Are you thinking about visiting Dundee, UK? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Dundee worth visiting?
This city is a good place to visit for one to two days. Dundee is a coastal city on the Firth of Tay estuary. It's located in Eastern Scotland and has a strong student population as well as several interesting museums.
Dundee, Scotland
Reasons to Visit Dundee
Museums
On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.
Food
There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.
Nightlife
The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.
Authenticity
Dundee has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Dundee worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Dundee is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the nightlife scene.
Summer Weather in Dundee
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 14°C (58°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| August | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| September | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Dundee worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather in Dundee can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 10°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Dundee, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums and enjoy the city's energy.
Autumn Weather in Dundee
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 10°C (49°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| November | 5°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| December | 4°C (39°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Is Dundee worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Dundee. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Dundee can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and dance the night away. Also, you'll be able to discover the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Dundee
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 3°C (38°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| February | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Dundee worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Dundee. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Dundee can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Dundee
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 7°C (45°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 10°C (49°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| June | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Dundee
Shopping: Dundee isn't exactly a shopper's destination. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Dundee might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Dundee here or see if Dundee is expensive here.
Related
What is Dundee most famous for?
Dundee is most famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. The city is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife. It is often described as coastal, cultural, and historic.
What is the most famous sight in Dundee?
The most popular sight in Dundee is Discovery Point and RRS Discovery. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Dundee on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Discovery Point and RRS Discovery and other attractions here.
How touristy is Dundee? Is it a popular city to visit?
Dundee is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $82
- Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
- Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36
- Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
How long should I spend in Dundee?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Dundee is one to two days. Since Dundee has activities such as museums, dining, and nightlife, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Dundee? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Dundee?.
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