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Sunrise and Sunset in the Scottish Highlands
Month-by-month daylight hours for planning your trip
By Highland Explorer, Editorial Team - - 3 min read
The Scottish Highlands experience dramatic seasonal changes in daylight. From the long, dark winter days to the magical "simmer dim" of midsummer when it barely gets dark, understanding daylight patterns helps you plan photography, outdoor activities, and travel timing.
Monthly Daylight Guide
| Month | Daylight Hours | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | ~7 hrs | 08:30 | 16:20 |
| February | ~9 hrs | 07:45 | 17:00 |
| March | 11–12 hrs | 06:45 | 18:15 |
| April | 13–14 hrs | 06:00 | 20:30 |
| May | ~16 hrs | 05:00 | 21:30–22:00 |
| June ☀️ | ~18 hrs | 04:20 | 22:20 |
| July | ~17 hrs | 04:40–05:00 | ~22:00 |
| August | 15–16 hrs | 05:20 | 20:30–21:00 |
| September | ~13 hrs | 06:30 | 19:30 |
| October | ~10 hrs | 07:30 | 18:00 |
| November | ~8 hrs | 08:00 | 16:00 |
| December ❄️ | 6–7 hrs | 08:45 | 15:30 |
Note: Times are approximate for central Highland locations like Inverness. Western areas may see slightly later sunrises and sunsets. All times are in local time (GMT in winter, BST in summer).
Planning Tips
Summer Photography
June offers nearly 18 hours of daylight with sunset past 10pm. The "golden hour" extends for much longer than southern locations, making it ideal for landscape photography.
Winter Visits
December days are short but atmospheric. Plan outdoor activities for mid-morning to mid-afternoon, and embrace cosy evenings by the fire.
Shoulder Seasons
March–April and September–October offer balanced daylight with fewer crowds and often dramatic weather for photography.
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