Monthly guide · April
Outdoor Scotland in April: Peak Spring
April brings reliable daylight, clearing snow, wildflowers on the coast, and the start of the long-distance walking season. The outdoor year begins in earnest.
April at a glance
- Temperature
- 3–11°C
- Daylight
- 13–14.5 hours
- Rainfall
- 65mm
- Midges
- none
- Sunrise
- 06:00
- Sunset
- 20:15
Weather & conditions
Spring proper. Snow retreats to the highest summits. April is often one of the driest months in Scotland, particularly on the east coast. The difference between east and west coast weather is most pronounced now. Frost is still possible at night.
Still midge-free. The last full month without them.
Our take on April
April is the month the experienced walkers guard jealously. Long days, no midges, receding snow, empty trails, and the best weather odds outside September. If you can only take one week off for Scottish walking, April or September is the answer. April edges it for snow-capped scenery.
Best activities
- Long-distance walking — quiet trails before summer
- Munro-bagging — long days, receding snow
- Sea kayaking season opens
- Wild camping in comfort
- Mountain biking — dry trails, long evenings
Hillwalking
The Munro-bagging season starts in earnest. 14 hours of daylight allows the longest routes. Snow lingers on north-facing corries above 900m but most approaches are clear. The West Highland Way is open all year, but spring is when its walking season starts, and April is quieter than the summer months. Navigation is easier with good visibility.
Mountain biking
Trail centres are in prime condition. The 7Stanes circuit is excellent in April. Long evenings support after-work rides from mid-April. Highland natural trails are drying out.
Wild camping
The best month for wild camping. Long evenings, no midges, comfortable temperatures. A 3-season bag is more than sufficient. Loch-side pitches at sunset are magical. In Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the four camping management zones (East Loch Lomond, West Loch Lomond, Trossachs North and Trossachs West) apply from 1 March to 30 September: inside them you need a permit or a campsite.
Sea kayaking
Sea kayaking season begins properly, though the water is still cold. Daylight supports full-day expeditions. The west coast in April can be spectacular — clear skies, calm seas, migrating birds.
Gear highlights
- Lightweight layers — warm days, cold summits
- Midge net — buy one now before you need it in May
- Trail runners for low-level walks
- Dry bags — April showers are real