Happy Friday! We are in a flurry of excitement over here because we are preparing for our first European trip as a family, and after weeks of figuring out what to pack for Scotland in June, we’re finally ready to go. Tonight we’ll head across the Atlantic and wake up in Scotland! I have a million curiosities about how this experience will go, as we fly out this evening, have a couple hour layover in Newark, then depart for Edinburgh close to midnight. Will we be able to sleep on the flight? Will we feel jetlagged tomorrow or will we surprise ourselves? Only time will tell!

Our plans while we are in Scotland are fairly loose. We will be doing a road trip throughout the country, starting in Edinburgh and also seeing part of Isle of Skye, Glencoe, and the national park. We have our accommodations set, but that’s about it. While this is the most unplanned itinerary I’ve had for a trip in a long time, it’s actually the most prepared I’ve felt packing-wise for a trip in a long time, too. Figuring out what to pack for Scotland in June took some real research, since it’s such a different climate than what we’re used to. If you’re curious how we typically approach trip planning as a family, I broke it down in How We Plan Family Travel.

Something about being in a different country helped me focus in on exactly what we needed, and because we pack in carry-on bags, nothing more than that. I anticipate a lot of mix and matching of our staple wardrobe pieces. We will have a washer and dryer in our rental unit mid-trip, so I plan to do some loads of laundry there to reset everyone’s options. 

I plan to come back to this post after our trip and tweak the list- what are we so glad we had? What did I not need to bring? What would have been helpful to have? I’ll take notes and report back to hopefully be helpful, as I know I’ve been googling for specific pack lists to help me prepare our family for our early June trip to Scotland!

What to Pack for Scotland in June

First, let’s chat about the weather. It looks… consistent. Everyday we will be there is predicted to 41 and 60 degrees, depending on the region we’re in, and rainy. Well, at least there is a solid chance of rain everyday, but I’m not sure if it is a last all day or come and go rain situation. According to VisitScotland, June is normally one of the warmest months in the country, with average highs still only around 63°F, so that tracks with what we’re seeing. Highland weather can turn chilly fast, so our plan is to layer everything and keep a scarf and packable umbrella within reach. Regardless, we are prepared (we think) and definitely up for the adventure! Though Finley is a little bummed we can’t sneak her in our bags; she loves to hike. Wish we could, pup!

Because we will be hopping locations, we are packing light, in carry-on bags. I’m bringing the nice camera, my travel medicine kit, and my toiletry bag, which are all fairly bulky, but between our four bags, we can make it work. Now here’s a look at my detailed pack list for Scotland in June!

Under Things to Pack for Scotland in June

• Underwear
• Socks (both tall wool socks for hiking boots and athletic socks for walking shoes)
• Bras (both regular and a sports bra)
• Pajamas

Clothing to Pack for Scotland in June

• Leggings for hiking and to layer under rain pants if needed
• Jeans
• Hiking pants (mine) and waterproof rain pants for the kids (H’s waterproof pants and K’s waterproof pants)
• Short sleeve athletic top
• Long sleeve athletic top
• Short sleeve t-shirt/top
• Long sleeve t-shirt
• Packable puffer vest
• Sweater
• Raincoat

Shoes and Accessories to Pack for Scotland in June

• Sneakers
• Hiking boots (both Hailey and I have these and love them)
• Beanie hat
• Hiking backpack for me (I love this thing) and fanny pack for the kids – I use this backpack as my carry-on, too. It fits my computer and everything!

These were exactly what we needed to pack for Scotland in June’s wet, muddy trails — sturdy hiking boots and a good backpack made all the difference.

Toiletries and Personal Items

Between long travel days and unpredictable weather, choosing what to pack for Scotland in June also meant thinking through the toiletries and personal items that would actually get used.

• Travel phone/airpod/watch charger
• Computer
• Notebook/journal
• Camera and charger
• Disposable cameras for the kids
• Natural bug repellant cream
• Laundry detergent
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Face wash
• Make up
• Make up remover
• Mini shampoo and conditioner
• Brush and hair ties
• Deodorant
• Retainer and retainer cleaning tablets
• Mighty Patch
• Mouth tape
• Feminine hygiene items
• Travel Medicine Kit

To Wear on the Plane

• Comfy pants (mine are loose jeans)
• Short sleeve shirt
• Sweater/hoodie
• Socks
• Sneakers

To Bring on the Plane

These carry-on essentials rounded out what to pack for Scotland in June for the flight itself.

• Book
• Black Out Eye Mask
• Earphones
• Computer
• Earplugs
• Depuffing Eye Patches
• Portable charger with built in cords
• Antibacterial wipes
• Snack – beef sticks, Solely fruit leather, Annie’s gummy bunnies are favs
• Water bottle and LMNT (the new lemonade flavor is so good!)
• Wallet/ID/Passport
• Chapstick
• Melatonin
• Facial moisturizer
• Hand cream
• Mints
• Toothpicks
• Tissues

Ok! At this point I’d say: did I miss anything? But honestly, it’s too late if I did because we are airport bound! I will come back after and adjust as needed, so it’s hopefully a helpful resource. I can’t wait to see the beauty of Scotland, experience with David and the girls, and capture it the best I can to share with you. Chat soon!

Now that we’re home, this pack list for Scotland in June held up well — if you want to see how the trip actually went, I wrote about it in detail in Scotland: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.