If you’re planning a summer trip to Glasgow, you’ll want to prepare for a season that feels mild, damp, and, honestly, a bit unpredictable. Daytime temperatures usually hover between 59°F and 66°F (15°C to 19°C), so summers here are pretty cool compared to a lot of other European cities. You won’t often find it getting hot, but those long daylight hours really give you more time to get out and explore.
Rain shows up regularly in summer, though showers often pass through quickly. Humidity stays pretty high, which can make the air feel heavier than you’d expect from the temperature.
Breezy conditions help keep things comfortable, whether you’re going on a walking tour, hitting an outdoor festival, or taking a day trip outside the city.
If you know what to expect, you’ll pack more wisely and plan activities that actually fit Glasgow’s climate. When you get a sense of the cool temperatures, frequent rain, and steady winds, you can enjoy summer here without too many surprises.
Overview of Glasgow’s Summer Climate
Glasgow’s summer weather stays mild, and you won’t see temperature extremes very often. Rain falls pretty frequently, but those long daylight hours mean you can still spend plenty of time outdoors.
Typical Weather Patterns
From June to August, Glasgow’s average daytime highs sit between 16–19 °C (61–66 °F). Nights feel chillier, usually dropping to about 9–11 °C (48–52 °F).
Rain is common, with monthly averages around 50–65 mm. Showers don’t usually last long, but you’ll notice them popping up often, so expect dampness. Humidity hangs around 77–81%, making the air feel heavier, even when it’s not particularly warm.
Sunshine is a bit limited compared to the southern UK. You’ll get an average of 5 to 7 hours of brightness each day. Overcast skies are the norm, but sometimes the sun breaks through between showers.
Winds tend to be light to moderate, averaging 15–17 mph. These breezes help keep temperatures steady. Strong winds aren’t as likely in summer as they are in winter, but you’ll still get the occasional breezy day.
Comparison to Other UK Cities
London’s summers are warmer and drier than Glasgow’s. London often climbs to 22–25 °C, while Glasgow rarely goes over 20 °C. If you don’t love the heat, Glasgow feels more comfortable, but you might not get as many dry, sunny days.
Edinburgh, just 50 miles away, shares similar temperatures, but Glasgow usually gets more rain because it sits closer to the Atlantic.
If you compare Glasgow to northern English cities like Manchester, you’ll find both places have frequent rain and moderate temperatures. Glasgow’s west coast location brings a bit more cloud cover.
Head down to the coast in southern England—to places like Brighton or Bournemouth—and you’ll really notice the difference. Those spots enjoy warmer, sunnier summers with less rain and more classic “beach weather.”
Seasonal Variations
Summer in Glasgow feels short and changes noticeably from June to August. June starts off cool, with highs near 18 °C, but you get the longest evenings.
July is the warmest month, averaging 19 °C, though rain doesn’t really let up.
By August, temperatures stay mild, but rainfall picks up again, averaging 66 mm. Humidity rises a bit, and the skies get more unsettled.
Heatwaves almost never happen here, unlike in the south of the UK. Instead, you’ll see mild conditions, frequent showers, and a mix of cloud and sun. It’s consistent, but you never know quite what you’ll get.
Daylight hours start to shrink in August, and you can feel autumn creeping in.
Average Summer Temperatures in Glasgow
Glasgow’s summer brings mild weather compared to a lot of other European cities. You’ll get moderate daytime warmth, cooler nights, and not much variation from June through August.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Daytime highs in summer usually land between 16°C and 19°C (61°F to 66°F). July is typically the warmest, with highs close to 19°C. It’s pleasant, but rarely hot, and the cloud cover keeps things from heating up too much.
At night, temperatures drop off. Expect lows of 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F)—it can feel chilly if you’re out late. You’ll probably need a light jacket, even in midsummer.
This difference between day and night is classic for a maritime climate. The Atlantic nearby keeps the air moist and stops extreme heat, but also keeps nights from getting too warm.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Summer in Glasgow runs mostly from June to August. June starts off mild, with highs around 16°C and lows near 10°C. Early in the month, it feels cool, but it gets more comfortable as you move toward July.
July is the warmest, with daytime averages about 19°C and nighttime temps near 11°C. You get the longest days now, so outdoor activities are more appealing even if it’s not especially hot.
August stays similar to July but starts to cool off a bit by the end. Highs dip back toward 17°C, and nights can feel cooler at around 10°C. Once September hits, you’ll notice autumn arriving.
Historical Extremes
Glasgow summers are usually mild, but sometimes you’ll see extremes. The city has hit highs above 30°C (86°F) during rare heatwaves—though these don’t happen often and never last long. Cooler Atlantic air typically sweeps in after a few days.
On the other end, summer nights can occasionally fall below 7°C (45°F), especially early in June. It’s rare, but visitors sometimes get caught off guard.
Heatwaves and cold snaps are the exception, not the rule. Most summers stick to a narrow range, making it pretty easy to plan outdoor stuff.
Rainfall in Glasgow During Summer
Rain is just part of summer in Glasgow. Showers can pop up even in the warmest months, and you won’t see many long dry spells. Rainfall spreads out fairly evenly over the season.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Summer rain in Glasgow is moderate but steady. June, July, and August all bring measurable precipitation, with totals mostly between 100 mm and 120 mm per month.
June usually gets a bit less rain than July, but it’s not a huge difference. August often matches July’s totals, so midsummer can actually be the wettest stretch.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | ~100 mm |
| July | ~110–115 mm |
| August | ~110–120 mm |
These numbers are higher than what you’ll see in a lot of European cities during summer. Even if it’s mild, the steady rain means you should expect dampness for most of your visit.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain in Glasgow doesn’t just show up as a few big storms. You’ll see frequent light to moderate showers. On average, summer months bring 15 to 20 days of rain per month—so more than half the days can be wet.
May is actually the driest month, but once June hits, rain picks up. Even sunny days can have short showers, and you might get rain in the morning with clear skies by afternoon.
This makes it tough to count on long stretches of dry weather. It’s smarter to carry a waterproof jacket or an umbrella than to hope for a rain-free trip.
Impact on Daily Life
The steady rain shapes how you spend your time in Glasgow. If you’re planning outdoor activities—walking tours, cycling, or countryside trips—you’ll need to be flexible. Plans might change fast if a shower rolls in.
Locals barely blink at the rain, so events and festivals go on regardless. Cafés, museums, and indoor spots are easy alternatives if you want to duck out of the weather.
For visitors, preparation is everything. Light waterproof clothing, quick-dry shoes, and layers will keep you comfortable. If you’re ready for it, the rain becomes just another part of summer here, not really a problem.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Glasgow’s summer weather pairs moderate temperatures with pretty high humidity. This combo affects how warm the air feels and can change how comfortable you are outdoors.
Average Relative Humidity
During summer, Glasgow’s average relative humidity sits between 70% and 80%. That’s lower than winter, when it can hit 85%, but still higher than what you’ll find inland.
July, the warmest month, usually sees humidity around 75%. It’s not extreme, but the moisture can make 18–19°C feel a bit warmer, especially if it’s calm or overcast.
Here’s a look at the numbers:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| June | ~74% |
| July | ~75% |
| August | ~76% |
Because humidity stays fairly steady, you won’t see big swings in comfort from week to week.
Effects on Outdoor Activities
Humidity changes how comfortable you’ll feel when walking, hiking, or sightseeing. At about 75%, sweat evaporates more slowly, so you might notice a slight stickiness if you’re active. It’s nothing like the tropics, but it can make long walks a bit less refreshing.
Cloud cover and frequent rain add to the dampness. Even on cooler days, the mix of moisture and wind can leave you feeling chilly if you’re not dressed right.
If you’re outside a lot, light, breathable clothing is best on warmer days. A waterproof layer is handy for sudden showers. Parks, riverside paths, and city tours are still great in summer, but it’s smart to be ready for the constant humidity that comes with Glasgow’s climate.
Wind Speed and Conditions
Summer in Glasgow brings steadier winds compared to winter, but breezes are still a regular thing. You’ll notice moderate airflow that shapes how warm days feel and affects your comfort outside.
Typical Summer Wind Speeds
In summer, Glasgow’s average wind speeds usually fall between 9 to 12 miles per hour (14–19 km/h). That’s lower than in colder months, when stronger gusts show up more often. The lighter winds make walking, cycling, or sightseeing a bit more comfortable.
Wind speeds usually peak in the late afternoon, when the land warms up and air movement picks up. Early mornings are calmer, so outdoor activities like golf or hiking feel especially nice then.
Occasional gusts above 20 mph (32 km/h) still happen, especially during unsettled weather fronts. These gusts aren’t as common as in autumn or winter, but it’s still something to keep in mind if you’re planning outdoor events.
| Month | Avg Wind Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~10 mph (16 km/h) | Mild, steady breezes |
| July | ~9 mph (14 km/h) | Lightest winds of year |
| August | ~11 mph (18 km/h) | Slightly breezier again |
Prevailing Wind Directions
Winds in Glasgow usually blow from the southwest, bringing moist air off the Atlantic. That’s why, even in summer, you’ll often get cloudy skies or light showers along with the breeze.
Southwesterly winds dominate most of the season, but sometimes they shift. Westerly or northwesterly winds can bring in cooler, fresher air, while southerlies might nudge temperatures up a little.
You’ll notice the coastal influence, even though Glasgow isn’t right on the sea. The city sits low, and the surrounding hills don’t really block the wind. Breezes move through consistently, so the air rarely feels stagnant.
If you’re planning to spend time outside, expect winds to follow Atlantic weather patterns. This setup is pretty reliable and shapes a lot of the summer climate in western Scotland.
Additional Summer Weather Factors
When you’re planning for summer in Glasgow, don’t just think about temperature and rain. Sunshine, daylight length, and UV levels also affect how you’ll spend your time outside and what you’ll need each day.
Sunshine Hours
Glasgow gets a decent amount of sunshine during the summer, though I wouldn’t call it abundant. In June and July, you’ll probably see about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. Sure, that’s more than the rest of the year, but clouds still hang around a lot, so don’t count on those perfect blue skies.
Since the city sits on the west coast, weather can change in the blink of an eye. Sometimes you’ll step outside to sun, and then, just like that, a shower rolls in.
If you’re heading outdoors, it makes sense to pick plans that work rain or shine. Maybe try a morning walk when the skies tend to be clearer.
If the weather turns, you can always duck into museums or galleries. And sometimes, by evening, things brighten up again, so evening events are worth considering.
You’ll get a gentle, mild summer vibe, but honestly, don’t expect endless stretches of sun.
Daylight Duration
One thing that really stands out in a Glasgow summer? The long daylight hours. In June, the sun comes up before 5 a.m. and doesn’t set until nearly 10 p.m., giving you up to 17.5 hours of daylight.
That’s a lot of time to wander, eat outdoors, or go on a day trip. Even in August, you’ll still see about 15 hours of daylight, which feels like a treat compared to the deep winter gloom when daylight barely hits 8 hours.
Those drawn-out evenings let you explore the city and maybe even the countryside, all in one go. You can hang out in Glasgow’s parks for a while, then head out of town before the sun dips.
If you’re traveling, you’ll notice you can pack a lot into each day without feeling like you’re racing the clock.
UV Index
Glasgow’s UV index in summer usually sits at a moderate level, generally between 4 and 6 most days. That’s definitely lower than what you’d find in southern Europe, but you still need to watch out, especially around midday.
Clouds can make the sun feel weaker, but they don’t block UV rays completely. Even if it looks gloomy, you can still get sunburned if you’re outside for hours without any protection.
Here’s what I’d suggest to stay safe:
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Put on sunglasses with UV protection
- Wear light clothing to cover your skin when the sun’s at its peak
The air in Glasgow often feels cooler than in hotter countries, so it’s pretty easy to forget about UV risk. If you keep an eye on the index, you can enjoy being outside and avoid sun damage at the same time.