What to Wear in Scotland: Must-Have Packing List for All Seasons

There is an old Scottish saying that goes, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes”.

Which, after leaning on both sides of this argument, galavanting around Scotland in both the right and horribly wrong clothing, I can tell you that knowing what to wear in Scotland will make a significant difference in how comfortable you are on your trip.

Scotland’s weather tends to run on the milder side year-round, but you want to be prepared for spring, summer, fall, and winter because you can experience all four seasons in a day. It sounds a little daunting, but you’ll be prepped to take on the seasons after I take you through this packing guide.

This detailed Scotland packing list is going to take you through all the essentials you need to stay warm and dry in Scotland. I break down what to wear, what not to wear, what to pack for each season, and essentials for city and highland travel.

At the end, there is a complete Scotland packing list breakdown so you can make sure you have everything you need.

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What To Wear in Scotland

No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing in Scotland, what to wear boils down to a few key principles. I recommend you wear and apply these year-round in Scotland no matter the season.

natural, quick-drying fabrics | As opposed to synthetic that aren’t breathable and take a long time to dry.

comfortable shoes | One pair of shoes and one pair of boots that you’ll be comfortable walking in for extended periods of time. Many people recommend waterproof shoes, but if you don’t own them, I don’t recommend going out of your way to buy them. Instead, bring sturdy shoes and avoid thin shoes with canvas or ballet flats that will soak up water easily.

layered clothing | So when the weather changes, you can shed or add layers as needed. You can and will experience a variety of different temperatures traveling around Scotland, and having clothing that layers properly will be a lifesaver.

weather protective accessories | A hat, gloves, and a scarf can come in handy year-round in Scotland.

sun protection | Scotland may be known for wind and rain, but that doesn’t mean the sun is shy year-round. You’ll still be susceptible to sunburns if you aren’t careful. I love Summer Fridays Shade Drops for everyday coverage. Bring a hat and a pair of sunglasses, too.

What not to wear in Scotland

These are a few items you’ll want to avoid bringing or wearing when visiting Scotland.

kilts | Typically, the Scottish only wear this traditional garment for special occasions or during the Highland Games. If you’re wearing one out and about you may look a little silly, but it’s not offensive as long as you’re wearing it properly. Kilts are worn by men in Scotland, so this doesn’t apply to women wearing tartan or plaid skirts.

high heels | Unless you have a specific occasion or dinner to wear these for, leave them at home. All the cities in Scotland have a foundation of cobblestone, and it will be a nightmare to navigate in a strappy stiletto.

umbrellas + plastic ponchos | Specifically in the Highlands or anywhere outside of a city. The wind will render an umbrella useless and plastic ponchos are just a waste. It’s better to have a high-quality waterproof jacket.

bulky suitcases | When you think about road tripping, getting on and off trains, and moving from city to city, you want luggage that won’t be a hassle to move around. Bulky suitcases and cobblestones are not friends.

short skirts | Unless you have proper coverage underneath. The Scottish wind is not forgiving.

denim jeans | If you’re visiting the spring and fall months which are particularly wet, avoid denim as it takes a long time to dry.

What To Pack For Each Season in Scotland

Generally, the types of clothes you pack for Scotland are the same no matter what season you visit. Still, because there are significant temperature differences throughout the year, there are some things you’ll want to add to your packing list.

I go into detail about each season and what to expect in my guide on the Best Time To Visit Scotland.

For Summer in Scotland

sunglasses | Scotland may have a reputation for its dreary weather, but the sun does peek out and you’ll want eye protection.

hat | To protect your face from the sun.

sunscreen | At least SPF 30.

waterproof jacket, pants + shoes | Especially if you’re visiting any of the outer isles or going on tours through the Highlands.

midge/bug repellant | You won’t need this in cities really, but you will in the Highlands. Buy some when you get to Scotland.

swimsuit | For saunas, hot tubs, or brave dips in a loch.

For Fall in Scotland

waterproof boots | A good sturdy pair of boots are perfect.

long bottom layers | Think midi skirts and longer pairs of trousers.

fleece-lined tights | If you want to wear skirts in Scotland, these will help keep you warm and stylish.

sweaters/cardigans | For layering over long sleeves or under bulkier jackets.

For Winter in Scotland

hat, scarf + gloves | All three to help keep you warm.

baselayers | Wear these underneath all your outfits and you’re guaranteed to be warm throughout the day.

packable down jacket | Down is invaluable on a cold winter day.

winter jacket | Something like a long wool coat or something chunkier that’s easy to layer underneath.

fleece-lined tights | Again, if you want to wear a skirt or keep warm under pants, these are gold.

For Spring in Scotland

a proper raincoat | Although it may not seem like, fashionable raincoats DO exist.

gloves + scarf | Even in Spring has cooler days and these will come in handy.

layered clothing | Sun? Rain? Snow? You never know in the springtime, so be prepared to shed and add layers.

long wool coat | Or another kind of light coat you can wear over everything.

waterproof boots | Spring is one of the wettest times in Scotland, so these will keep your feet dry and warm.

sun protection | Always necessary.

Scotland Packing List Essentials

WHERE you’re traveling in Scotland will play a big factor in what you pack for Scotland. I’ve broken this section down into three categories: cities, Highlands, and road trips, so you can ensure you have the absolute essentials for whatever your itinerary includes.

What to pack for cities in Scotland

A day in Edinburgh in Glasgow will be more comfortable with these items.

reusable water bottle | I’m American, which means paying for water is a criminal offense. Bring a reusable water bottle, then pop into any Starbucks, and they’ll fill it for free. After the reign of the Stanley Cup, everyone is bound to have one, so bring what you’ve got.

power bank | I use my phone much more when I travel for maps and recommendations, so my battery tends to plummet a lot faster. This one can fully charge your phone full times over.

camera | Phone. film. Disposable. DSLR. Mirrorless. Something to document your trip. Don’t forget extra batteries and SD cards.

travel umbrella | Outside of a city? This thing is useless. However, it can come in handy when exploring Edinburgh and Glasgow.

no-fee credit card | Any kind of card without foreign transaction/ATM fees is a must when traveling anywhere abroad. I’ve used a card with Charles Schwab since I started traveling and love it.

comfortable shoes | A pair that are comfortable and durable when walking for long periods of time.

What to pack for the Scottish Highlands

This is everything you need to hike safely and comfortably in the most beautiful region of Scotland.

waterproof hiking shoes | The second most important item after a proper jacket. If you don’t own a pair, these waterproof hiking boots are durable and affordable.

wool socks | These are fast-drying and have ideal thermal regulation in hot and cold temperatures. I swear by Smartwool.

waterproof jacket | #1 essential. A waterproof jacket is the first thing you should pack in your suitcase.

waterproof pants (consider) | For casual hikers, these may not be necessary, but if you’re doing some serious full-day hikes, waterproof pants are essential to keep you dry.

headlamp | A trip to the Highlands will generally have some sunrise missions squeezed in there somewhere. A headlamp will come in handy.

first aid kit | This waterproof and lightweight first aid kit has everything you need for a day of hiking. I take it on all my hiking trips and I love that you can order refills for it.

midge repellant | You can purchase this when you get there or bring bug spray you already have. Smidge is the most popular U.K. brand.

day hiking bag + 10 essentials | Around 30 liters is the perfect-sized day bag to fit everything you need.

offline hiking maps | Having an offline hiking map is crucial in a foreign country.

What to pack for a Scotland road trip

Driving the North Coast 500? I’m jealous. Here are the must-haves for a road trip in Scotland.

vehicle power inverter | This device uses your car battery to serve as a portable electrical outlet. It’s especially handy if you’re traveling with a bunch of different electronics.

car charger | One or two cables depending on how many people you’re traveling with.

reusable water bottle | To save waste and money as I mentioned above.

google maps offline | So you can get directions, even if there isn’t any service. Instructions here.

binoculars (consider) | If you already own some, bring them. Otherwise, don’t go out of your way to purchase a pair.

cooler bag | To keep cold items in the car. This is something you can purchase on arrival if you want to save some luggage space.

snacks | The U.K. is known for its candy and snack selection.

good music or podcasts | Make sure they’re downloaded on Spotify or Audible before you arrive in Scotland.

cash | As you get more remote in Scotland, there will be businesses that only accept cash. Have about 100£ on you, broken down into smaller notes.

Complete Scotland Packing List

Below I have a complete Scotland packing list fleshed out to make sure you have absolutely everything you need for your trip.

It covers more than basic essentials and includes the nitty gritty things most people forget. For better ease of use, get my free Scotland packing list printable (coming soon).

Things to consider when packing for Scotland

The way you dress and pack for Scotland is similar to most trips abroad, but there are a few things you need to be aware of before you zip up that suitcase.

layer, layer, layer | Even during the summer months, the weather can change at a moment’s notice in Scotland. By bringing layers, you can adjust accordingly.

wind and rain | Two things Scotland is infamous for. You won’t regret having a proper raincoat.

activities | Three-day tours into the Highlands and visits to other rugged experiences are common on Scotland itineraries. Make sure you have the right clothes for hiking, and if applicable, camping.

dinner plans | Have a reservation for the opulent high tea at The Dome or a nice dinner in Edinburgh? Make sure you have something nice to put on.

Your Luggage For Scotland

The mobility of your luggage is a big factor to consider for your Scotland itinerary. Bring a backpack or suitcase that is easy to move around in case you’re doing mini road trips within the country or multi-day tours through regions.

It’s common to city-hop or change places every few days, so you’ll want something easy to transport.

carry-on sized backpack | Everyone has loyalty to their favorite brand. Mine is with Osprey. Their Fairpoint 40L backpack or Porter 46L are durable and will fit everything you need for your trip. I’ve used mine since I started traveling, and it looks brand new.

carry-on suitcase | Traveling carry-on only saves you a ton of headaches when you travel. No luggage fees and fewer things to lose are the two biggest for me. Consider something bigger if you plan to do some shopping and bring some famous Scottish whisky home.

packing cubes | By now, it’s universal knowledge to travel with packing cubes to keep your things organized.

shoe bag(s) | In the event you have muddy or wet shoes and don’t want them to get the rest of your suitcase, bring a shoe bag.

Make sure to put something on your bag to make it easier to identify at the airport: a scarf, key chain, etc..

purse or belt bag | Any small kind of bag to fit everyday essentials like cash, cards, headphones, and lip balm.

small day backpack (consider) | A must-have for day hikes so you can fit the 10 essentials inside. This 27 L backpack from Osprey is my absolute favorite and it comes with a hydration bladder.

Clothes To Pack For Scotland

The clothes you wear in Scotland can be close to what you wear around town at home. It’s a big city, but it has a small-town feel. People aren’t overly fashionable, but their casual is still a little elevated.

The most important thing to pack is going to be layers since the weather in Scotland can change so fast. Also, items to keep you dry, like a good rain jacket and waterproof shoes.

My recommendations below are general, so if you’re doing more hiking, swap things accordingly to suit your needs for those conditions.

4-5 x shirts | Pack basic colors that match your other clothing and throw in a fun color to spice things up.

2 x long-sleeved shirts | Great for layering under sweaters.

5 x pants | Jeans and trousers fit in perfectly with the local Scottish style. If you’re visiting in the summer months, consider swapping one or two pairs for shorts.

3 x skirts | Mid or long lengths. You don’t want to be in a short skirt when Scotland’s famous winds pass through.

2 x dresses | I love wearing these when I have outfit decision fatigue. They’re also easier to layer underneath for colder temperatures.

2-3 x lightweight sweaters | A must-have no matter the season.

1 x lightweight rain jacket | Grab a rain jacket that packs down small and keeps you dry.

1 x pajamas | Whatever you’re comfortable in, factor in dorms if you’re staying in hostels.

5 x socks | A variety to cover all your bases. Consider packing a few pairs of wool ones in case you’re going hiking.

10 x undies | Otherwise, it’s never a bad idea to overpack undergarments.

5 x bras | Bring a mix of whatever you’re comfortable wearing and two sporty bras if you’re doing outdoor activities.

1 x sunglasses | It may be overcast a lot in Scotland, but you’ll still need these.

1 x hat | Beanie or ball cap.

1 x swimsuit | Depending on your itinerary, you may or may not need to bring this.

waterproof hiking pants (consider) | Any rigorous hiking will warrant these essential for you to pack. Make sure they’re comfortable and roomy enough to wear something underneath.

Shoes

You don’t need any fancy shoes for Scotland because comfort and practicality go way beyond anything trendy or fashionable.

Casual but a little dressed up is what to shoot for, and you only need one or two pairs of shoes to achieve this:

comfortable walking shoes | Chances are, if you’re visiting Scotland you’re going to end up in Edinburgh or Glasgow some point in your itinerary, even if it’s only for one day. All of these cities have one thing in common: a lot of walking. A pair of comfortable shoes is essential because all the cobblestone will take a toll on your back eventually. Edinburgh is known as a city built on seven hills. Pack accordingly.

boots | Pack these if you want a little bit more variety for your outfits. Doc Martens and Blundstones are two great options to pack if you already own them.

waterproof hiking shoes (consider) | If you’re not going hiking in the Highlands, you don’t need to worry about bringing hiking shoes. If you are headed out there, you’ll want a sturdy pair of shoes that are waterproof. These top-rated hiking boots (women/men) are a good option if you want something of quality but not overly expensive.

sandals | These will come in handy if you’re taking a dip in the Faerie Pools or visiting spas. I love these Tevas because they’re stylish and practical for traveling.

Toiletries

Hygiene items are one of the most important things to pack for Scotland because we all have specific needs and preferences when it comes to our daily routines. Picky or not, here’s everything I recommend bringing with you.

toiletry bag | I’ve used my Tom Bihn Deluxe Spiff Kit for nearly ten years now and my god I love it. It has a bunch of different compartments, a hook to hang it (a crucial feature), a mirror, and comes with small containers to put liquids in. They’re USA-made, have a lifetime guarantee, and are nearly a black hole for your items. So much fits in this thing.

shampoo | All my hair products go in these silicone tubes that are carry-on friendly.

conditioner | This is a different story as I’ve had trouble getting good use out of a conditioner bar. I typically just bring a good amount of my favorite in a few silicone travel tubes and ration accordingly.

soap | If you haven’t been introduced to the wonder that is Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 castile soap, today is the day. This stuff can clean nearly anything you need it to. It’s also extremely concentrated so even one of their little travel bottles goes a LONG way.

toothbrush | Use what you’ve got, but I can’t recommend my Philips Sonicare One toothbrush enough. It’s electric, but compact and perfect for travel.

toothpaste | We’re all victims to the cute little travel toothpaste tubes.

floss | I am old school with the string, but the picks are good too.

facewash | Whatever you need for your skin type.

moisturizer + other skincare | Acne treatments, that snail goo, and anything else. I recommended choosing one or two must-have products and leaving the rest behind. Traveling with a 10-step skincare routine is just a headache, trust me.

body lotion | Enough to last the length of your trip. Otherwise, you could pick some up when you get there.

razor | I haven’t used disposable razors for almost 10 years now thanks to my brass safety razor. While I love mine, they’re difficult to travel with because you can’t take blade replacements in a carry-on (ask me how I know lol). If you’re planning to check your bags, a safety razor is what you should be traveling with if you’re not already. The razor lasts a lifetime and blade replacements cost pennies, so you won’t have to worry about finding disposables abroad. If you’re not checking a bag, try this travel-friendly razor.

deodorant | I found myself always going back to the same crystal mineral deodorant. It’s inexpensive, lasts for at least a year (as long as you don’t drop it), and won’t ding TSA going through airport security. Bring what WORKS for your pits, though. Don’t put your neighbor on the plane through the natural deodorant funk.

sunscreen | I LOVE this daily sunscreen from Summer Fridays. It’s moisturizing, SPF 30, and gives your skin a hydrating finish.

hairbrush or comb | Grab a smaller, travel-size brush for your trip to save space. Don’t knock the comb, though. I once used one on a trip to Big Bend and now I won’t ever go back to a regular hairbrush.

hair ties / hair clips | These things tend to run off into the night, so a pack is good to have with you.

nail clippers | Great to have, but you may not need them if your nails are done.

tweezers | A splinter here, a stray eyebrow hair there, these will be handy in some way or another.

reusable q-tip | Not as gross as it sounds. Easy to clean with an endless life, I swear by Last Swab.

lip chap | Whatever is your favorite.

retainer | If applicable.

makeup | I bring the essentials and a fun lip combo. You don’t need to go too crazy, but everyone has their own routine they love. Just double-check sizes so they don’t get taken from TSA.

perfume or oils | I always bring my favorite perfume oil or a small roller.

condoms | You know what they say about a man in a kilt right?

menstrual disc | This device has made my period exponentially less of a headache when I travel.

emergency sanitary supplies | a pad here or a tampon there just in case you’re in a bind.

contraception | Whatever you use, just don’t forget it.

Safety + Money

Scotland is a very safe country for travelers, but bring these items with you to cover your bases if anything gets lost or stolen.

combination locks | To keep your belongings safe while in transit.

bank + credit cards | Redundancy is key. Bring a card that doesn’t charge you foreign transactions or ATM fees (Charles Schwab is a great one I use personally).

emergency cash | You don’t need too much as Scotland is largely digital, but having spare cash will be handy if your cards stop working, they’re stolen, or if you run into any other issues.

passport | Make sure it’s valid, not near expiration, and has plenty of free pages.

copies of important documents | Driver’s license, social security card, passport, vaccination documents, insurance details, and anything else important. Redundancy is key so have physical copies and upload everything to a Google Drive.

visa | New in 2025, U.S. citizens, and anyone from Canada and Australia will be required to apply for permission to enter the United Kingdom through an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Read more about the ETA and apply here. If you’re outside of those countries, double-check check requirements for entry to ensure you have everything you need.

First Aid

All cities and towns in Scotland have a place for first aid products, so you don’t need to pack an apothecary with you, but these things will come in handy.

basic first aid | headache reliever, pain reliever, anti-acid, laxative, anti-diarrhea, and anything else you might need.

midge repellant | If you’re visiting Scotland in the summer and visiting the countryside, you’ll need some kind of strong bug repellant. Those little suckers are relentless.

dramamine | If you’re driving around the Highlands or taking any sort of bus tour, you’ll want some type of motion sickness medication. These motion sickness patches work really well for me and I’m very susceptible to getting sick.

vitamin c | These are great for a little immunity boost from the planes.

prescription medications | Birth control, anxiety, whatever keeps you afloat.

Travel Insurance

While we would all love for our trips to smoothly all the time, that’s not reality.

Cancelled flights? Lost luggage? Did you miss a connection? Travel insurance will cover you for all of that, and more.

So if you’re wondering if travel insurance is necessary, it absolutely is.

Most travelers opt out of travel insurance when getting quotes. Not because it’s expensive, but because they’d rather put that money towards their adventures. However, no one is immune to an accident and I’ve heard some horror stories about people that weren’t covered. It really can happen to anyone.

The key is finding the policy that works for you. World Nomads and Safety Wing are the two travel insurance companies most, if not all travelers use exclusively. Some tend to prefer one over the other, but they both offer basic and comprehensive plans that make it easy to select the right one for you.

Travel insurance is your most important packing list item and costs as little as $2 per day.

Don’t go to Scotland without it!

Technology

Have you reverted back to the days of the flip phone, or do you have photos to get for the ‘gram?

Either way, bring what works best for you. Here is a general overview of basic tech for a trip to Scotland.

smartphone | All of our lifelines when it comes to traveling.

eSIM | A crucial thing to pack for connecting to local networks. I prefer Airalo since you can add data and see everything directly from your phone. They also have strong connections around Scotland.

phone charger | Crucial.

universal plug adapter | A lot of plug adapters are duds, but not this one.

power bank | No one wants to have to go back to the hotel to charge their phone, do they?

headphones | Cord or no cord, I always travel with a pair.

airtags | Lost bags are slowly becoming an epidemic. Pop an Airtag in your bag and never lose your luggage.

Additional Tech

kindle | For lazily passing time in some of the best coffee shops.

laptop | Didn’t you hear? Digital nomads and WFH are all the rage.

laptop charger | A painful thing to leave off a packing list.

adapters | Any adapters you need for your model computer for reading sd cards, etc.

camera | Use your phone, a little point-and-shoot, or a full-on camera to capture all those memories.

lenses | Wide, telephoto, and something in between. You’ll want a good variety when you’re in Scotland.

drone | Scotland is a paradise for droners.

sd cards | Not just any, SD card. SanDisk Extreme PRO is the way to go. With ample storage, of course.

sd card holders | This Pelican case is trusty and durable.

mini extension cord | If you’re traveling with a large group, this will be more than handy. This one has USB ports.

harddrive | I’m convinced you could throw this external harddrive into a flaming pit of lava and it would still work.

lens cleaning kit | To keep your photos clear.

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If you have any questions about what to wear in Scotland, please feel free to message me on Instagram if you need more advice. Otherwise, browse my other Scotland guides to help you plan your trip:

Best Time To Visit Scotland

46 Scotland Travel Tips

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Tips For Traveling Scotland On A Budget

Isle of Skye Itinerary

Where To Stay on the Isle of Skye

How To Get From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye

Old Man Of Storr Hiking Guide

Edinburgh Itinerary

Best Day Trips From Edinburgh

Best Hostels In Edinburgh

Best Coffee Shops In Edinburgh

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