Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Cairngorms National Park and Monadhliath. Also includes the Ben Alder area hills between Loch Ericht and Loch Laggan.
Sunday's Forecast
Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling mostly as snow on higher terrain, rain on low-to-middle elevations, may turn to sleet or rain higher up.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Winter kit required on higher terrain
Snow cover over higher mountains. Safe progress over some terrain will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
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Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling mostly as snow on higher terrain, rain on low-to-middle elevations, may turn to sleet or rain higher up.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Winter kit required on higher terrain
Snow cover over higher mountains. Safe progress over some terrain will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Sunday 23rd November 2025
Last updated
Sat 22nd Nov 25 at
2:39PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Low pressure will dominate the weather bringing areas of strong winds, rain (or snow on higher areas) and extensive fog to the hills - whiteout in places mainly southern Highlands. Windiest in Wales where upland gales will strengthen, whilst least windy S Scotland.
Headline for Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Windy; frequent rain or snow. Higher areas frozen.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Easterly, in the range 25 to 35mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Expect arduous walking where exposed; in places sudden gusts will reach lower slopes. Considerable wind chill.
How Wet?
Rain or higher up snow on and off
Precipitation intermittently, most likely focussed on southern and eastern hills in Cairngorms NP where whiteout possible. Snow above 600-900m.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive across the mountains
Persistent fog most mountains, widely above 500 to 700m - perhaps reaching 900m near Cairngorm ski centre and west of the A9.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Less than 10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Cloudy or dull; general visibility very good, but widely foggy on the hills.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Around 0C. Will feel as cold as minus 10C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
800 to 1050m (poorly defined); some lower areas may still be partly frozen.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Monday 24th November 2025
Last updated
Sat 22nd Nov 25 at
2:39PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
but- may reach 35, perhaps 40mph Cairngorms east to Lochnagar.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking arduous, particularly near precipitation, where in sudden gusts balance likely to be difficult.
How Wet?
Frequent snow and hail showers
Frequent hail or snow showers above 400m, particularly Cairngorms and Deeside, where precipitation at times constant. Fewest showers (generally flurries) southern summits in Cairngorms NP east to Ben Alder.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensively covering higher areas; highest cloud base toward south
Cairngorms east to Lochnagar: cloud base varying as showers coming and going: typically 600m, but shafts of cloud below 400m near precipitation. Higher cloud base southern summits in Cairngorms NP east to Ben Alder, here breaks to 900m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bursts of sunshine, mainly or only southern summits in Cairngorms NP east to Ben Alder. Very poor or appalling visibility in snow, but otherwise, very good.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1C Will feel as cold as minus 12C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
700m.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Tuesday 25th November 2025
Last updated
Sat 22nd Nov 25 at
2:39PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northerly gradually backing westerly. A prolonged lull of 10-15mph, but perhaps 25mph post dawn.
Effect of the wind on you?
Small
How Wet?
Snow/hail showers mainly Cairngorms
Showers, of hail or snow above about 400m, mainly Cairngorms and Deeside in morning. Rare if any flurries elsewhere.
Cloud on the hills?
Varied; some higher tops clearing, most remaining in cloud.
Generally, cloud base 700 to 900m - the cloud widespread Cairngorms eastward until afternoon. Elsewhere, cloud will lift off some higher summits, whilst 'hanging' on some slopes and in corries all day.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20% Cairngorms to 40% elsewhere
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bursts of bright sunshine, though little sun east from Cairngorms. The air very clear so excellent visibility, but fog frequently on higher slopes.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1C
Freezing Level
Around 750m, rising slowly through day. Some frozen ground lower slopes after frost in valleys.
Planning Outlook
After a brief burst of cold air on Monday and Tuesday winds will turn westerly. It will be milder with a week or more frequent rain and upland gales, particularly on western mountains. In Scotland, temperatures on the Munros will sometimes be below freezing point, but fresh snow transient, whereas elsewhere, snow rare, if any.