Are you thinking about visiting Isle of Skye, UK? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Isle of Skye worth visiting?
This island is a good place to visit for two to five days. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Forbes Best Places to Travel in 2023. The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland's most stunning scenery. There are dramatic hikes and picturesque coastlines that will inspire even the most jaded traveler. The natural setting will take your breath away and you can spend days exploring the island.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Reasons to Visit Isle of Skye
Hiking
Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.
Food
Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.
Beaches
Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.
Is Isle of Skye worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Isle of Skye is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches and the hiking.
Summer Weather in Isle of Skye
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 13°C (55°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| August | 13°C (55°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| September | 11°C (52°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
Is Isle of Skye worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather in Isle of Skye can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 9°C (49°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Isle of Skye, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery and get out into nature.
Autumn Weather in Isle of Skye
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 9°C (49°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| December | 5°C (41°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
Is Isle of Skye worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Isle of Skye. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Isle of Skye can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (40°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to enjoy a meal at a restaurant.
Winter Weather in Isle of Skye
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (40°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| February | 4°C (40°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Is Isle of Skye worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Isle of Skye. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Isle of Skye can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery.
Spring Weather in Isle of Skye
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 7°C (44°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| June | 11°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Isle of Skye
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, Isle of Skye might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Isle of Skye here or see if Isle of Skye is expensive here.
Related
What is Isle of Skye most famous for?
Isle of Skye is most famous for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. People visit this impressive island for its great hiking. It is also known for its great food and beaches. It is often described as stunning, diverse, dramatic, scenic, and picturesque.
What is the most famous sight in Isle of Skye?
The most popular sight in Isle of Skye is The Old Man of Storr. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Isle of Skye on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Old Man of Storr and other attractions here.
How touristy is Isle of Skye? Is it a popular island to visit?
Isle of Skye is a popular island for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Isle of Skye Private Tour from Portree: $228
- Tour the highlights and hidden beauties.: $812
How long should I spend in Isle of Skye?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Isle of Skye is two to five days. Since Isle of Skye has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
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 Isle of Skye?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Isle of Skye?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Isle of Skye?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.