Monthly guide · August
Outdoor Scotland in August: Warm, Busy, Turning
August is warm and busy. The Festival dominates Edinburgh, deer stalking begins in the Highlands, and the first hints of autumn appear by month end.
August at a glance
- Temperature
- 10–17°C
- Daylight
- 14–16 hours
- Rainfall
- 85mm
- Midges
- high
- Sunrise
- 05:30
- Sunset
- 20:45
Weather & conditions
Still warm but the days are shortening noticeably. Rain becomes more frequent through the month. The first autumn gales can appear in late August. Morning mist in the glens signals the season turning. Edinburgh Festival atmosphere is unique.
Midges still active but declining from the July peak. The first frosts at altitude begin to kill them off. By late August the worst is over.
Our take on August
August is the gentle farewell to summer. The hills are warm, the water is at its warmest, and the midges are waning. But the deer stalking season changes the dynamic on Highland estates — check before you go. Late August has a golden quality to the light that photographers prize. Enjoy it. September is coming.
Best activities
- Hillwalking — warm but shortening days
- Sea kayaking — water at its warmest
- Edinburgh Festival
- Mountain biking
- Deer stalking awareness required
Hillwalking
Deer stalking season opens on many Highland estates from mid-August. Check Heading for the Scottish Hills or call the estate before accessing remote hills. The stalking restriction does not apply to rights of way or Scotland's Great Trails. Popular Munros near roads are unaffected. The hills are still warm and green.
Mountain biking
Trail conditions remain excellent. The Scottish Enduro Series runs through August. Trail centres are busy with summer visitors. The long evenings are drawing in — make the most of them.
Wild camping
Still comfortable but midges linger on still evenings. The first cool nights signal autumn approaching. Wild camping by a loch with late-summer sunset is hard to beat. Deer stalking awareness applies.
Sea kayaking
Sea temperatures peak at 13–15°C — the warmest of the year. Excellent conditions for multi-day trips. Seal colonies are active. The west coast is at its most inviting.
Gear highlights
- Head torch — evenings drawing in
- Midge net — still needed early month
- Warmer sleeping bag for late August camps
- Check Heading for the Scottish Hills app