Climate of Scotland

Weather and climate in the country of Scotland is mostly temperate and oceanic (Köppen climate classification Cfb), and tends to be very changeable, but rarely extreme. The country is warmed by the Gulf Stream from the Atlantic, and given its northerly latitude it is much warmer than areas on similar latitudes, for example Kamchatka in Russia or Labrador in Canada (where the sea freezes over in winter), or Fort McMurray, Canada (where −35 °C (−31 °F) is not uncommon during winter). Scots sometimes describe weather which is grey and gloomy using the Scots language word dreich.

Across the country, June, July and August are commonly the warmest months, with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F) common, whilst in contrast, December, January and February are often the coldest with average temperatures averaging 6°C (43°F). Given the latitude of Scotland, the north of the country generally receives more daylight in midsummer than the south of the British Isles, and in the far north of the country during summer, there is often no complete darkness. Weather conditions across the country can vary drastically, even within a short distance. In spring, Scotland's temperatures can average between 12°C (54°F) and 4°C (40°F), with an average rainfall of 48mm. In Winter, temperatures commonly range between 7°C (45°F) and 2°C (36°F) with an average rainfall of 57mm.

The Scottish Government and the Met Office are the primary bodies responsible for weather management and warnings in the country, with Safer Scotland serving as the executive agency of the Scottish Government responsible for preparation for extreme weather, whilst the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is responsible for the flood mitigation, protection and warnings. The Scottish Government Resilience Room may be activated during periods of intense weather in the country, such as prolonged rainfall or wind storms.