These islands live by the sea’s timetable. Boat trips to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles run from about April to October, puffins are ashore from mid-April to early August, and ferries and businesses wind down in winter.
Season by season
Spring (April–May)
The islands wake up: boats start running, puffins and other seabirds return, bluebells and primroses cover the banks and the weather is often at its driest and clearest. Few midges, few crowds.
Summer (June–August)
The fullest ferry timetable, the warmest sea and the long evening light that makes Iona glow. Puffins leave in early August. Book ferries, rooms and boat trips well ahead; midges are about on still evenings.
Autumn (September–October)
A fine time for wildlife — red deer rutting, eagles, otters — with quieter roads and rich colours. Boat trips continue into October, weather permitting, then stop.
Winter (November–March)
Quiet, stormy and beautiful, for those who want solitude. Ferries run a reduced winter timetable and are more often disrupted; Staffa boats do not sail; many hotels, restaurants and attractions, including Duart Castle, are closed.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Daylight | Crowds | Midges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7 °C | 2 °C | 7.5 h | Quiet | — |
| February | 7 °C | 2 °C | 9.5 h | Quiet | — |
| March | 9 °C | 3 °C | 12 h | Quiet | — |
| April | 12 °C | 4 °C | 14 h | Moderate | — |
| May | 15 °C | 7 °C | 16 h | Busy | Some |
| June | 17 °C | 9 °C | 17.5 h | Busy | Peak |
| July | 18 °C | 11 °C | 17 h | Peak | Peak |
| August | 18 °C | 11 °C | 15 h | Peak | Peak |
| September | 16 °C | 9 °C | 12.5 h | Busy | Some |
| October | 13 °C | 7 °C | 10.5 h | Moderate | — |
| November | 10 °C | 4 °C | 8.5 h | Quiet | — |
| December | 8 °C | 2 °C | 7 h | Quiet | — |
Temperatures are rounded long-term averages for the nearest weather station; real days vary widely, especially in the hills.
Festivals & events
- Late AprilMull Music Festival
A weekend of traditional music in the pubs and halls of Tobermory. - Mid-April – early AugustPuffin season
Puffins nest on Lunga and Staffa; trips run daily in suitable weather. - JulyTobermory Highland Games
Piping, dancing and heavy events on the golf course above the town. - Late AugustArgyllshire Gathering
Oban’s Highland games and one of the leading solo piping competitions. - OctoberMull Rally
A closed-road car rally. Roads shut for stages over the weekend — check dates if you are visiting.
Crowds & booking ahead
Mull is busy in July and August but nothing like Skye; the pinch points are the car ferry from Oban, the morning boats to Staffa and Iona’s main street in the middle of the day, when the tour coaches arrive. Stay overnight on the Ross of Mull or on Iona and you will have the abbey almost to yourself by late afternoon. May, June and September give the best combination of weather, wildlife and space.
