The Northwest Highlands
Areas north from Knoydart in the west, and the Great Glen towards the east (NB. Does not include Mull and areas west of Loch Linnhe, these are found in the West Highlands forecast.)
Today's Forecast
Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
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Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 19th October 2025
Last updated
Sat 18th Oct 25 at
4:00PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Gale-force south to southeasterlies across the mountains. Extensively wet with blanket low cloud. The heaviest rain across Wales and southwest Scotland, pushing further across the southern Highlands with time. Driest conditions for northern Scotland early in day; briefly drier Pennines mid-late morning.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Upland gales. Wettest Skye; drier, higher cloud north in morning.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southeasterly, 30 to 45mph, speeds varying, lower later; locally very gusty, including through passes and lower down.
Effect of the wind on you?
Expect blustery conditions, sudden gusty areas affecting balance and comfortable walking. Marked wind chill.
How Wet?
Wettest on Skye, rain spreads north
Rain extending in from the southwest, soon fairly persistent around Skye, heavy at times. The far north starts dry for a few hours, rain developing, but may be patchier toward Ullapool. Starting to fade into night from west.
Cloud on the hills?
Most persistent and lowering Skye; clearer north in morning, lowering in rain.
Extensive over the hills in rain, most persistent and lowest on Cuillin, forming to mid-slopes in south with time. Areas toward the coast north from Torridon maintain highest breaks, but in rain develops, cloud cloaking higher areas.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20% all day Skye; up to 60% north mainland in morning, here later 30%.
Sunshine and air clarity?
Any weak sun in north through a veil of high cloud soon widely overcast. Visibility good while dry in north; otherwise hazy, poor in rain, particularly around Skye.
How Cold? (at 900m)
5 or 6C, small change with added height. Feeling like -5 to -8C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 20th October 2025
Last updated
Sat 18th Oct 25 at
4:00PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Direction variable, mostly 10mph or less, local S'ly 15mph near coast. In far north, may start E'ly 25mph+, but easing.
Effect of the wind on you?
Likely small
How Wet?
Local showery rain, greater risk north
Patchy overnight rain likely moving away northwards, may linger in far north on and off. Elsewhere, local slow-moving areas of showery rain, but a fair amount of dry weather.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive, local breaks form
Banks of cloud at various elevations from lower slopes upward from dawn, some slopes may be between cloud layers for a time. Tending to lift mostly above 600-800m, some higher breaks forming.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Largely cloudy, some weak sun may occasionally break through. Areas of mist may be widespread in morning, locally improving to good visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C, little change all day.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Tuesday 21st October 2025
Last updated
Sat 18th Oct 25 at
4:00PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
In northern areas, variable 10-15mph or less possibly much of day. Near Skye, SW later W'ly, 15-25mph, risk 35mph+ later.
Effect of the wind on you?
Varied - may be mostly small, but note uncertainty, possible local rapid increase to very blustery conditions, more likely later.
How Wet?
West coastal showers
Showery rain most common on coastal areas around Skye. Occasional showers possible elsewhere, but some inland areas likely staying often dry all day.
Cloud on the hills?
Patchy cloud, some hills largely clear
Variable banks of cloud over the hills above 600-800m, mostly western areas if showery rain occurs. Some fog possible inland glens and lower slopes in morning, but some inland mountains often clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Largely cloudy, brief glimpses of sun mainly further east and north. Visibility very good away from rain.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C, little change, some glens cooler at first. Feeling below freezing where the wind increases.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Planning Outlook
A mixed outlook into the new week as low pressure dominates with areas of rain and showers, which will vary locally day-to-day. Some windows of drier weather, particularly central parts of the Highlands. Wind speeds will also vary, but some lulls, but abrupt spells of upland gales possible. Risk of heavier rain spreading from Wales into northern England and southern Scotland later Wednesday into Thursday. Likely significantly colder later in the week with northerly winds, dropping below freezing on higher mountains, with snow showers especially Scottish Munros.