Things to do in Pitlochry in May

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Overview

May is a great time to visit Pitlochry. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 38—53°F (4—12°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Pitlochry during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Atholl Gathering and Highland Games, sample local whisky at Edradour Distillery, go birdwatching at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, and more!

Pitlochry has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Pitlochry. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Pitlochry in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Pitlochry in May

Top experiences in May
Attend the Atholl Gathering and Highland Games
The Atholl Gathering and Highland Games take place in May and offer a unique opportunity to witness traditional Scottish sports, music, and dancing, as well as the spectacle of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe's only private army, parading through the streets of Blair Atholl. It's a vibrant and colorful event that celebrates Scottish heritage and tradition.
Sample local whisky at Edradour Distillery
May is a perfect time to visit Edradour Distillery, Scotland's smallest traditional distillery, and sample their award-winning single malt whisky. The distillery offers guided tours where you can learn about the whisky-making process and enjoy tastings of their various expressions, including limited edition releases and exclusive cask strength bottlings.
Go birdwatching at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve
May is a prime time for birdwatching at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, as migratory birds return to the area and nesting activity is in full swing. The reserve is home to a variety of bird species, including ospreys, red squirrels, and woodland birds, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts to observe and photograph wildlife.
Take a boat trip on Loch Faskally
May is a great time to take a leisurely boat trip on Loch Faskally, where you can enjoy the tranquil waters, scenic views of the surrounding hills, and the chance to spot wildlife such as otters, herons, and red squirrels. It's a relaxing and peaceful way to experience the natural beauty of the area from a different perspective.
Explore the gardens at Blair Castle
In May, the gardens at Blair Castle are in full bloom, showcasing a stunning array of colorful flowers, lush greenery, and manicured landscapes. Visitors can wander through the walled garden, explore the woodland walks, and admire the beautiful displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, and other spring blooms.
Take a hike through the bluebell woods at Black Spout Wood
In May, the woodlands around Pitlochry come alive with vibrant bluebells, creating a stunning natural display. Taking a hike through Black Spout Wood allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish countryside and witness the breathtaking sight of the bluebells in full bloom.
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Holidays in Pitlochry in May
May
  • Early May Bank Holiday (May 5)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (May 26)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Pitlochry in May

Temperatures on an average day in Pitlochry in May

The average temperature in Pitlochry in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 53°F (12°C) to a low of 38°F (4°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Pitlochry, July, has days with highs of 61°F (16°C) and lows of 47°F (9°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 37°F (3°C) and lows of 30°F (-1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Pitlochry in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
53°F
highs
38°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
33%
Chance of rain
0.116 in
Amount
14.8 mph
Wind speed
87%
Humidity
16.4 hrs
Daylight length
4:59 AM
Sunrise
9:23 PM
Sunset
37%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 53°F (12°C) and a low of 38°F (4°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Pitlochry in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Pitlochry has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Pitlochry that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Pitlochry for May.
Edradour Distillery
1. Edradour Distillery
4.4
(356)
Distillery
Tours & tastings are offered at this charming 1825 distillery known for single malt Scotch whisky.
Queen's View Visitor Centre
2. Queen's View Visitor Centre
4.5
(2996)
Visitor center
Cafe
Historic viewpoint with iconic panoramas over Loch Tummel, a cafe/tea room & a visitor centre.
Pitlochry Fish Ladder
3. Pitlochry Fish Ladder
4.2
(314)
Fishing pier
Nature & Parks
Blair Athol Distillery
4. Blair Athol Distillery
4.8
(823)
Distillery
Food & Drink
The Allt Dour supplies the water used at this distillery famous for its single-malt whiskies.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
5. Pitlochry Festival Theatre
4.6
(1201)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Unique Highlands theatre offering a wide variety of productions and a cafe-bar with river views.
Faskally Forest
6. Faskally Forest
4.7
(817)
National forest
Nature & Parks
Wooded trails around a loch with kingfishers & herons, plus summer water lilies & fall color.
Killiecrankie
7. Killiecrankie
Nature & Parks
National Parks
Killiecrankie is a village in Perth and Kinross, Scotland on the River Garry. It lies at the Pass of Killiecrankie, by the A9 road which has been bypassed since 1986. The village is home to a power station forming part of the Tummel Hydro-Electric Power Scheme. Wikipedia.
Ben Vrackie
8. Ben Vrackie
4.8
(124)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Trails lead into this mountainous site with an optional steep climb affording sweeping vistas.
Black Spout Wood
9. Black Spout Wood
4.7
(97)
Woods
Outdoor Activities
Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre
10. Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre
4.5
(2037)
Visitor center
Multimedia exhibitions on hydro-electricity, dam history & salmon breeding, plus a cafe & gift shop.
VisitScotland Pitlochry iCentre
11. VisitScotland Pitlochry iCentre
4.6
(125)
Tourist information center
Visitor Centers
Explorers Garden
12. Explorers Garden
4.1
(42)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Loch Faskally
13. Loch Faskally
4.7
(39)
Reservoir
Nature & Parks
Hilly trails & angling around a dam with a famed fish ladder helping salmon to swim uphill & spawn.
Melt Gallery
14. Melt Gallery
4.9
(23)
Art gallery
Museums
Schiehallion
15. Schiehallion
4.8
(260)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
1,083 metres Highlands summit & a popular hiking spot with views of surrounding lakes & mountains.
Croft Moraig Stone Circle
16. Croft Moraig Stone Circle
4.3
(23)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks

Top searches in Pitlochry

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