The Scottish Midge Season

If you’ve ever hiked through the Scottish Highlands on a calm and hot summer day, the chances are you’ve encountered them. The infamous, notorious and innumerable Scottish midge. These tiny biting insects are small, yes, but they will quickly become the most memorable part of your expedition. And the volumes they come in can honestly be jaw-dropping. Don’t leave your mouth open too long though.

In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the Scottish midge season; When it starts, where it's worst, how to avoid bites and keep your trip irritation-free etc. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for more Highland escapism, understanding the midge season in Scotland will help you stay comfortable in the highlands.

A midge is a tiny flying insect found in large numbers across the Scottish Highlands and West Coast. These buzzing motes for insects are often mistaken for mosquitoes, though they’re actually much smaller and arguably more persistent.

Only the female midge bites, due to needing a more protein-rich diet for offspring. While their bites aren’t dangerous, they can be incredibly itchy and irritating, which grow more irritating and itchy for the more you get bitten. The males have adapted to survive on plant nectar and so, simply don’t bite.

The long midge season in Scotland runs from late April to early October. A shorter midge season would run from early May to late September. The midge season is influenced by weather and temperature, particularly rainfall, which is the cause for a varied start and end. Peak midge season however runs between mid-June to August, the hottest months in Scotland and the UK:

• Full season: April - October
• Peak season: June – August
• Worst times of day: Early morning and evening (especially when the air is still)
• Ideal midge conditions: Warm, humid & windless weather

On average, midge season in Scotland lasts around three to four months, depending on the weather. It usually ends with the first frost of early autumn.

Midges love moisture and sheltered environments. This is the main reason why the western parts of Scotland are particularly notorious for high midge populations.

Scottish midge hotspots include:

• The West Highlands
• Isle of Skye
• Fort William & Glen Coe
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
• Argyll & Bute

You’ll find fewer midges in cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, on exposed coastal areas, or at higher elevations where the wind tends to keep them at bay. But, other than that, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a place in the Scottish wilderness, be it beinn, loch or glen, that’s completely devoid of the Black Midge.

Scotland and the UK have an uncommon climate, influenced by a rare weather phenomenon caused by the Gulf Stream which brings warm waters to us from as far as the Caribbean. This means that it’s far warmer than it should be and that it’s constantly rainy and wet. Combine this with the rugged wildness of the Scottish countryside, within which all forms of nature flourish, and a lack of predators, and you have a perfect biome for the Scottish Black Midge.

Scotland’s unique climate and geography create the perfect breeding ground for midges:

• High rainfall creates wet, boggy ground - ideal for laying eggs
• Sheltered glens trap humidity and reduce wind
• Cool temperatures allow midges to thrive without drying out
• Few natural predators in remote regions

Outside of the usual discomfort, Scottish midges are generally not dangerous. While they can bite and cause itching, irritation, and swelling, they do not typically pose a serious health risk. However, if you are prone to allergic reactions or have a history of severe responses to insect bites, you may experience more significant reactions, such as raised red bumps that could develop into blisters. In rare cases, some individuals may have more severe allergic reactions. If you experience any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

If you come across midges then they’re going to be a nuisance, but with the right preparation, you can prevent them from ruining your plans.

Here’s how to minimise your exposure:

• Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeve tops, trousers, and insect-repellent clothing like our NosiLife collection.
• Learn how they operate: Learn when they’re out, what they’re drawn to and their weaknesses.
• Avoid peak midge times: Plan activities for late morning or early afternoon.
• Choose your campsite wisely: High ground, open fields, and breezy locations are your friends.

Interested in a more proactive approach to the problem? Read our blog post on ‘How to avoid midges'.

Simply put, Scottish midges are part of the outdoor experience in Scotland. Taking action will prevent them from ruining your plans. With a little know-how and the right kit, you can enjoy the lochs, glens, and summits without letting a cloud of midges chase you back indoors.

For more tips on staying protected, check out our guide on how to avoid midges, or explore our range of insect-repellent clothing and accessories designed for life outdoors.