What locations in Scotland are best to visit in May?

May brings excellent conditions to visit key Scottish destinations including the Isle of Skye Orkney Islands and the Scottish Highlands. The Trossachs National Park near Edinburgh comes alive with spring flowers while sites like Eilean Donan Castle and Culloden Battlefield offer quieter visiting conditions. The weather tends to be mild making it good for exploring coastal areas. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "May was perfect for visiting the Highlands - the mountains were still snow-capped but the valleys were green and full of wildflowers."

How crowded are popular tourist sites in Scotland during May?

Tourist numbers in May remain moderate before the summer rush begins. Major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness can be explored without large crowds while secluded spots like the Orkney Islands and Isle of Harris maintain their peaceful atmosphere. Accommodations such as the Kirkwall Hotel in Orkney and The Royal Hotel in Ullapool typically have good room availability. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "May was perfect timing - we could enjoy all the sites without the summer crowds."

What historical sites and castles are best to visit in Scotland during May?

Spring conditions make May an excellent time to explore Scotland's historic landmarks. Key sites include Eilean Donan Castle Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland. The Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns take on a special character during spring. Visitors can base themselves at the Nevis Bank Inn in Fort William or the Leonardo Hotel in Inverness for easy access. As one TourRadar traveler shared "Visiting the castles in May was perfect - comfortable temperatures for exploring and beautiful spring gardens in bloom."

What are the best hiking and outdoor activities in Scotland during May?

The mild May weather creates good conditions for hiking in Glen Affric the Quiraing on Isle of Skye and the Cairngorms National Park. Spring flowers emerge along trails like the Trotternish Peninsula which leads to the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock waterfall. Convenient bases for hikers include the Balmacara Hotel near Skye and the Pine Guest House in Inverness. A TourRadar traveler noted "The May weather was perfect for hiking - we saw incredible wildflowers along the trails and the views were crystal clear."

What special events and festivals can I experience in Scotland during May?

May marks the start of Scotland's festival season highlighted by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in the Highlands. The Highland Games begin with events like the Gordon Castle Highland Games in Fochabers showcasing traditional Scottish culture. Several historic hotels serve as convenient bases including the Columba Hotel in Inverness and the Royal Hotel in Stornoway. One TourRadar traveler noted "the timing was perfect to experience authentic Highland traditions and local celebrations."

Are the Scottish islands accessible in May?

Regular ferry services connect mainland Scotland to islands like Skye Orkney and the Outer Hebrides during May. Sea conditions tend to be calmer than winter making travel more reliable. Convenient mainland bases include the Pentland Hotel in Thurso and The Royal Hotel in Ullapool. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The May ferry crossings were smooth and the connections worked perfectly."

Scotland Tours in May 2026

10 best Scotland trips in May 2026

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In-depth Cultural
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
4.4 (39 traveler reviews)
"We saw so much of Scotland in two days!! The company was excellent in responding to any questions I had."
Sandra, traveled in April
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
20% Off
From $309
US$247per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
8 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Best of Scotland Small Group Tour
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The locations visited were very good. Both the city guides and guide in the highlands were very good."
Ann, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Firebird Tours
20% Off
From
US$4,183per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
10 May, 2026
10+ 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
20% Off
From $1,650
US$1,320per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10 spaces left
2 May, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The accommodations were very clean and tidy with a good location to town."
Victoria, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Ullapool, Stornoway, Inverness, Loch Ness,Cairngorms National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $1,900
US$1,520per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 May, 2026
4 spaces left
11 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour
4.7 (7 traveler reviews)
"The places we visited were fascinating and up to our expectations."
John, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Inverness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Callanish, Carloway,Luskentyre,Isle of Harris,Eoropaidh,Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Scottish HighlandsNorthern Scotland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
20% Off
From
US$694per person
Price based on Private Double Room
25 May, 2026
8 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
18% Off
From $1,910
US$1,566per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Inverness to the Outer Hebrides - 3 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The sites were many and we saw them all. We were not rushed at all."
Joan, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Inverness, Ullapool, Lewis, Luskentyre, Stornoway
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Scottish HighlandsNorthern ScotlandThe Hebrides+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $1,020
US$816per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
4 spaces left
4 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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$Scotland\'s Orkney Islands Tour$
$Scotland\'s Orkney Islands - 6 destinations$
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Explorer
Scotland's Orkney Islands
4.3 (6 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was excellent, providing loads of history. The accommodation was comfortable with a staff ready to meet traveller's needs."
Patricia, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Inverness, Loch Ness, Thurso, Stromness, Kirkwall
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Northern Scotland
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $2,650
US$2,120per person
Price based on Shared Room
12 May, 2026
6 spaces left
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Explorer
Outlander TV Trail - 4 days
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary and overall organization was good. I felt we did a lot more Outlander heavy stuff on day 1 and day 4 which I loved."
Lisa, traveled in September
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Culross, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness,Fort William,Glencoe+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $1,375
US$1,100per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
4 spaces left
5 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
Western Isles & Orkney (Hotel) - 9 days
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban,Isle of Mull,Glencoe,Fort William,Plockton,Isle of Skye,Loch Ness,Inverness,John O'Groats,Kirkwall,Orkney Islands,Ullapool,Culloden+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Scotland
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $4,440
US$3,552per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
4 spaces left
6 May, 2026
4 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
"It was so nice to have an itinerary planned, with transport and accommodation taken care of."
Linn, traveled in August
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 $510
US$408per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
11 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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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
"The atmosphere was incredible and I will 100% do it again!"
Francesca, traveled in August
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
20% Off
From $254
US$203per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 May, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Orkney & The Far North
5.0 (9 traveler reviews)
"We saw everything on my wish list and then some. Accomadations were excellent."
Carol, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glencoe,Fort William,Loch Ness,Inverness,Orkney Islands,Kirkwall,Stenness,Skara Brae,Dunrobin,Culloden,Cairngorms National Park,Pitlochry+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Scotland
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
20% Off
From
US$1,307per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 May, 2026
8 spaces left
14 May, 2026
6 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Scottish Royal
4.8 (22 traveler reviews)
"Great trip."
Delmiro, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Glasgow, Ayr, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glencoe,Fort William,Loch Ness,Inverness,Dornoch,Dundee,St Andrews,Edinburgh+8 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Royal Irish Tours
20% Off
From
US$3,332per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 May, 2026
4 spaces left
9 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
Western Isles & Orkney - 9 days
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The size of the tour as a 16 passenger mini coach was great. The amazing sights of the Orkneys & NC500 were fantastic."
Liz, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban,Isle of Mull,Isle of Iona,Glencoe,Fort William,Plockton,Isle of Skye,Loch Ness,Inverness,John O'Groats,Kirkwall,Orkney Islands,Ullapool,Culloden+13 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Northern ScotlandIsle Of SkyeOrkney Islands+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $3,695
US$2,956per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2026
4 spaces left
6 May, 2026
4 spaces left
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