What to expect from Isle of Mull weather when you come to stay? Quite possibly the million dollar question for many visitors to the island, along with the midge forecast! So, just what can you expect from Isle of Mull weather in each season?

Spring

Spring tends to bring a more mixed picture of Isle of Mull weather. Expect a fast-changing array of wind, showers and sunshine and often, a lot of rainbows! As the island wakes up after winter, the changing light and lengthening days sees the natural world spring back to life with spectacular bluebell and early wildflower displays.

Summer

May and June generally see the best of the bright weather on the island, but that’s not to say you won’t find a wet day, nor to say that July and August will be a wash out!

While there are no guarantees, the summer months tend to offer the best chances of drier and more settled conditions, but it’s still best to come prepared for all possibilities. It’s not unusual to hear locals say to expect all four seasons in a single day!

Autumn

Autumn can be a magical season here on the island. The roar of rutting stags carries on the wind and echoes through the glens, as the red deer descend from the higher summer grazing to more sheltered lowlands and the rut begins.

It’s a time of change for the weather too, with the days slowly drawing in and a higher likelihood of some wind and rain. The silver lining is that the waterfalls will often be flowing in full spate, making for some spectacular sights exploring the island as the bracken-covered hillsides turn copper and gold.

Winter

Winter is the season to coorie up in a cosy cottage and immerse yourself in Highland hospitality. A wee dram of the local malt by the fire to warm the wilder nights, and in clear skies, excellent opportunities to stargaze and – if you’re lucky – spot the Northern Lights.

There’s a good chance of some wild weather this season. But, the earlier arrival of sunset and later return of sunrise offer some brilliant photography opportunities amid rapidly changing skies, light and weather conditions.

What about the midges on Mull?

If you’re keen to avoid the midges altogether, then a winter break or visit early in the season (April or early May) will give you the best chances. Midges become more present on the island through the summer and autumn, although generally not in the big clouds you’ll find in the Highlands!

As so much of the island is coastal, there’s usually a breeze that keeps the midges at bay. You’ll notice them more in very still conditions and particularly in land, in woodland or by bodies of water, so plan your activities accordingly. A bottle of Smidge and a net if you’re worried should keep you right.

Whatever your choice of season, find your cottage and start planning your next adventure on Mull.

Picture Mull in the winter: vast open landscapes, dramatic winds and rushing rivers, and – come nightfall – wonderfully dark skies. On a clear night, the magic of the island in winter comes alive with superb views of starry skies and, on the luckiest occasions when the right conditions arise, the dance of the Northern Lights too. If you’ve fancied escaping to Mull in winter, here are five winter breaks hand-picked for stargazers. They’re all pet friendly, too!

Mucmara Lodge, Dervaig

Around a mile from the village centre in Dervaig and rubbing shoulders with the woodland of the Quinish Estate, Mucmara Lodge promises perfect dark sky conditions to enjoy the night-time wonders, whether a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing, or constellation-spotting from the garden before returning to warm by the fire. Winter breaks at pet friendly Mucmara Lodge start from £935 per week.

Dobhran Croft, Lochbuie

Far from any light pollution a stone’s throw from the sea, Dobhran Croft is one of our most popular cottages for winter escapes. There are dark skies aplenty to enjoy in this remote location, shared only with a handful of other cottages, and on clear skies ample opportunity to enjoy them. To the north, when conditions allow, there’s even the chance to spot the Northern Lights dancing beyond the summit of Ben Buie for the luckiest visitors. Winter breaks at pet friendly Dobhran Croft start from only £95 per night.

Ardwhin Cottage, Lochdon

Nestled beside the shore of Loch Don in the tiny village that shares the loch’s name, Ardwhin Cottage offers stargazing opportunities aplenty. On clear nights, there’s the added bonus that the sparkling constellations above are reflected in the inky waters of the still loch – a magical sight, whether enjoyed outdoors or from the comfort of the conservatory. Winter breaks at pet friendly Ardwhin Cottage start from £695 per week.

Seabank, Tiroran

The final stone cottage in a small cluster along the shore of Kilfinichen Bay, Seabank promises stunning views southwards across Loch Scridain and towards the Ross of Mull peninsula beyond. In this remote and quiet corner of the island, dark skies come guaranteed, and Seabank’s cosy sitting areas and large windows make for perfect viewing. Winter breaks start from £695 per week at pet friendly Seabank.

Balmeanach Farmhouse, Loch na Keal

Cocooned between the Ardmeanach peninsula, Gribun cliffs and sea at Loch na Keal, Balmeanach Farmhouse certainly ticks the box for a remote yet luxurious base. With only a farm for neighbours, the nights feel truly dark, with wide open skies and clear views both to the north and the west. Winter breaks at pet friendly Balmeanach Farmhouse start from £1100 per week.

Escape for a winter break

Between November and March, we offer the lowest weekly rental fees you’ll find our cottages advertised at all year, often hundreds of pounds less than they would be in high summer. On top of that, many of our cottages also offer short breaks, with stays from just two nights and flexible arrival and departure days.

You can tailor-make your winter escape to suit your timings and budget. Remember we are just at the end of the phone if you have any specific queries or requests. We’re here to find the perfect Isle of Mull cottage for you.

Plain sailing

One of the biggest questions asked by guests choosing an Isle of Mull cottage for winter surrounds the ferries. What happens if your sailing is disrupted due to bad weather? Will the ferries be running?

The good news is that CalMac operate a year-round ferry service to Mull, with the exceptions of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Even during the winter, we have multiple ferry sailings a day to choose from and three different routes on and off the island (from Oban to Craignure, or from Lochaline to Fishnish and Kilchoan to Tobermory).

Should the bigger ferries be disrupted due to weather, then CalMac often suggest you divert and come via Lochaline to Fishnish instead. This ferry operates to a timetable but doesn’t need to be booked in advance and often sails in poorer weather than the bigger counterparts. The port staff are very helpful and will do their best to help with your travel plans.

Season’s change

Mull is an island with a thriving population of almost 3,000 residents who live here year-round. So while there is of course a seasonal element to the island with some businesses and attractions just open from April to October, not everything grinds to a halt.

Our village shops remain open year-round for groceries and some of the restaurants and cafes operate over the winter months too. What a winter visit to an Isle of Mull cottage does require though is planning ahead.

Not everywhere will be open, so call ahead to check availability and make dinner reservations. Tobermory, the island’s harbour capital, has several pubs and restaurants that keep their doors open year-round, and several are dog friendly too.

Likewise, most boat trips are weather dependent, which means the arrival of winter and its more unpredictable weather means those wrap up until the following spring. Plan ahead to be sure you can do the activities you want to enjoy during your visit with the help to our guide to local boat trip operators and seasonal wildlife highlights.

If you’re not sure, just ask us. Being based here on the island means we have the local knowledge to help you get the most out of your holiday.

Starry eyed

One of the biggest appeals of an Isle of Mull cottage in the winter is the chance to curl up beside the fire after an evening of stargazing. With very little light pollution, we have amazingly dark skies. On a clear night, you’ll see countless constellations and stars. And for the luckiest winter visitors, you might even see the Northern Lights.

This spectacle relies on solar energy and clear skies coming together so you can soak up nature’s dance show. The winter is undoubtedly the best time to try your luck at spotting the Northern Lights, and it all starts with a place to stay.

Start planning your winter break on the Isle of Mull.

If you’re visiting Mull in our quieter winter months, then you’ve got lots to look forward to. The island’s wildlife highlights will wow year-round, there’ll be snow topping the hills, and, if luck is on your side, you might even be treated to a display of the Northern Lights.

But the island doesn’t simply go to sleep in our quiet season. There’s still plenty to see and do and in this blog, we’ll bring together some of the fabulous festive events you could look forward to on your visit.

Christmas Lights

There are two big switch-on events on the island when the local area is first lit up in twinkling festive lights, one in the north and one in the south.

If you’re staying near Tobermory, then head down to the harbourfront on Saturday 26^th November to see the lights switched on by the clock tower at 7pm. The shops will be open late, serving festive fayre and mulled wine as you browse for Christmas gifts.

For guests in the south of the island, Saturday 3^rd December is the night to remember. Visit the village of Bunessan on Loch na Lathaich and see the Christmas lights illuminated, browse festive stalls, listen to the pipers and carol singers and then soak up the fireworks display!

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets are a hallmark of the run-up to Christmas on Mull, with fairs taking place in all corners of the island, packed with creative crafts, local produce and fabulously festive food and drink. Take your pick from the Christmas Fayre Extraordinaire in Tobermory, Dervaig Does Christmas and the Salen Christmas Fayre. Find the full details on our events page.

Hogmanay

Usually seen in with fireworks from the harbourfront in Tobermory, Hogmanay is one of Scotland’s most celebrated traditions as we welcome in the New Year. There’ll be plenty of venues to eat, drink and be merry on the island, with many restaurants and hotels offering a special menu for the occasion.

Burns Night

A date to look forward to for guests visiting this January, Burns Night celebrates Scottish poet Robert Burns on the 25^th January each year. The traditional menu features haggis, neeps and tatties, accompanied by a wee dram or two, and entertainment in the form of a toast to the haggis, a toast to the lads and a toast to the lassies. Keep an eye out for Burns Night-inspired menus in the local pubs and restaurants.

Winter Breaks on Mull

Fancy visiting Mull this winter? It’s not too late to book a cottage and take advantage of our great value winter breaks with short stays available too.

Visit a Scottish island in the depths of winter? Really? Ewan Miles from Nature Scotland is here to tell us why the unlikeliest timing might just be the best…

Despite what you may think, Scotland can be a stunningly beautiful place to spend some time over the harsher winter months. Yes, the weather can be challenging. But,it can be equally as challenging in July and August too. The west coast is known for glorious white sand beaches, turquoise blue seas and comical puffins. The puffins are long gone in winter, but the Isle of Mull still has much to offer, including those beaches (and often you’ll be the only soul there).

So, come prepared with your waterproofs and wooly hats and hop on the ferry to witness some island wildlife. Here are five iconic species that you can encounter on the Isle of Mull throughout the colder season.

Golden Eagle

Secretive but splendid. The classic Golden Eagle sighting leaves you wanting more. Often, you glimpse a distant yet intimidating silhouette just before it vanishes beyond the crest of a hill. Particularly in the summer months, these wary raptors are focused (hopefully) on their eaglet in the eyrie and avoid humans where possible.

With the arrival of cold winds and snow on the higher mountain tops, Golden Eagles can be seen actively hunting in the shorter daylight hours.

In late winter these birds are already thinking ahead. They become yet more territorial, aggressively removing intruder birds from their wintery home and can be seen displaying to their partner. The male uses powerful wingbeats to gain height, before tightly folding them against his body and plummeting down, clearly sending a message to his mate and any would-be suitor. This sight is repeated against stunningly beautiful landscapes with snow-capped peaks and angry skies.

White-tailed Eagle

The Sea Eagle, fondly referred to as the ‘flying barn door’. The bigger (and better) UK equivalent to the American Bald Eagle. One of the largest eagles in the world, with a staggering 2.9m record wingspan, the White-tailed Eagle is a species to see.

The Isle of Mull has become an iconic location for this eagle since their reintroduction to the Isle of Rum, they set up home here on Mull in 1980s and got comfortable. Fame came in 2005 with Skye and Frisa and their eaglets Itchy and Scratchy.

Like Golden Eagles, these raptors are present here all year round, breeding in the summer months. However, encountering in the winter can be quite different. Often a gregarious bird, juveniles and sub-adults may congregate in small groups together when the going gets tough. They’ll make use of intertidal zones to scavenge any delightful, dead detritus that may have been washed up.

Adult pairs will remain territorial and can be spotted roosting together in trees or nest building before spring arrives again.

Otter

This elusive mammal is still an uncommon sight in mainland river systems despite their successful population resurgence. The Otter remains shy and is primarily nocturnal, making it a tricky species to encounter. Luckily for those visiting the Isle of Mull, particularly in the winter months, you have a good chance of observing these aquatic predators in our coastal waters.

Thanks to the icy cold sea water temperatures, Otters need to be actively hunting for large parts of the day to meet their energy requirements. This makes winter a great time to observe them and marvel at their ability to cope with the wild and choppy Atlantic ocean on our western shores.

They may look like cute, cuddly mammals, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. They’ll bring large prey like crabs, fish, octopus and lobster to land and make quick work of devouring the good bits, leaving slim pickings behind for the gulls and hooded crows.

Red Deer

Mull has a substantial population of the Red Deer, the country’s largest deer species. They’re an impressive sight to behold, particular in autumn and early winter. Wildlife watchers look forward to the ‘rutting season’ each year. The primal sounds of bellowing stags and the clashing of their antlers as they battle out for top mating position are worth getting up for.

Throughout winter though, Red Deer can be seen quite easily as they spend time on the lower, richer feeding areas. Female Red Deer (hinds) will remain in groups with their fast growing calves born earlier in the summer.

We’ve lost many of our larger native herbivores in the UK, including the Aurochs (wild ox), Tarpan (wild horse), Moose and the few Reindeer we do still have are confined only to the Cairngorms, so all the more reason to seek out the majestic Red Deer here on the Isle of Mull.

Hen Harrier

Eagles rightly take a great deal of the glory among birds of prey. However, the Isle of Mull is home to another rare raptor, the Hen Harrier which despite a smaller stature is just as intriguing.

The Hen Harrier is present in greatly reduced numbers throughout much of England and parts of mainland Scotland and is unfortunately linked to ongoing raptor persecution incidents on managed land. Thankfully, many islands including Mull are safer havens for these ‘sky-dancing’ birds.

We often have a good number of these vole-loving birds breeding here in summer months. Yet, our oceanic climate provides a warmer region to overwinter on our lower grounds. A crisp, cold winter day can yield excellent views of harriers hunting across rough ground searching out small mammals and birds.

Colder months also spur these birds to communally roost together, a spectacularly unusual sight, but spending time here in winter might increase you chances of seeing multiple harriers arriving at a night time roost to settle down.

Book your winter break on Mull this year and find out more about Nature Scotland wildlife tours.

Winter on a Hebridean island brings many things to mind – dramatic tides rolling onto exposed beaches, cosy nights beside the wood burning stove and wrapping up warm to watch for the Northern Lights. Whether your stay is filled with crisp winter sunshine or atmospheric seasonal storms, here are a few outdoor activities on Mull to enjoy in the quiet winter months.

1 Enjoy Stargazing

The long dark nights that cloak the Hebrides during the winter months offer a superb opportunity for budding astronomers and stargazers alike. Head out on a clear night and see what you can spot.

For the luckiest, cast your gaze northwards and you may even see the dancing colours of the Northern Lights, which are spotted here throughout the winter months when the solar energy is right. Find out more about stargazing on Mull.

2 Fossil Hunting

Not to collect and take home, but certainly to marvel at. On a bright, calm day, there are two paths to pick from.

For the adventurous, the dramatic route from Tiroran to the Fossil Tree (it’s known as the wilderness peninsula for a reason!) at low tide will take your breath away.

For an easier going amble, the circular walk at Ardtun on the Ross of Mull enables you to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery as you scout out fossil leaf beds, which once stood beside a prehistoric lake!

3 Watch for Wildlife

During the winter months, the red deer descend from their home ranges in the hills and are often seen at lower levels, making winter an ideal time to see them up close.

Much of the island’s wildlife remains with us through the winter – the eagles, otters, seals and more call Mull home year-round. And then there are the seasonal visitors, for whom winter signals their season of return – keep an eye out for the rare Great Northern Diver among others.

4 Go Fishing

At this time of year, fisherman’s huts come in especially handy to shelter from the weather if needed. Tackle and Books in Tobermory are the people to ask to secure your permits to fish, with the Mishnish Lochs a pretty spot with shelter if you need it, or the Aros Park lochan, where you can take cover beneath the trees.

5 Bag Castles

Make your first Duart Castle – while it closes its doors to visitors over the winter months, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the castle as you approach Mull on the Oban to Craignure ferry.

From here, several beautiful castles await, some ornate and privately owned, like Glengorm, which can be seen from a distance on the walk to the Bathing Pools, or Torosay Castle, which peeks through the trees on a coastal walk from Craignure.

Others act as relics of the past, like the 16^th century Aros Castle, where ruins remain statuesque on the hilltop beside Salen Bay and the Aros estuary. Moy Castle, visited by a beautiful coastal path from Lochbuie, is another castle majestic in its age and well worth the walk to.

6 Step Back in Time

Follow coastal paths to ruined villages that serve as a poignant reminder of the Highland Clearances island-wide. From the Ross of Mull, the path to Shiaba is a stunning, windswept coastal walk with pretty beaches to pass by.

Further north, walk the Treshnish Headland for more spectacular sea views, passing the ruined village of Crackaig as you go. From Tobermory, the walk to Ardmore Point is only a few minutes’ drive, where again, ruined cottages pay testament to times past.

Feeling inspired by these winter activities on Mull? Visit the island at its quietest and enjoy an excellent value winter break – choose from one of our cosy cottages available this winter.

Tempted to spend Christmas on Mull but not sure where to start? Plan the perfect festive getaway, whether for all the clan or just for two, with our top tips.

Christmas lights along Tobermory harbour

Island fare

One of the most anticipated parts of any Christmas celebration is dinner, whether you enjoy it at lunchtime, teatime or any hour in between. And on Mull, we’ve got some of the most irresistible island-produced ingredients to elevate it to a feast.

Think locally caught shellfish starters or Inverlussa mussels cooked deliciously with garlic and a splash of white wine. Then it’s onto the main course, where local flavours join the traditional roast turkey, with trimmings like venison or game pie and pigs in blankets from croft-produced pork.

For dessert, try a locally made Clootie dumpling or pick up a homemade Christmas cake. Add something savoury with Isle of Mull cheese and oatcakes.

Christmas at The Old Little Theatre

The Christmas spirit

The Scottish islands have a storied history when it comes to making whisky, with a whole host of secret stills and well-known distilleries. It is no different on the Isle of Mull. Explore the Tobermory Distillery with an expert guide, where whisky has been produced since 1798. To experience the other side, walk to the ‘whisky cave’ on the west coast. You can guess how it earned its name!

Then there is the recent taste for gin, which has gone up and up. You’ll find this trendy spirit being distilled and bottled on Mull now too. Call into the Whitetail Distillery at Tiroran to sample a tipple or two in their coffee shop, take a bottle back to your cottage and peek behind the scenes at the copper stills in action.

Holiday cottages for Christmas on Mull

Oakfield House

A grand Victorian house for 10 with some of the best sea views in all of Tobermory, Oakfield House was made for family get-togethers at Christmas.

Preparing Christmas dinner will be a breeze with an Everhot range cooker featuring not one but three ovens, as well as two large fridge freezers. And then there’s the dining room.  With a superb sea view and antique furniture fit for the most special occasions, dinner will be decadent.

Plates emptied and stomachs merry, it’s on to the two living rooms to relax beside the fire and get out the board games.

The Old Little Theatre

A Christmas bolthole for two. The Old Little Theatre oozes luxury and in the winter light, its dramatic interiors really come into their own. Light the fire, poor a dram and help yourself to a mince pie on Christmas Eve, then wake up on Christmas morning in a sumptuous sleigh bed, snuggled in faux fur throws. The stage is set for a magical Christmas.

Witch’s Cottage

Celebrate Christmas on Mull beside the sea at Witch’s Cottage. Escape it all for a week of pure relaxation walking the coastline and watching the wildlife from your window-side perch. Wander past the pier and out to the sandy beaches at Croig and you’ll almost certainly have them to yourselves!

Burn Cottage

Old meets new at Burn Cottage, bringing you an enchanting setting in the depths of winter, with all the convenience (and luxuries) of a contemporary property inside. Think a high-spec chef’s kitchen, perfect for Christmas dinner, as well as toasty underfloor heating to complement the wood-burning stove.

Dobhran Croft

Wake up on Christmas morning at a cosy cottage and perhaps even see deer in the garden! Spend Christmas on Mull at Dobhran Croft and follow stockings with a bracing beach walk from Lochbuie to Laggan Sands. Then return to the cottage to warm yourselves beside the fire and dig into an island-inspired feast!

Book your winter escape on the Isle of Mull today.

Sunrise light on Sgurr Dearg