The Scottish Highlands are famous for four seasons in one day. Check the forecast for key points along the NC500.
Spring brings longer days and the landscape comes alive with wildflowers. Snow can still be on the higher peaks. Temperatures range from 5-14°C. Fewer tourists but some facilities may not have opened for the season yet. Midges are not usually a problem until late May.
The best weather and longest days (up to 18 hours of daylight in June). Temperatures range from 12-20°C, occasionally higher. This is peak tourist season — book campsites well in advance. Midges can be fierce, especially on calm, damp evenings. Bring insect repellent! The west coast tends to be wetter than the east.
September can offer some of the best weather of the year, with warm days and stunning autumn colours. October brings shorter days and the first storms. Many campsites close by early October. Temperatures range from 3-14°C. The midges usually disappear by late September.
Short days (as few as 6 hours of daylight). Many facilities, attractions, and campsites are closed. Roads can be treacherous with ice and snow, especially on mountain passes. Not recommended for motorhome trips unless you're very experienced. However, the Northern Lights can sometimes be seen from the north coast.
Waterproof jacket and trousers (not just a rain jacket — you need proper waterproofs), warm fleece or down jacket, walking boots with good grip, warm hat and gloves (yes, even in summer for mountain walks), sunglasses and sun cream (the UV can be strong even on cloudy days), midgie head net (summer).
Extra gas/LPG for heating in cooler weather, de-icer and scraper (spring/autumn), towing strap (remote areas, help may be far away), torch/flashlight, wellies for muddy car parks and walks, picnic blanket (for those rare sunny days!), basic tool kit.