Midges in Scotland: When They Appear, Best Repellents, and How to Adjust Your Trip

Every year, around late May, something tiny but terrifying shows up in Scotland. It’s not a ghost. It’s not a virus. It’s the midge. These little flies, no bigger than a grain of salt, can turn a perfect hike in the Highlands into a nightmare. If you’ve ever been bitten by one, you know why people whisper about them like they’re cursed. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to avoid Scotland because of midges. You just need to know when they’re active, what actually works to keep them away, and how to shift your plans so you still get to see the mountains, lochs, and castles without scratching yourself raw.

When Do Midges Come Out?

Midges in Scotland aren’t around all year. They follow a strict schedule tied to weather, not calendar dates. The season usually starts in late May, peaks in June and July, and fades by early September. But it’s not just about the month-it’s about the conditions. Midges thrive in still, damp air. If it’s overcast, humid, and windless, especially around dawn and dusk, you’re in their sweet spot. They hate wind. A breeze of even 10 km/h makes them give up. That’s why you’ll see locals on the west coast of Scotland, like in Glencoe or the Isle of Skye, checking the forecast not for rain, but for wind speed.

Some years are worse than others. After a wet winter and a cool spring, midge numbers explode. In 2024, parts of the Cairngorms reported up to 2,000 midges per square meter in sheltered spots. That’s not a guess-it’s from a study by the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment. If you’re planning a trip for June, check the midge forecast from the Midge Forecast website. It’s updated daily and uses real-time data from traps across the Highlands. You can see exactly where the swarms are thickening and where they’re quiet.

What Repellents Actually Work?

Not all bug sprays are made equal when it comes to midges. DEET works, yes-but not all concentrations do. You need at least 50% DEET to reliably keep them off you. But here’s the catch: DEET can melt plastic, ruin synthetic fabrics, and smell like chemicals you’d find in a garage. Most travelers don’t want that. So what else works?

One product that’s been trusted by hikers and fishermen for decades is Smidge. It’s made in Scotland, uses a compound called Icaridin (also called Picaridin), and doesn’t smell like a lab. It lasts up to 10 hours and doesn’t damage gear. I’ve used it on multi-day treks in Wester Ross. I didn’t get a single bite. Another option is Avon Skin-So-Soft Dry Oil Spray. Yes, that’s the same stuff your aunt used after the bath. It’s not a miracle cure, but in low-midge areas like the east coast or urban spots, it’s enough to keep them at bay. It’s also gentle on skin and smells like coconut.

Don’t waste money on wristbands, ultrasonic apps, or citronella candles. They don’t work. I’ve tested them all. The only thing that creates a real barrier is a physical one: a head net. I carry a lightweight, breathable one in my pack year-round. It looks silly, sure-but when you’re standing on the shore of Loch Maree at sunset and the air is thick with midges, you’ll be grateful you looked ridiculous.

How to Adjust Your Itinerary

You don’t need to cancel your Scotland trip. You just need to plan smarter. Here’s how to shift your schedule to avoid the worst of it.

• Travel in May or early September. You’ll miss the peak, and the weather is still mild. The light in September is golden, and the crowds are gone. I’ve done this three times. The midges were barely noticeable.
• Stay on the east coast. Places like Dundee, Aberdeen, and the Cairngorms’ eastern edge get more wind. The North Sea keeps the air moving. You’ll still see castles, whisky distilleries, and coastal cliffs-without the itch.
• Avoid still valleys and lochs at dawn/dusk. If you’re hiking in Glencoe or Torridon, plan your walks for midday. That’s when the sun is high, the wind picks up, and the midges vanish. Save your quiet lochside picnics for lunch, not sunset.
• Book accommodation with screens and fans. Many B&Bs in the Highlands now advertise "midge-proof" windows. Look for places with fine mesh screens and ceiling fans. Even a small fan on your bedside table can keep the air moving enough to deter them at night.

One traveler I met near Fort William told me he skipped the Isle of Skye entirely because he’d heard horror stories. Instead, he went to the Isle of Mull. Less famous, fewer tourists, and the sea breezes kept the midges away. He came back with photos of eagles and otters-and no bites.

What to Pack for Midge Season

Here’s what goes in my pack when I’m heading into midge country:

• 50% DEET repellent (for exposed skin)
• Smidge or another Icaridin-based spray (for clothing and gear)
• Lightweight head net (foldable, fits in a pocket)
• Long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and pants (midge-friendly fabrics)
• A small battery-powered fan (USB-rechargeable, under £20)
• Antihistamine cream (for bites that slip through)

Don’t forget your sunglasses. Midges are drawn to dark colors and movement. Wearing light clothing and staying still helps. I once saw a woman in a black hoodie get swarmed in just 30 seconds. She looked like a walking midge buffet.

What Not to Do

There are myths about midges that still spread online. Don’t believe them.

• Don’t burn candles or incense. They don’t repel midges-they just make you smell like a campfire and attract other insects.
• Don’t rely on natural oils like eucalyptus or tea tree. They might work for mosquitoes, but midges laugh at them.
• Don’t panic if you get bitten. Midges don’t carry diseases in Scotland. The bite is itchy, yes, but it’s harmless. A cold compress and hydrocortisone cream will fix it in a day.

And please, don’t spray repellent on your dog. Some human repellents are toxic to pets. Use vet-approved products like Advantix or a midge-proof dog coat if you’re hiking with them.

Why This Matters for Your Trip

Midges aren’t the enemy. They’re just part of Scotland’s wild character. The same wet, green landscapes that feed them are what make the country breathtaking. You don’t have to live in fear. You just need to respect their rhythm. Plan your days around the wind, dress smart, carry the right gear, and you’ll still stand on the edge of a misty glen with the sun breaking through, and feel the peace of a place few others get to experience.

Scotland’s beauty isn’t in spite of the midges. It’s because of them. They’re a sign you’re in the right place-the wild, untamed places where the air still feels alive.