Scotland Packing List: What to Pack for your Next Scotland Trip

Going to Scotland? You may be wondering what to put on your Scotland packing list. Packing for a trip can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Scotland is known for having somewhat erratic weather but there are some staples to add to your suitcase for Scotland so that you can be both practical and stylish on your trip. Read along if you want to pack all of the things you’ll need (and none of the things you don’t) to look good for your next trip to Scotland.

1. Consider the Season/Weather

The main thing you need to know about making your Scotland packing list? No matter what season it is, it rains… a lot. Consider the high amounts of rainfall especially if you are traveling to Scotland in the fall or winter (primarily October- March), which are the rainiest seasons. That being said, you’ll still need plenty of rain and water-proof clothing + accessories if you visit in the spring and summer. I recommend bringing at least one of each of the following, no matter the season:

• rain jacket
• water-proof boots
• an umbrella
• a poncho (because sometimes Scotland is a little too windy for umbrellas)

As far as the seasons go, Scotland is usually pretty temperate year-round and it doesn’t get very hot. It can be anywhere from the low 20s to mid 50s (fahrenheit) in the winter and fall, and from the 40s to 60s in the summertime. Combined with the intense Scottish wind? It can get very chilly, so be prepared to layer up if needed. I recommend bringing at least one of each of the following:

• Warm sweater
• A good windbreaker (this can double as your rain jacket!)
• Fleece-lined tights (a life saver if you want to be stylish and warm)
• wool socks (or any warm ones)
• a cozy scarf
• a layering t-shirt
• gloves

If you bring at least one of each of the above, you should be well-enough protected against the Scottish elements!

2. Bring Versatile Pieces/ A Capsule Wardrobe

One thing I always consider when packing for a trip is versatility- how can I reuse/repurpose my pieces to create multiple outfits? This way, I can cut down on bringing extra clothing and weighing down my bag. This is especially important when traveling somewhere generally cold. Your clothing will be heavier and bigger- so you’re already working with less space. I’ll bring timeless pieces that can hold up and match any outfit- no crazy patterns or unique trendy pieces. Here are some things I like to bring:

• a trench coat- timeless, classy, goes with everything and perfect for rainy days.
• a pair of good jeans- you can reuse these in multiple outfits!
• a few different neutral colored tops- I like to have a light (white), dark (black) and somewhere in between, maybe a color or striped pattern.

3. Consider your Scottish Destination + Itinerary

Obviously the next step is knowing what your itinerary is- are you going to be outside a lot? Are you going to be more active and do activities such as hiking? Or will you be mostly inside wandering through museums and nice restaurants? This will determine how much of a certain type of clothing to bring, and what you really won’t need to bring. On my trip to Scotland we were based in the capital city of Edinburgh, so I didn’t need to bring certain items (such as hiking boots- but if you’ll be exploring the Highlands, you may need them!) I always like to bring a mix of the following:

• a pair of nice walking shoes (tennis shoes)
• a pair of fancier shoes (can be flats, heels, or cute heeled boots)
• a ‘dress-up’ outfit (can be a dress, trousers, skirt or blouse combo)

4. Your Scotland Packing List

Hopefully by now you’ll have a better understanding of the types of items you’ll need to bring for your Scotland trip. Here’s a summary of the things I like to bring at least one of:

• Shoes:
  • tennis shoes
  • waterproof boots
  • fancier shoes (flats, heels, or heeled boots)
• Pants:
  • fleece-lined tights (can be worn under skirts or double as insulation under pants)
  • nice jeans
  • a skirt
• Shirts:
  • a cozy sweater
  • layering t-shirts (mostly neutral colors)
  • versatile tops (long or short sleeve, I like to bring a light, dark and a colored/patterned one)
• Outerwear:
  • a trench coat
  • a rain jacket or windbreaker
  • a scarf
  • gloves
  • wool or warm socks
  • an umbrella

And that’s my basic guide for packing for Scotland! If you think I should add more to it, let me know in the comments below! Stay tuned for more Scotland content (including itineraries and must sees!) on the blog.

For more travel content/hacks, check out this blog post on 3 ways to travel cheaper!