Scotland's winter weather starts to turn in March and by the time Daylight Savings Time is applied at the end of the month, things usually look and feel positively spring-like almost everywhere.

Easter, which varies from year to year, but is usually in or around the first couple of weeks of April, is the starting gun for many attractions to move to their summer timetable. Statistically April is also the month with the lowest rainfall in many places, while temperatures rise a few degrees to average about 11ºC (52ºF).

In May temperatures rise again to average about 14ºC and the pattern of lower rainfall continues. All this and the fact that the midge season doesn't start until late-May, and that accommodation deals are to be had, make April and May a good time to visit.