West Highland Way in June

May through September offers the best weather window, but each month brings trade-offs. May gives you longer daylight (sunrise around 5:30am, sunset after 8pm) with fewer crowds and decent weather. The landscape bursts green after winter, waterfalls run full, and accommodation is easier to book. But you might hit late snow on higher sections. June and July are peak season for good reason. Daylight stretches until nearly 10pm, temperatures hover around 15-20°C, and rain is less frequent (though never absent—this is Scotland). The downside? Midges. These tiny biting insects swarm from June through August, particularly in still, warm conditions around lochs and forests. They're worst at dawn and dusk, so plan your camping accordingly. August continues the good weather but brings school holiday crowds. Expect busy trails and packed accommodation, especially weekends. September offers a sweet spot—fewer people, stunning autumn colors, and midges finally dying off after the first frosts. But daylight shrinks fast, and weather becomes more unpredictable. Avoid October through April unless you're an experienced winter hiker. Daylight dwindles to 7-8 hours, storms regularly batter the Highlands, and snow can block higher sections. Some accommodation closes for winter, and river crossings become dangerous after heavy rain. Weather changes fast in the Highlands regardless of season. I've experienced four seasons in a single day on Rannoch Moor—sunshine, hail, wind, and rain within hours. Always pack for the worst conditions, even in summer. Check forecasts obsessively, particularly for the Rannoch Moor and Devil's Staircase sections where shelter is minimal.