Monthly guide · November
Outdoor Scotland in November: The Dark Month
November is Scotland's transition to winter. Short days, frequent gales, and the first serious snowfall. The hills empty out and the bothies come into their own.
November at a glance
- Temperature
- 2–8°C
- Daylight
- 7.5–9 hours
- Rainfall
- 120mm
- Midges
- none
- Sunrise
- 07:45
- Sunset
- 16:15
Weather & conditions
Short days, long nights, frequent Atlantic storms. Rain at low levels, snow above 600m. The first winter conditions establish on the high mountains. Visibility can be excellent between storms. The clocks have gone back — darkness by 4pm.
No midges. Well and truly finished for the year.
Our take on November
November is not pretty. The days are short, the rain is persistent, and the hills are hostile. But there is a stark beauty to Scotland in November that no other month matches — bare trees, low light, empty glens, the first snow on the mountains. This is the month for bothy nights, for fireplaces, for sitting out a storm with a dram and a book. Embrace the dark.
Best activities
- Low-level walks — coastal and forest
- Bothy nights with a fireplace
- Winter skills courses (Glenmore Lodge)
- Indoor climbing
- Mountain biking (muddy but atmospheric)
Hillwalking
November is the awkward shoulder season. Too late for comfortable summer walking, too early for reliable winter conditions. The hills above 800m may have unconsolidated snow — too thin for crampons, too icy for walking boots. Low-level walks, Donalds, and coastal paths are the safest options. SAIS forecasts begin in December.
Mountain biking
Trails are muddy and days are short but November riding has its own character. Foggy forest descents at Glentress, leaves carpeting the trails, the first frost on singletrack. Lights are essential — you will be riding in darkness.
Wild camping
Wild camping in November requires genuine commitment. Temperatures drop below freezing at altitude. 7 hours of daylight makes for long, dark evenings in the tent. A good book and a warm sleeping bag are essential. Bothy nights are the better option.
Sea kayaking
Season over for most paddlers. Atlantic storms and cold water (9–10°C) make November specialist-only.
Gear highlights
- Winter walking boots for high ground
- Ice axe and crampons — carry them from mid-month
- Quality head torch with spare batteries
- Extra warm layers — wind chill is severe