Things to Do in Inverness & Scottish Highlands This Winter

We know what you’re thinking: why would you want to spend winter in Inverness and the Scottish Highlands? We assure you that winter in Scotland is absolutely worth it. 

In the south, our Lowlands are wrapped up in a quiet haze, awaiting the gentle warming of the sun which teases us with its appearance. Cities like Inverness are humbled by the morning winds, and bundled-up commuters make their way down cobbled streets clutching their first warm drink of the day. And slowly, twinkling lights begin to emerge as Christmas takes hold of our urban dwellings. The main streets of Edinburgh look like one giant Christmas present waiting to be unwrapped. 

And the further north you go, the more the landscape transforms into Narnia, the true definition of a winter wonderland. Deer are easier to spot amongst the snow-covered glens, completely unphased by the turning of the weather, and the world goes quiet as the Scottish Highlands becomes achingly beautiful. 

Coming Up in the Article:

• What Is Winter Like in Inverness and the Scottish Highlands?

• 3 Things to Do in Winter in Inverness

• 6 Places to Visit During Winter in the Scottish Highlands

• Inverness at Winter FAQs

What is Winter Like in Inverness and the Scottish Highlands?  

Winter in Inverness is often very wet, with little snow, and can reach temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F), if not a few degrees lower. January is the month with the highest chance of snow, but you’re more likely to experience snow if you head north into the Scottish Highlands, where temperatures can drop even lower. 

Winter in Scotland is during the months of December, January and February. One thing we adore about winter in Scotland is the range of winter traditions and activities you can experience, from Hogmanay to Burns Night.

3 Things to Do in Winter in Inverness 

There are plenty of things to do in winter across the whole of Scotland. Feeling curious? Check out this comprehensive list of Scottish traditions and festivities you can partake in during winter. And for those of you visiting Inverness and the Scottish Highlands this winter, here are our top recommendations for things to do.

Eden Court Christmas Fair 

Nestled beside the River Ness lies Scotland’s largest combined arts organisation, Eden Court. This theatre complex incorporates the historic Bishop’s Palace built back in 1878, as well as a range of modern buildings that make up this striking venue where they host the Eden Court Christmas Fair. 

This three-day Christmas Fair runs from 29th November until 1st December from 10am until 5pm with free entry. Visitors will delight in a range of exhibitors selling everything from woodwork to antler art, tweed gifts to organic skincare. Your stomach will be thrilled as well, with fudges and tablets, loose leaf teas, chutneys and pickles, honey and sauces, cheeses, seafood, pies... and of course, a variety of Scotland tipples to warm your heart. 

Eden Court has a range of other Christmas-related events you might be interested in, including Jack and the Beanstalk, Swing Into Christmas, Concerts by Candlelight, and The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker.  

Inverness & Loch Ness Food and Drink Fortnight 

If there’s one essential thing needed in winter, it’s a constant intake of delicious food and warm drinks. Inverness is going all in with its Food and Drink Fortnight which will run from Monday 29th January until Monday 12th February 2024. This festival will showcase exclusive menu deals and special promotions across a variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes, and food businesses. Where do we sign up? Ohm nom!

Burns Night Celebrations  

If there’s one famous Scot to know before visiting our fair shores, it’s Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. As our nation’s greatest poet, we show our love for all he has contributed every year on his birthday: January 25th. 

The city of Inverness is an ideal place to celebrate Burns Night, whether you attend an official event or have a simple (yet delicious) meal in one of Inverness’ many incredible restaurants, such as Urquhart’s along the River Ness.  

Not sure how to celebrate Burns Night? Check out this guide from Visit Inverness. And make sure you learn a few lines from Address to a Haggis! 

6 Places to Visit During Winter in the Scottish Highlands 

Since Inverness is known as the ‘gateway to the Highlands’, it would be a little silly to go all that way north and not pop up a bit further to experience the majesty of the Scottish Highlands. Delighting in the beauty of a Scottish winter, the Highlands is a magical place to visit no matter the time of year. But to help narrow it down, here are three must-visit places to go in winter in the Highlands.

The Isle of Skye 

This comes as no surprise, does it? We’re as obsessed as the world is with the Isle of Skye. There’s a reason so many come to visit every year, a reason it features in countless movies and TV shows, and a reason we can’t seem to get over the beauty and allure of Skye. 

From climbing up to meet the Old Man of Storr to dancing around stone ring circles at the Fairy Glen, Skye is the very definition of magical. And winter makes it even better, with glens dusted in flecks of snow and munros peeking out from behind the mist. 

For a more comprehensive guide to this wonderful island, check out our blog. 

Glen Affric 

Most people coming to Scotland have heard of Glen Coe and, while we agree it’s a magnificent place which should be on your list, we want to draw your attention to Glen Coe’s quiet, little sister... Glen Affric. 

She’s known as ‘Scotland’s most beautiful glen’... so maybe it’s time to see it for yourself and decide if you agree. Brimming with ancient pine trees and shimmering lochs, surround yourself with the glen’s steep mountains and slip away into a daydream. For more information on how to get to Glen Affric, check out this blog. 

North Coast 500 

For those with a few extra days available to explore the Scottish Highlands, we cannot forget to recommend the North Coast 500, or NC500. This is Scotland's 'Route 66', a rollercoaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages. 

The NC500 is considered one of the best road trips in the world, there’s something for everyone. From snorkelling to whisky tasting, hiking to gourmet foodie experiences, read here to find out more about why we love this route so much. And in winter, we understand snorkelling might be a big ask, but an invigorating walk along an icy beach, followed by a warming dram or two of whisky? That sounds pretty ideal to us. 

Clava Cairns & Culloden 

Hey there, Outlander fans – we haven’t forgotten about you. There’s a reason we run specific Outlander tours from our Edinburgh and Glasgow departure points, and we’re proud to share our love of our country with you at these special locations from the TV show – or, in this case, that are said to have inspired the original stories. 

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to some standing stones, and the ones are Clava Cairns, along with the prehistoric burial cairns, are around 4,000 years old. It is said that these stones were the inspiration for Craigh na Dun in the books. 

And on a lonely, misty winter morning? The haze rolls in, shrouding Clava Cairns in even more mystery. Get there early, beat the crowds, and perhaps you’ll discover that magical moment and slip into the past through stone. 

Another thing we love about Clava Cairns is their proximity to the city of Inverness, easily reached in about 20 minutes by car (or Rabbie’s bus), or just under an hour via public transport. 

Speaking of close by, lovers of Scottish history and Outlander fans should absolutely stop in at Culloden. With a simple 20-25 car drive or bus ride, you can reach the famous site where the Battle of Culloden took place. Humbling and memorable, this is one for the history buffs. 

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle 

There’s something about the aching bones of a dramatic castle perched beside a blackened and eerie loch... sounds like fantasy, doesn’t it? But Scotland is the place where fantasy becomes reality, where you can call yourself a ‘monster hunter’ and people will nod knowingly. Because you wouldn’t be the first to venture to Loch Ness in search of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. And you wouldn’t be the first to fall for the crumbling ruins of Urquhart Castle that keep the dark waters of this famous loch company. 

It’s surely no surprise that our Loch Ness tours are our most popular. Everybody wants to be the one to find Nessie... it’s like winning the monster lottery, but someone has to win it eventually, right? So, why not give it a shot? But by going in winter when the crowds and travellers lessen, your chances surely go way up. And who knows, maybe you’ll get that crisp, clean shot of Nessie peeking her head out of the water, backed by a brilliant landscape of mist and snow.

Make Your Winter Visit a Short Break with Rabbie’s

Inverness during winter is like a warm scarf bundled up around your neck – cosy and comforting. And with the promise of adventures just on your doorstep, Inverness is the perfect host for your winter holiday. You’d be surprised by how much you can do and see nearby, even in a single day.

Right now we’re running a unique offer for autumn and winter with 10% off day trips when you travel between 1st of Oct and 17th Dec 2024. Need some more ideas? How about Skye? The Isle of Skye seems like a made-up place, even to us Scots at times. It’s marvelous to think we can reach it by car or ferry or even on a Rabbie’s mini-coach... and from Inverness you can explore this famous island in a single day. Or maybe you’ve been gearing up to hunt Nessie on Loch Ness. 

Another thing we love about travelling in the quieter seasons goes beyond fewer crowds and shorter lines... we’re eager to support local businesses in the places we love. Our driver-guides can tell you about the places we visit, and recommend some of their favourite local cafes and shops.

And for those of you who are looking for something extra special, you can create your ideal itinerary by organising a private tour with us.

Inverness at Winter FAQs 

Travelling in winter is a new experience for many, so you might be wondering about a few things about your upcoming trip. Allow us to help answer some of your more pressing questions.

How Cold Does It Get in Winter in Scotland? 

Depending on where you are in Scotland, the temperature can get quite low. The further north you go, the colder it will be. The average maximum temperature is usually around 6°C (43°F).  

But don’t let this deter you from travelling to Scotland in winter! All you need is the right clothing and you’re good to go. And then you’ll be treated to wonderful things like a frosty (or maybe even snowy) view of the iconic Scottish Highlands, gazing out over a striking landscape that has a fascinating history. 

The average days of snow fall ranges from 10-20 days, however in the Highlands they often experience up to 40 days of snowfall. 

Sunrise and sunset times vary throughout winter but some average times for you are: 

• December: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

• January: 8:30 AM–4 PM

• February: 7:30 AM–5 PM

Does It Snow in Inverness at Christmas? 

It can snow in Inverness around Christmas time, but it isn’t the norm. Winters in Inverness are often crisp or wet, with temperatures often dropping to freezing levels. However, the further north you go – into the Scottish Highlands – the more likely you are to see snow. And even in the south, you’ll spot white-tipped mountains in many beautiful places. 

Is Inverness a Walkable Town?  

Inverness is a very walkable town, easy to get around even in the coolness of winter. Make sure you take enough warm clothes and weather-proof additions for your explorations, as a magical winter walk is on the cards.

How Many Days Are Enough for Inverness? 

If you’re just visiting Inverness, two days should be enough to see most of the city’s main attractions and sample some of its must-eat spots, such as The Victorian Market for lunch. However, if you want to go further afield into the Scottish Highlands (or even to see nearby places like Culloden Battlefield or Clava Cairns), then you might want to add another day or two to your trip.

What Should I Pack for a Winter Trip to Scotland? 

No matter what time of year you visit Scotland, it’s always a good idea to pack a variety of clothes, as you never know when the weather is going to change!  

In winter, you definitely want to pack lots of warm clothes. Layers are a good idea, as indoor venues can get quite warm. Waterproof jackets are a must – we don’t really recommend umbrellas, as the wind can make them rather useless. And study or waterproof shoes are a must. Check out our blog for a full list of what to pack for a winter break in Scotland.

Why Should I Travel in Winter? 

Quieter streets, less crowds, faster access to venues, not to mention the blissful cosiness that comes with curling up with a hot chocolate in a cafe as you watch the snow fall outside. What’s not to love about travelling in winter? You may even get lucky and spot the Northern Lights streaking across the sky. 

Of course, some attractions do close in winter, so make sure you take this into account when you’re planning your trip. But for the ones that remain open, you’ll be able to enjoy them with far fewer crowds and shorter queues. 

Not to mention all the amazing winter traditions you can partake in, from Christmas Markets to Hogmanay, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Explore the Highlands in Winter with the Help of Rabbie’s 

If travelling in winter becomes your new favourite thing, check out these 8 unmissable winter destinations in the UK and Europe. 

While you’re embracing the world’s winter wonderlands, why not embrace an adventure too by jumping on a Rabbie’s small-group tour, now a B Corp Certified Travel Company. Led by knowledgeable driver-guides in comfortable mini-coaches, see the Scottish landscapes in all their glory. Ensure you’re signed up to our newsletter and never miss out on updates about our new destinations or tour dates.