Europe · Best May–Sep
Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh packing list for families
Scotland rewards families who dress for anything, because a sunny castle morning can turn into a windy, wet Highland afternoon. This list covers the layers, boots and small extras that keep everyone comfortable from the Royal Mile to the lochs.
Photo by Christian Lendl on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Edinburgh & the Highlands
- Pack for four seasons in a day, even in July. A warm fleece and a proper hooded rain jacket matter more than anything else in the suitcase.
- Highland drives take longer than the map suggests on narrow, winding roads, so I plan no more than two or three hours in the car a day with kids.
- If you're visiting in August during the Fringe, book Edinburgh hotels very early. In Highland summers, midges are worst on still evenings near water, so bring repellent made for them.
Best timeMay–Sep
PlugsType G, bring an adapter
MoneyBritish pound (Scotland prints its own banknotes)
PassportYes
Seeing more of England & the UK on this trip? Start with the England & the UK packing list.
Your packing edit
Edinburgh & the Highlands
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable rain jacketShowers sweep through year-round.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Waterproof hiking bootsArthur's Seat and glen trails get boggy fast.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure1
Midge repellent and head netKristina's pickTiny biting midges swarm Highland lochs in summer.
Little ones13
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Motion sickness bandsHighland roads twist and climb for hours.
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType G, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Nordic layers
Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust
For photos
- Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
- Matching knit hats for the whole crew
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Edinburgh & the Highlands weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F 7°C | Cold, windy and wet, dark by mid-afternoon, snow in the Highlands | |
| February | 45°F 7°C | Cold, windy and wet, dark by mid-afternoon, snow in the Highlands | |
| March | 48°F 9°C | Cool and bright between showers, days lengthening fast | |
| April | 52°F 11°C | Cool and bright between showers, days lengthening fast | The Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William |
| May | 57°F 14°C | Cool and bright between showers, days lengthening fast | Highland Games in towns across Scotland The Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William |
| June | 62°F 17°C | Mild and often cloudy, very long daylight, midges in the Highlands | Highland Games in towns across Scotland The Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William |
| July | 66°F 19°C | Mild and often cloudy, very long daylight, midges in the Highlands | Highland Games in towns across Scotland The Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William |
| August | 65°F 18°C | Mild and often cloudy, very long daylight, midges in the Highlands | Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes over the city Highland Games in towns across Scotland The Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William |
| September | 61°F 16°C | Cool and breezy with autumn color, rain picks up | Highland Games in towns across Scotland The Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William Red deer rut and golden autumn color in the glens |
| October | 55°F 13°C | Cool and breezy with autumn color, rain picks up | The Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William Red deer rut and golden autumn color in the glens |
| November | 48°F 9°C | Cool and breezy with autumn color, rain picks up | |
| December | 45°F 7°C | Cold, windy and wet, dark by mid-afternoon, snow in the Highlands | Hogmanay street party and fireworks for New Year |
Questions families ask
Edinburgh & the Highlands with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh & the Highlands with kids?
The best time is May–Sep. Mild and often cloudy, very long daylight, midges in the Highlands
What's the weather like in Edinburgh & the Highlands?
Typical daytime highs range from about 44°F (7°C) in January to about 66°F (19°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Edinburgh & the Highlands?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Edinburgh & the Highlands?
Type G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Edinburgh & the Highlands with kids?
Pack for four seasons in a day, even in July. A warm fleece and a proper hooded rain jacket matter more than anything else in the suitcase.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.