Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings VIP Club
Find flights Book transfer
Home / Destinations / Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye

United Kingdom · Island · GBP · 57.300000, -6.200000
Family friendly 5/10 · Rank 2193 of 2 709
Best season: May-September (driest and warmest)

Best for

For hikers, nature lovers, history and Scottish culture.

Best season

May-September (driest and warmest)

Daily budget
$216.00 (≈ 18 127 ₽ · ≈ 171 GBP)
For 7 days
$1 512.00 (≈ 126 887 ₽ · ≈ 1 194 GBP)
The Isle of Skye is one of the most scenic islands in Scotland, known for its dramatic landscapes and mountains. The island attracts tourists with its landscapes, castles, and hiking opportunities. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers.
Summer
18.0°C
Winter
3.0°C
Sea
16.0°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Sea and beach Hazards Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Hospitable, friendly, proud of their Gaelic culture.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unique landscapes
  • Rich historical and cultural heritage
  • Diverse outdoor activities
  • Developed tourist infrastructure

Cons

  • Cool and rainy weather
  • High cost in peak season
  • Many tourists in summer
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
14.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
17.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
18.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
5.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
7.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
3.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
14.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
16.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
year-round, wettest in autumn and winter
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white crushed maerl, black volcanic, silver shell sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white/black/silver
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Coral Beach, Talisker Bay
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
No
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Main danger is jellyfish in late summer. No lifeguards on beaches.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins occur on rocky shores and in reefs

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent around the Isle of Skye — the region belongs to the temperate waters of the Sea of the Hebrides. Marine ecosystems are represented by rocky reefs, kelp forests and temperate fish species
  • Soft corals, sponges, sea urchins, starfish and nudibranchs inhabit the rocky reefs of Skye waters

Jellyfish — details

  • Moon jellyfish and lion's mane jellyfish appear in late summer

Sharks — details

  • Various shark species inhabit Skye waters, including the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), which is the second largest fish in the world. It is often seen during summer months and feeds on plankton
  • Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and other small species are also found. Basking sharks do not pose a danger to humans, but keeping a distance is recommended
Attractions

Old Man of Storr

Famous basalt pinnacle, one of Scotland's most recognisable landmarks.

The Quiraing

Dramatic landslip landscape with spectacular rock formations.

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Impressive cliff with a waterfall plunging into the sea.

Fairy Pools

Crystal-clear mountain pools with turquoise water.

Dunvegan Castle

Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited castle.

Neist Point

Westernmost point of Skye with a lighthouse and stunning sunsets.

Talisker Distillery

Oldest distillery on Skye, producing the famous single malt whisky.

Best areas

Portree

Main town with a colourful harbour and shops.

Broadford

Second largest town with access to mountains.

Dunvegan

Area with castle and beaches.

Must-try food

Lamb

Local Scottish hill-farmed lamb.

Seafood

Fresh lobsters, crabs and scallops.

Smoked Salmon

Famous Scottish smoked salmon.

Haggis

Traditional Scottish dish.

Cranachan

Local dessert of berries with whipped cream.

Where to go next

Raasay

Neighbouring island with a distillery, ~25 min by ferry.

Isle of Skye

Exploring the rest of the island.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Скай Аэропорт (SKL).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
required (UK visa/ETA)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September (driest and warmest)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 47 GBP
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 119 GBP
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$220.00
≈ 18 462 ₽ · ≈ 174 GBP
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$570.00
≈ 47 834 ₽ · ≈ 450 GBP
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 158 GBP
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$140.00
≈ 11 749 ₽ · ≈ 111 GBP
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 14 GBP
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 32 GBP
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 4 GBP
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$5.50
≈ 462 ₽ · ≈ 4 GBP
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 GBP
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 12 GBP
Burger
Average price for a burger
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 9 GBP
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 6 GBP
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 8 GBP
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$0.30
≈ 25 ₽ · ≈ 0 GBP
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 2 GBP
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 9 GBP
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 40 GBP
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 12 GBP
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 20 GBP
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 36 GBP
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 63 GBP
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Isle of Skye Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 55 GBP
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 16 GBP
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 16 GBP
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Isle of Skye: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September (driest and warmest). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Isle of Skye: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +18.0°C, during the day — up to +17.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Isle of Skye: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +3.0°C, during the day — up to +7.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Isle of Skye: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +16.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Isle of Skye: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on year-round, wettest in autumn and winter. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Isle of Skye: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white crushed maerl, black volcanic, silver shell sand" surface, white/black/silver sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Coral Beach, Talisker Bay. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Isle of Skye: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Isle of Skye: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish. Main danger is jellyfish in late summer. No lifeguards on beaches.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Isle of Skye: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $216.00 (≈ 18 127 ₽ · ≈ 171 GBP) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Isle of Skye: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $60.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $150.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $220.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $570.00 per night, an apartment — $140.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Isle of Skye: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $40.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.50, a 0.5L beer — $5.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Isle of Skye: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $0.30, a single public transport ticket — $3.00, a short taxi ride — $12.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Isle of Skye: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Old Man of Storr — Famous basalt pinnacle, one of Scotland's most recognisable landmarks.; The Quiraing — Dramatic landslip landscape with spectacular rock formations.; Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls — Impressive cliff with a waterfall plunging into the sea.; Fairy Pools — Crystal-clear mountain pools with turquoise water.; Dunvegan Castle — Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited castle.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Isle of Skye: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Lamb — Local Scottish hill-farmed lamb.; Seafood — Fresh lobsters, crabs and scallops.; Smoked Salmon — Famous Scottish smoked salmon.; Haggis — Traditional Scottish dish.; Cranachan — Local dessert of berries with whipped cream.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Isle of Skye: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Portree — Main town with a colourful harbour and shops.; Broadford — Second largest town with access to mountains.; Dunvegan — Area with castle and beaches.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Isle of Skye: is a visa required?
Visa: required (UK visa/ETA). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Isle of Skye: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Скай Аэропорт (code SKL). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $0.30. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Isle of Skye: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — GBP. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $216.00 (≈ 18 127 ₽ · ≈ 171 GBP). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Isle of Skye: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Isle of Skye: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Isle of Skye: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Raasay — Neighbouring island with a distillery, ~25 min by ferry.; Isle of Skye — Exploring the rest of the island.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5/10
Overall rank: 2193 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1286

Best season

May-September (driest and warmest)

Useful information

Currency: GBP
Coordinates: 57.300000, -6.200000