When most people plan their visits to the Isle of Skye, they tend to come in the summer months, when there's longer days and the potential for better weather. However, for me, there really is no better time to visit the Isle of Skye than during the colder months of the year. So I've put together a wee list of some of the reasons why I love visiting the Isle of Skye in winter.
The Scenery is Absolutely Stunning in Winter
Whether you've visited the Isle of Skye yourself or you've simply researched it online, you'll be aware of the amazing landscape on the island. The views of the Cuillins and the dramatic coastlines are really unlike anywhere else in Scotland.
The reason I think they are particularly special during the winter months is the drama that these places only have at this time of year. During the winter months, the weather is often pretty bleak, but the rain and snow means that the the mountains are covered in snow.
It is the Perfect Time for a Coorie In
With sunset being as early as 3:30 at the height of winter, visiting Skye in the winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and warm fire. During the winter months in the Highlands, it can often be hard to stay motivated when there are few hours of sunlight. But using this time as a chance to catch up on some indoor activities, whether that's reading, doing a jigsaw or simply chatting with friends, with some good food and cosy blankets is the perfect evening activity for an evening during the winter on the Isle of Skye.
A Cosy and Delicious Escape to the Countryside
Another thing I absolutely love about the Isle of Skye in winter is heading to one of the lovely restaurants on offer on the island and enjoying some delicious local food. We enjoyed food at Edinbane Lodge in 2021 and at The Dunvegan last winter, and they were both delicious meals featuring lots of local and seasonal produce.
A Word of Warning
Obviously there are some things you should definitely still consider if you are thinking of coming to Skye in the winter months. Because the tourist season is well and truly over by winter, some of the cafes and restaurants shut down for winter or have limited opening hours. My advice for this is to check some of the places you want to visit to make sure they are still open and whether their hours have changed for the winter months.
Another thing to note is the shorter daylight hours during the winter months. In December, it doesn't get light in the morning until 9 and it can be dark at 3:30. That means you might only get about 6 hours of sunlight during the day! So you will need to plan your day to accommodate for these shorter daylight hours to see what you want to see. You will also need to be aware of the weather conditions. It can get quite cold during the winter months in the Scottish Highlands, meaning that we are often likely to face heavy snow and ice during the winter. Keep an eye on the weather as your trip approaches to make sure you are comfortable travelling during your trip.
Although you might have to think a bit more about whether or not a winter trip to the Isle of Skye is really for you, I think it is well worth the adventure!
