Oban is known as the gateway to the Inner Hebrides, and as the holder of this title, it’s no surprise that we see many visitors to these beautiful islands. As one of the closest to Oban, Mull is among the most popular destinations for tourists from Scotland and further afield, but it’s also because of the incredible variety of activities to be enjoyed while visiting. So when is best to visit Mull?
We might be biased, but you won’t be shocked to learn that there are things to enjoy in Mull any time of year, but we know everyone’s different. Some people might need sunshine to have a good time, but others are quite happy to see Scotland in its warts and all windy, rainy glory. Whatever your preference, we can guarantee there’ll be several things you can see or do to make your visit truly memorable. So, join us as we look at what makes every season on Mull truly special, what weather you can expect, and how to get the most out of your visit, no matter when you visit.
Visiting Mull in Spring
As an island on the West coast of Scotland, weather can be somewhat unpredictable, which is no more valid than in spring. With a mix of sunshine, wind, showers and rainbows, and average temperatures of around 8–13°C, Spring may be unpredictable, but it’s easily one of the most beautiful times to visit. The milder weather can also make it a great time to explore without getting too hot or cold.
Horticulturists will love the variety of over 800 flowering plants on the island as Mull slowly wakes from a winter slumber. With flowering plants, including bluebells and other wildflowers, it’s one of the most colourful times of the year.
With a massive variety of wildlife on Mull, there’s no wrong time to visit in Spring, and with luck, you’ll be able to catch sand martins, house martins, swallows, and the distinct voice of the cuckoo bird. Meanwhile, beneath the waves, spring is a good time of year to see the enormous basking shark feeding on plankton in Mull’s coastal waters.
For those looking to experience some culture during their visit, Mull’s Music Festival (usually in late April) is a perfect opportunity. Held in the towns of Tobermory and Dervaig, the festival allows for a venue-hopping music experience that includes the best of folk, rock, traditional, and ceilidh music from the surrounding area.
Visiting Mull in Summer
Every season on Mull is beautiful in its own unique way, but if we were to pick just one for first-time visitors, it would most likely be summer. With the drier, sunnier weather keeping novice explorers sweet, it’s time to get out there!
Visitors at this time of year are encouraged to take advantage of the plentiful outdoor pursuits available, including fishing, cycling, hiking, kayaking and camping. With beautiful sunsets across the island, Mull can be enjoyed all day long during summer!
For those wanting to travel more off the beaten track, Ben More is the isle’s only munro and is one that munro baggers can cross off their list in spectacular style. Offering incredible views of Mull and its surrounding isles, Mull is warm enough in summer to allow you to visit Ben More’s peaks without too many layers. That said, you might still find a touch of snow on the peak early in the season – perfect for surprising a member of your party with an unexpected snowball!
Regarding wildlife, summer is breeding time for puffins found on the nearby islands of Staffa. Relatively unbothered by humans, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with puffins, razorbills and shags on one of the regular boat tours that take in Staffa, Iona and the famous Fingals Cave.
For sports fans, several exciting events occur during the summer. For those who want to take in a bit of traditional Scottish culture, the Mull Highland Games, featuring the iconic caber toss and tug ‘o’ war, will next place on the 25th of June 2025. Later in the seasons, you can also participate in (or cheer on) the Tobermory Half Marathon, which generally takes place in September.
If you’re not quite in the mood for whisky yet, how about something a little lighter and fresher? What you might not know about Mull’s Tobermory Distillery is that they also produce gin! And yes, they do tours, where you can learn more about the distillery’s gin journey and sample the delicious spirit for yourself.
Visiting Mull in Autumn
Adorned in reds and golds of turning leaves, Autumn is perhaps the most majestic time of year to visit the island of Mull. With the golden rays of sunset giving way to darker nights and starry skies, camping is recommended at this time of year for those who want to see constellations galore. While the weather is milder than in summer; Autumn is also far less busy, making it a more relaxed experience for visitors.
Autumn is arguably the best time to enjoy the island’s wildlife, particularly for birdwatching. Raptors, including eagles and hen harriers, will be particularly active during this time of year as younger birds look to establish their own hunting territories.
It’s also a time of high activity for the island’s red deer, who will begin rutting as they search for a mate – this is also when they are at the most vocal, so expect to hear their distinctive roar echoing across the island. Just don’t get in their way!
Autumn on Mull also welcomes some exciting activities, from the high octane to the highly relaxing. For lovers of high excitement and high speed, the Isle of Mull Rally features 150 cars competing over 130 miles. Taking place mostly in darkness, this test of skill and stamina isn’t for the faint of heart.
However, if this all sounds a bit much, the Tobermory Book Festival provides a slightly less intense but no less enjoyable experience, featuring author talks, signings, and delicious food provided by local establishments. Autumn offers the best chance to enjoy the island’s incredible seafood offerings at various restaurants.
Visiting Mull in Winter
As winter draws in, there’s plenty to do indoors and out on Mull, but with the weather cooling further (highs are a somewhat crisp 5°C), cosiness will be the priority for those visiting. At this time of year, you’ll find a variety of activities to warm the cockles.
We may have recommended Tobermory Distillery’s gin tour for summer visitors, but we’d recommend the warming effects of Scotland’s most famous export for those visiting in chillier weather. To this end, a tour of the distillery’s whisky stills and warehouses might be in order! With tours suited for novices, enthusiasts and connoisseurs, visiting is a must at this time of year (or any, really!).
Of course, what would winter be without a Christmas market? Tobermory gleefully delivers one alongside an annual light switch-on. Gift shops and restaurants are open until late, covering all your festive culinary and retail needs.
In terms of wildlife, although many of the migratory birds found earlier in the year may not be as present during this time of year, lucky birdwatchers may be able to catch a glimpse of barnacle geese and, in some cases, rare Greenland white-fronted geese who call Mull their home during winter. You can expect to see many of the terrestrial beasties found on the island year-round.
Finally, if you consider yourself of a particularly lucky disposition, the Northern Lights have also been known to appear above the Isle of Mull on occasion, so be sure to check a forecaster nearer to your visit.
How to travel to Mull
Travelling through Oban is the easiest way to Mull from most of mainland Scotland. Just a 46-minute trip across the water; ferries run regularly but should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Reaching Oban from the Central Belt is easy. With regular trains from Glasgow’s Queen Street Station, travelling from Glasgow by car is a rather scenic two-and-a-half-hour journey. If you’re looking for a drop-off point after your journey before you travel on the ferry, No. 17 The Promenade and its sister hotel, No. 26 By the Sea, are both within minutes of the harbour.
Now that you’re prepared for every season on the Isle of Mull, it might be time to book one or maybe even a few trips to help you enjoy the full spectrum of what this beautiful Hebridean island offers.
