Scotland Tours in January 2026
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10 best Scotland trips in January 2026
Compiled by

MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
- Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
- 5 Day Inverness including Loch Ness Experience and Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
- 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Scottish Highlands Escape
- Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
- Loch Ness, Inverness & The Scottish Highlands - Small Group - 2 Days
- Loch Ness & Highlands Express (Hotel) - 2 days
Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Would highly recommend for someone looking to have a very fun-filled and packed trip.”
Megan, traveled in June
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Stirling, Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Glasgow Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki January departure dates
See All Departure Dates12 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 26 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $1,875
20% Off- NZ$1,500You save $375
Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great route around Scotland to some beautiful and historic places.”
Cate, traveled in May
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Fort William, Eilean Donan, Isle of Skye, Portree, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Dunkeld Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Explorer Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 7 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $609
20% Off- NZ$487You save $122
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw so much of Scotland in two days!! The company was excellent in responding to any questions I had.”
Sandra, traveled in April
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden, Falkland, Culross Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates8 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left 15 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From
20% Off- NZ$528
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $6,115
7% Off- NZ$5,687You save $428
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $2,267
7% Off- NZ$2,109You save $159
2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great way to see the highlands if you don't have time to explore yourself. Overnight accommodation was excellent.”
Kathryn, traveled in July
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort William, Glencoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 6 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 6 spaces left From
7% Off- NZ$672
Scottish Highlands Escape
188 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She was very knowledgeable and funny. We would definitely do this again.”
Melissa, traveled in March
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Culloden, Fort William, Oban, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glasgow Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Globus January departure dates
18 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From
7% Off- NZ$1,910
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator WiseYatra January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
7% Off- NZ$2,971
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $1,362
36% Off- NZ$872You save $490
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glencoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From $1,305
15% Off- NZ$1,109You save $196
What people love about Scotland Tours in January
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
Would highly recommend for someone looking to have a very fun-filled and packed trip without having to worry about all of the planning.
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
Loved it. Jamie our guide was great
- 3 Day Isle of Skye
I went on the 3 day Isle of Skye tour and it was fantastic! My tour guide Richard was full of knowledge and funny at the same time. He kept everyone on our tour laughing as we drove around Scotland. He shared historical facts and explained the background of stops along the tour as we approached each place. I had such a great time on this tour because of Richard, and because the tour wasn't set up like trips from other tour companies...and that's what really made it stand out! I can't wait to come back next year for the 7 day best of the west tour!
What our customers ask about Scotland Tours in January 2026
What are the best places to visit in Scotland during January?
Scotland's most compelling winter destinations include Edinburgh Castle Glencoe Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Nature enthusiasts can spot winter wildlife at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in the Highlands while urban explorers find shelter in Edinburgh and Glasgow's many museums and traditional pubs. Accommodation options range from boutique properties like The Skye Inn in Portree to larger hotels such as the Leonardo Royal in Edinburgh. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Tom was a fantastic guide who really knew his stuff especially as he grew up on the Isle of Skye - this definitely enriched the winter tour experience."
Are Highland tours still operating in Scotland during January?
Highland tours continue throughout January with adjusted winter schedules. Companies like Highland Experience Tours and Rabbie's Tours maintain regular trips to Skye Loch Ness and Glencoe. Winter routes often use the Skye Bridge instead of ferries and accommodations include places like The Caledonian B&B in Portree. A TourRadar traveler noted "the winter route offered different but equally stunning perspectives of the Highlands."
What is the weather like in Scotland during January?
January temperatures in Scotland range from 1-7°C (34-45°F). The Highlands particularly around Glencoe and the Cairngorms often see snow while the Isle of Skye experiences strong winds and rain. Edinburgh and Inverness typically have milder conditions. TourRadar travelers often note how the weather creates a true Scottish atmosphere with one guest saying "the winter weather highlighted why everything is so green." Properties like The Skye Inn in Portree provide warm refuge during winter stays.
What special events or festivals happen in Scotland during January?
January's cultural calendar features Burns Night on January 25th celebrating poet Robert Burns with traditional suppers poetry readings and dancing. Edinburgh's Hogmanay festivities extend into early January while Glasgow hosts the Celtic Connections music festival throughout most of the month. From a January Intrepid tour a TourRadar traveler shared: "The Burns Night celebration at our hotel in Edinburgh was a highlight - trying haggis and joining the traditional Scottish dancing made for an unforgettable evening."
What are the daylight hours like in Scotland during January?
Scotland sees 7-8 hours of daylight in January. Edinburgh's sun rises around 8:30 AM and sets near 4:00 PM with even shorter days in northern cities like Inverness. Tour companies plan itineraries around these limited hours as noted by TourRadar travelers who mention that guides "expertly planned the day to maximize the available light." The Leonardo Hotel in Inverness offers a central location for winter exploration.
Are tourist attractions and historic sites open in Scotland during January?
Most major sites operate on winter schedules. Edinburgh Castle National Museum of Scotland and Stirling Castle maintain regular hours while some rural locations like Midhope Castle close. Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery provides an excellent indoor option. A TourRadar traveler on a January Highland Experience tour noted: "While some smaller sites were closed we had the benefit of exploring major attractions without summer crowds." The Old Waverley Hotel Edinburgh and Tongadale Hotel in Portree serve as convenient bases.
How busy are tourist attractions in Scotland during January?
January offers a quieter experience at major sites with reduced rates at hotels like the Old Waverley Edinburgh and Radisson Blu Glasgow. Popular attractions such as Edinburgh and Stirling Castles see fewer visitors. A TourRadar traveler from a January Rabbie's tour noted: "The smaller crowds meant we could really take our time at attractions and get perfect photos without waiting. Plus accommodations were more available and often at better rates."




















