You might think the Glasgow weather is all blustery grey skies and wet weather, but Scotland’s largest city is a great place to visit during the spring, summer and early autumn months.
And for the brave at heart, Christmas in Glasgow is great fun! With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, you’ll find something to do come rain or shine in the city, even in winter.
The best time to visit Glasgow
If you want to roam Glasgow’s streets comfortably, the best months to visit Glasgow are from mid-April to September.
The city is compact and, therefore, easy to navigate on foot. During the spring and summer months, the streets are abuzz with tourists and locals bustling through the city centre and from the west end along the River Clyde to the east end.
Glasgow is an amazing city for culture, shopping, dining and nightlife. Want to know the best time to visit Glasgow? Check out our season by season lowdown on the best months to visit Glasgow.
Springtime in Glasgow
During the spring months (March-May), the climate is still cool and a little unpredictable, yes it can be rainy, so you’ll need to pack a raincoat or umbrella, but as the sun comes out and spring flowers are in bloom, Glasgow starts to come out of hibernation. That must make Spring the best time to visit Glasgow, yes?
A walk through Glasgow’s fabulous Botanic Gardens or Pollok Country Park is especially pleasant during the springtime. And then lunch in one of the city’s waterside hangouts is an absolute must.
If it rains, you can dive into one of Glasgow’s many museums or art galleries or head to one of the city’s shopping centres for a spot of retail therapy.
Spring average temperatures: 8ºC with highs of 15ºC
Summer in Glasgow
Summer is definitely a candidate for the best time to visit Glasgow. Summertime in Glasgow is wonderful. The city comes alive. Bars and eateries set out tables on the street for al fresco dining, the sound of festival season is in the air, and with over 90 parks in the city, there’s no shortage of green spaces if you fancy a lazy summer picnic with friends.
Summer is a great time to explore the City Centre Mural Trail. A route which takes you on a tour of the city centre and a chance to view the incredible street art creations by local and international artists.
And if you find Glasgow too hot and sticky during your summer trip, you can head out of the city to Loch Lomond, the highlands or how about a breezy day trip to the coast?
Summer average temperatures: 20ºC with highs of 30ºC
Autumn in Glasgow
Could Autumn be the best time to visit Glasgow? Many Glaswegians will tell you that Autumn is the best season to enjoy the city. The mornings are crisp, the evenings draw in earlier, and it’s time to dig out those chunky jumpers, but it’s also strikingly beautiful as the city’s greenscape turns to burnt autumn hues.
Beautiful Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow’s west end is one of the best places to enjoy an autumn walk. Traversing the River Kelvin, the park is home to Glasgow University and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, so if it starts raining, you can dive into some cultural exploration.
Bonfire’s Night is an autumn event not to be missed. Head to Glasgow Green for a Bonfire bonanza. There is a great atmosphere as everyone “oohs and ahhs” at the fireworks lighting up the city’s skyline. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a naughty burger from the burger vans on standby.
And, of course, during the autumn months, it would be rude not to cosy up in a pub with a roaring fireplace and then head over to Mother India’s Cafe for a delicious warming curry.
Autumn average temperatures: 9ºC with highs of 15ºC
Winter in Glasgow
Winter in Glasgow… Brrrr… Surely we aren’t suggesting that winter is the best time to visit Glasgow?!? Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it’s wet. But it’s also becoming increasingly popular as a winter city break destination. With free entry into the city’s museums and galleries, there is no excuse not to brush up on your art and history knowledge. So, actually, winter could well be the best time to visit Glasgow despite the weather.
A wander through Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens might not seem like the best plan for a winter break, but you can sneak into the beautiful Kibble Palace and Main Range greenhouses to warm up.
The best plan for a kid-friendly winter activity is a day at the Glasgow Science Centre. Explore the different zones, exhibitions and the planetarium. We promise it will keep them occupied and engaged for a few rainy hours.
And if you are looking for a winter instagrammable opp, then head to the Glasgow Necropolis, where you can capture some spectral selfies and winter views across the city.
Fancy a spot of Christmas shopping? We recommend the stylish Merchant City district, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries and the streets lit up with sparking Christmas lights.
So pack your raincoat and a few jumpers and come and experience a wicked winter break in Glasgow.
Winter average temperatures: 2ºC with highs of 7ºC
So, the best time to visit Glasgow is…? Well, we say the best time to visit Glasgow is whenever you fancy.
