Things you need to know before visiting the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s most famous island and it’s not hard to see why it is so popular. Before you go though, here are some things you need or might want to know!

When to go to the Isle of Skye

The best weather in Skye is from around April to the end of September. There has however been talk in recent years of over-tourism on the island. It is Scotland’s most popular island with tourists. For that reason I would personally advise that you avoid going to Skye in July or August for the simple reason it will be extremely over-priced and over-crowded for access to the same services and sights you would get to see any other time of year. Personally, I think autumn is the best time to go and you have the bonus of autumn colours surrounding you which can make for some stunning pictures. However, spring is also a good time to go or very early into the summer period – just watch out for the midges at this time!

Some people have also asked me if they should go in winter to the Isle of Skye. Personally, if it’s your first trip and you can go at another point I would. Aside from the much colder weather, there are a lot less hours of daylight up in the north of Scotland during winter compared to summer, so there’s less daylight hours in the day to actually get out and about outdoors. That said, you’ll find accommodation is a hell of a lot cheaper at this time of year, but I’d personally just pay a little bit extra and pick spring or autumn.

What the weather will be like in the Isle of Skye…

Don’t let the above picture full you. Skye (and Scotland in general) is rainy. Even in summer, it’s very possible to experience what seems like several seasons in one day, including lots of rain and sunshine! Average temperature during the height of summer in the Isle of Skye is only around 16°C, so if you’re coming from a hot country you still might feel the need to wrap up quite a bit! Average temperature in winter is around 1°C although it is very possible to drop way below this during a bad winter – so please do prepare accordingly!

How to get to the Isle of Skye

Skye is connected to the mainland by a bridge, i.e. the Skye Bridge. There are daily bus services operating between Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow and Uig on the Isle of Skye. There are also regular buses from Inverness.

If the train suits you better, you can take a train to nearby Kyle of Lochalsh and then take a connecting bus across the bridge.

How long do you need to see all of the main sights on the Isle of Skye?

In my personal opinion you need at least a full 2 days in Skye to see the main sights plus have a wee bit time to wander. With 1 day you might miss out on some of the main sights or be extremely rushed.

What are some of the main sights on the Isle of Skye?

• Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
• Fairy Glen
• Old Man of Storr
• Dunvegan Castle
• Quiraing
• Neist Point
• Fairy Pools
• Rubha nam Brathairean

The isle of Skye is an epic location and one that you understandably might not want to miss. Hopefully this wee things-you-need-to-know-guide has helped you prepare a little bit for any visit to the island. Just don’t forget to visit some of Scotland’s other islands too! We have a total of 900 to choose from!!