Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Outer Hebrides, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Outer Hebrides, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom by month

January

January in Outer Hebrides is brisk and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain almost every day. It also snows 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

February

February in Outer Hebrides is pretty cool and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain most days. It also snows occasionally. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

March

If you are traveling to Outer Hebrides in March, you will notice that it is pretty cool and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain nearly every day this month and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April in Outer Hebrides can be very chilly and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

May

If you are traveling to Outer Hebrides in May, you will notice that it is pretty cool and very rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

In June, Outer Hebrides is relatively cool and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Outer Hebrides, with most of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

July

July in this region can be chilly and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains nearly every day this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you choose the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

August

In August, Outer Hebrides is crisp and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Outer Hebrides, with most of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

September

September in Outer Hebrides is cool and extremely rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains almost every day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you find the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

October in Outer Hebrides can be brisk and extremely rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain almost every day of the month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

If you go to Outer Hebrides in November, you will notice that it is cold and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain nearly every day this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you get the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

In December, Outer Hebrides is brisk and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Outer Hebrides, with most of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 90%. Additionally, it is windy.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Outer Hebrides. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

What to do in Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom

The Outer Hebrides, Scotland's wild and rugged collection of islands jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the country's most enchanting destinations. This archipelago of around 200 islands and islets, which stretches for more than 130 miles from the Butt of Lewis to Barra Head, boasts spectacular beaches, dramatic coastline, historic castles, and unique culture.

Here are the top tourist attractions in the Outer Hebrides:

1) The Callanish Standing Stones

The Callanish Standing Stones, the most famous and impressive ancient site in the Outer Hebrides, is a complex of dozens of Neolithic standing stones located on the Isle of Lewis. These impressive standing stones were erected some 5,000 years ago, making them one of the oldest structures in Scotland.

2) Stornoway Castle Grounds

Stornoway Castle Grounds, located in the capital of the Outer Hebrides, is a vast and impressive woodland containing many scenic trails and lakes. The grounds lead to the fine old Lews Castle, Museum nan Eilean, and Lews Castle Art Gallery, which houses a permanent collection of works by artists from the Outer Hebrides.

3) The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, located on the Isle of Lewis, is the most northerly point of the Outer Hebrides. The lighthouse grounds offer exceptional views of the ocean and rocky coastline. Visitors can also explore the ruins of the Iron Age broch duns or visit the Pictish cemetery at Ballanisha.

4) Harris Beaches

The Isle of Harris's stunning beaches, which have a reputation as some of the world's most beautiful, offer vast stretches of white sand and turquoise waters. Luskentyre, Huisinis, and Seilebost are some of the most notable.

5) Dun Carloway Broch

Dun Carloway Broch, located on the Isle of Lewis, is a well-preserved and striking broch structure, believed to date back to the Iron Age. It is one of the most significant structures of its kind in Scotland.

6) The Blackhouse Village

The Blackhouse Village, located in Arnol, Isle of Lewis, is a fascinating museum with examples of traditional Hebridean stone-built blackhouses. These simple but sturdy structures were common in the Outer Hebrides until the early 20th century.

7) Clisham

Climbing Clisham, at 2,621 feet is the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides, offers breathtaking views over the island. The mountain is challenging, but hikers will be rewarded with panoramic vistas spanning the neighboring islands and the vast Atlantic.

These attractions, among others, are what make the Outer Hebrides a unique and must-visit travel destination in Scotland. From historic sites to stunning landscapes and contemporary arts, this archipelago offers something for every traveler.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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