This post was most recently updated on September 2nd, 2019
Will you dare to visit Skye in winter? Skye seems to have it all. Spectacular landscapes that are every photographers dream. Amazing hikes with breathtaking views at every turn. Fresh food and award winning restaurants. Picturesque towns with friendly people. Miles of beautiful beaches. A lighthouse, a distillery, castles, waterfalls….the list goes on. It is no wonder it is one of the most popular travel destinations in Scotland for tourists and locals alike.
As a mater of fact Skye is actually the 2nd most popular tourist destination after Edinburgh. But if you visit Skye in winter you will notice that the number of visitors drops off dramatically. It seems as if only the brave will venture out for a visit. Admittedly, Skye is a different beast in winter. Many of its historic buildings close for the season. The sun rises late and sets early. The temperatures drop and the roads can be a bit dangerous. So why would you want to visit Sky in the winter?
There are quite a few reason why I believe visiting Skye in winter is actually a good idea:
1. No Crowds
Those tourist hot spots that are overflowing with people during the summer are now deserted. And you get to experience the magnificence of the landscape without fighting for a parking spot. Visiting Skye in winter brings peace and tranquility as you get to enjoy the sites without the crowds. With less crowds comes easier accessibility to lodging, and sometimes even lower prices. Overall this is a big win.
If you rather visit in Summer but still want to avoid the crowds then I highly recommend a Tour to Loch Coruisk.
2. Star Gazing
Skye in winter is the perfect opportunity for romance and star gazing. With the sun setting earlier and the nights being so dark there is no better time to see the Milky Way. The stars shine bright and twinkle like diamonds. And if you are lucky you might see the skies come to life with the dancing ribbons of color of the Northern Lights.
3. Midges
It is actually the absence of midges that is of interest. Those pesky little buggers that can ruin your holiday during the summer months are nowhere to be seen or felt on Skye in winter. So enjoy the invigorating air without the worry of midges pestering you.
4. Whisky
Visiting Talisker Distillery is always a good idea. But there is something rather special about whisky in winter. Whisky will warm your very soul. And after spending time outdoors there is nothing better than spending some time by the fire with a good whisky or hot toddy in hand. If you are interested in tours of the Taliskey Distillery you can click here to learn more.
5. Sunrise and Sunsets
If you love a good sunrise but hate getting up for them, then winter is a great season to indulge. You can sleep in a bit and still get to enjoy the magical moment when the rays of the sun first show on the horizon and begin to dance and sparkle over the beauty of the land. The sunset brings another spectacle as the skies glow with oranges, reds, pinks and purples. Winter in Skye is the perfect opportunity to bask in the beauty of both.
6.Photography
There is no bad time for photography in Skye. However, winter in Skye provides unique opportunities. The landscape is dramatically different. What is normally a green isle is transformed into a winter wonderland with beautiful snowcapped mountains. These are vistas you will not soon forget.
A few things to note:
As always be mindful of safety. Be prepared for changeable weather. Have appropriate clothing and proper equipment. For more information about winter in Scotland here is a great winter guide with frequently asked questions.
Have I convinced you to visit Skye in Winter? Would love to hear your thoughts. Leave me a comment or get social with me on Facebook or Instagram.
Pin Now – Read Later 6 Reasons to Visit Skye in Winter
P.S.: A huge thank you to friends Victoria Redpath and Kristy Ashton for providing the beautiful photography.
25 comments
I will be in London for a few months and this looks gorgeous to go break away too. I wanted to see Scotland but did not get the chance before. After reading your post I am now about to book a trip! lol (:
Scotland is an incredible country with unimaginable beauty. I do hope you get to visit and experience it for yourself.
You’ve definitely convinced me! Your photos are stunning and show off the amazing landscape. I hope to visit Skye this year, but most probably in spring or summer. I’ve never heard of midges, but now I’ll be more aware of them!
The photos are by two talented women and good friends. I am happy you liked them and that it has inspired you to visit.
Skye is a beautiful destination, although I don’t think I’m brave enough to visit it during the winter. I know that there is an ethereal beauty about the place, but I live in a winter wonderland. During the winter, I like to go places that have color aside from brown and white, and are a bit warmer. That being said, I’m a sucker for a good sunrise, so I might have to reconsider visiting Skye during the winter. 🙂
I can understand the feeling. I live in a tropical paradise so seeing something different than beach and sun appeals to me. And don’t fear you can see incredible sunrises and sunsets the rest of the year as well you just have to wake up earlier or go to bed later for them.
These all sound like reasons I would want to go. I absolutely no crowds! When I pass by a bar, I usually only want to go in if there’s no one there haha. Thanks for sharing.
I am the same crowds are just not my thing.
I am in awe of the pictures in your post, this place looks absolutely stunning and strange enough never read much about it. But as Scotland is on my bucket list, I will make sure I visit Skye. Its truly a photographers delight
Skye is a good idea no mater when you visit Scotland. Just know it gets crowded in summer and you will need to book accommodations way in advance. Every season has its own magic and I am sure you will love it regardless of when you go.
Wow absolutely love the photos. So incredibly beautiful. I havent thought about going there during winter. I am from Norway and not too fan of the cold here so usually avoid the mountains during the winter. But it definitely looks like it is worth to visit Skye in the winter. I also hate big crowds and the photos look better without so many people in it 😀
The magnificent pictures are from my talented friends Victoria and Kristy – hope you had a chance to check out the rest of their work it is all stunning. Most do not think to visit in winter but it does have its own kind of beauty then.
Yes, Roving Jo! Give me some whiskey with a great sunset view and I will be one happy gal. Seeing the northern lights has always been on my bucket list as well… What an inspiring article, thank you!
I have yet to see the Northern lights but hope to see them one day. Glad I could inspire
The Isle of Skye has long been on my to-do list and you just convinced me to take advantage of the off-season visits. I’m flying from Boston so this would be the perfect 4-day getaway! And whisky keeping me warm seems like a great contingency plan 😛
You can also do shoulder seasons if you do not want to deal with the more extreme weather. Each season has its own beauty.
While I hate the cold, I do love popular locations like Skye in the wintertime. The lack of tourists is always a huge appeal, plus the absence of bugs! And those dramatic mountains with snow on top is always a draw. It doesn’t hurt that you can sleep in and still photograph the sunrise! And while it is a slight disappointment not to get to see everything because it closes for the winter, I think visiting what is open is more authentic anyway because it’s usually the places the locals use!
So true there is a more authentic feel. And the locals are so welcoming.
I’ve never thought about going to Skye and I didn’t realize it was the 2nd most popular destination in Scotland. I would love to see the Northern Lights there. And I agree that whiskey is best in the wintertime!
I was quite surprised to learn that as well although once you visit you will quickly realize why it is so popular.
I was only knowing Edinburg in Scotland and never knew this stunning destination – Skye. As it has no crowds and photogenic locations, Skye has won me over. Stargazing, sunset and sunrises are another valid reasons which tempts me lookout this place. Thanks for sharing!
Hope you get back to Scotland and to Skye it is truly breathtaking place to visit.
Love your posts, and photos are amazing. My husband & I are planning our first trip to Scotland the beginning of September. Will we also need to be booking accommodations now?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
Hi Barb – for Skye I would suggest a minimum of 4 months in advance for September travel. September won’t be as busy as summer but the earlier you book the better to make sure you secure your first option. You will love Scotland and September is a great month to visit.
This place is a photographer’s paradise. And your pictures are s proof of the same. Sunrises and sunsets both seem perfect and the absence of crowds further makes it attractive