visitors can base themselves at the modern Pentahotel in Inverness or experience island life at the Dunroamin Guest House in Stornoway. One TourRadar traveler noted "The scenery was stunning and we were lucky with weather in early spring." The reduced crowds at Edinburgh Castle and Eilean Donan Castle allow for a more intimate exploration of Scotland's historic sites.

What is the weather like in Scotland during March?

March weather in Scotland brings a mix of seasonal changes with temperatures ranging from 4-10°C (39-50°F). The Highland regions near Inverness often see patches of snow and morning frost while cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow experience milder conditions. According to TourRadar travelers visiting Loch Ness in March: "The weather was quite dramatic with rapid changes from sun to rain to snow which made the experience even more memorable and authentically Scottish."

What special events or festivals happen in Scotland during March?

Scottish culture comes alive in March through various celebrations. Cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh host lively St. Patrick's Day events while the Fort William Mountain Festival showcases Highland culture and outdoor pursuits. Spring brings special whisky tastings at Bowmore Distillery on Islay and nature walks begin at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre near Inverness. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The Highland festivities in March added an extra cultural dimension to our trip."

Are tour accommodations heated well enough for March weather?

Scottish accommodations maintain comfortable temperatures during March's cool weather. Modern heating systems are standard at properties like the Pentahotel in Inverness and Dunroamin Guest House in Stornoway. The Skye Inn in Portree lets guests control their room temperature. As one TourRadar reviewer noted: "Our room at the Caledonian Hotel in Portree was warm and comfortable despite the March chill outside." Extra heating options and blankets are readily available at most properties.

What are the advantages of visiting Scotland in March versus peak season?

March visitors benefit from smaller crowds and better prices across Scotland. Tours like the 3-Day Orkney Explorer cost approximately USD 695 less than peak season rates. Popular attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness offer more peaceful experiences. A TourRadar traveler shared: "March was perfect - we got to experience the authentic Highland atmosphere without the summer crowds." The month also brings opportunities to see the Northern Lights particularly in northern regions like Orkney.

Is March a good time for whisky distillery tours in Scotland?

Distillery tours provide an ideal indoor activity during March's cool weather. Year-round tours operate at locations like the Bunnahabhain Distillery on Islay and Tomatin Distillery near Inverness. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The March weather made distillery tours especially appealing - warming up with a dram while learning about whisky production was a highlight."

Scotland Tours in March 2026

10 best Scotland trips in March 2026

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In-depth Cultural
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
4.5 (38 traveler reviews)
"The accommodations were quite comfortable and the breakfast yummy. We plan to take another tour soon."
Christopher, traveled in December
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
From
US$311per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
12 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"TourRadar took care of hotels, transfers, breakfast, and the castle tour. That left us to decide what we wanted to see which was great!"
Lisa, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Inverness
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $1,649
US$1,072per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Mar, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Mar, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
5.0 (1 traveler 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, Glasgow
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
11% Off
From $1,765
US$1,570per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Mar, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Mar, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The tour was a great experience, with beautiful scenery and comfortable accommodations."
Angela, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness,Kirkwall,Orkney Islands,Ullapool,Culloden+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $1,845
US$1,476per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
11 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
Scottish Escape
5.0 (139 traveler reviews)
"Always great experiences. Been traveling with you for years."
Victoria, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Glasgow, Stirling, Fort William, Inverness, Pitlochry,St Andrews,Edinburgh+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
20% Off
From
US$1,459per person
Price based on Private Double Room
8 Mar, 2026
7 spaces left
22 Mar, 2026
7 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
4 Day Islay Whisky Tour
4.7 (11 traveler reviews)
"I love the additional historical sites we were able to see both on and off Islay. I think the tour was well paced."
Gabrielle, traveled in September
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Inveraray, Islay Island, Glasgow
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Scottish Routes
20% Off
From
US$1,432per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Mar, 2026
10+ spaces left
23 Mar, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Best of Scotland Small-Group Tour - 5 Days
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin,John O'Groats,Orkney Islands,Kirkwall,Skara Brae,Stromness,Ullapool,Culloden+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $2,420
US$1,549per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Mar, 2026
8 spaces left
13 Mar, 2026
8 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney (Hotel) - 5 days
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness,Kirkwall,Orkney Islands,Ullapool,Culloden+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $2,160
US$1,728per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
13 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Whisky Coast & Loch Lomond - 4 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Wonderful tour, especially the great service."
Michael, traveled in May
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Oban, Islay Island, Bowmore, Ardbeg, Laphroaig,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Inveraray+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Argyll
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $1,710
US$1,368per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
30 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
4-Day Islay & the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
5.0 (13 traveler reviews)
"Great trip throughout the four day tour. Would highly recommend."
Robert, traveled in June
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban,Kilmartin,Bowmore,Islay Island,Ardbeg,Laphroaig,Lagavulin,Inveraray+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Argyll
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie's Tours
20% Off
From
US$1,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 Mar, 2026
6 spaces left
30 Mar, 2026
6 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
Isle Of Skye And The Highlands
4.7 (235 traveler reviews)
"Stunning scenery, we were lucky with weather."
Janice, traveled in August
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Spean Bridge, Fort Augustus,Kyle of Lochalsh,Portree,Storr Mountains,Kilt Rock,Dunvegan,Armadale,Mallaig,Glenfinnan,Fort William,Glencoe,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Stirling+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Scottish HighlandsNorthern ScotlandIsle Of Skye+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Explorer Tours
20% Off
From
US$515per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Mar, 2026
10+ spaces left
7 Mar, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
4.9 (1,018 traveler reviews) award winner
"The ideal length of time. I had as much fun on the bus as I did walking the sites. Accommodations were clean, well-organized and spacious."
Adrian, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Dunkeld, Loch Ness, Inverness,Torridon,Kyleakin,Isle of Skye,Portree,Armadale,Fort William,Glencoe,Oban,Callander,Stirling,Bannockburn+11 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
MacBackpackers
20% Off
From
US$513per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
$Orkney & Scotland\'s Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days Tour$
$Orkney & Scotland\'s Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days - 13 destinations$
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Explorer
Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The days were long and jam-packed with sights. I definitely got full value for my money."
Patricia, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin,John O'Groats,Orkney Islands,Kirkwall,Skara Brae,Stromness,Ullapool,Culloden+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $2,400
US$1,536per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
13 Mar, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
3 Day Isle of Skye
4.8 (1,237 traveler reviews) award winner
"Great holiday package and service with no issues at all. Will definitely book with you again."
Rochelle, traveled in April
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Culloden, Loch Ness, Dornie,Kyleakin,Isle of Skye,Portree,Uig,Fort William,Glencoe,Stirling+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
MacBackpackers
36% Off
From
US$255per person
Price based on Shared Room
6 Mar, 2026
10+ spaces left
20 Mar, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Scottish Highlands Escape
5.0 (188 traveler reviews)
"She was very knowledgeable and funny. We would definitely do this again."
Melissa, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Culloden,Fort William,Oban,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glasgow+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
36% Off
From
US$1,369per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Mar, 2026
7 spaces left
8 Mar, 2026
7 spaces left
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