Glasgow is worth visiting at any time of the year, but the high season is from May to September - when the weather tends to be at its best. This is when the city receives the vast majority of visitors. Prices at this time of year will also be higher. Another busy time is Hogmanay, or New Year. Glasgow is one of the wettest cities in the UK and there are times when the cloud cover is so pervasive it feels like being enclosed in a Tupperware box. The Scottish climate is notoriously unpredictable, and a bright, sunny morning can turn into a downpour in the time it takes to butter your toast. Predicting the weather is not an exact science and tables of statistics are most likely a waste of time. There's an old saying in Scotland that if you don't like the weather, then wait 20 minutes. Generally speaking, May to September are the warmest months, with an average summer high of around 18-19°C, and though they are often the driest months, you can expect rain at any time of the year, even in high summer. So, you'll need to come prepared, and remember the old hikers' adage that there's no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing.

There is a huge variety of organized events held in Glasgow every year, ranging in size and spectacle from the massive New Year celebrations to the more traditional local Highland Games. The Scottish Tourist Board publishes a comprehensive list, Events in Scotland, twice a year. It's free and is available from the main tourist offices.

New Year's Day and 2 January, Good Friday and Easter Monday, May Day (the first Monday in May), Victoria Day (the last Monday in May), Christmas Day, Boxing Day (25 and 26 December) are the main bank holidays. There are also local public holidays in spring and autumn. Dates vary from place to place. Banks are closed during these holidays, and sights and shops may be affected to varying degrees.