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

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Click here to download the latest PDF Last Updated Sun 22nd Jun 25 at 4:00PM
View our detailed version Last Updated Sun 22nd Jun 25 at 4:00PM

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Monday 23rd June 2025
Last updated Sun 22nd Jun 25 at 4:00PM

Summary for all mountain areas

Windy for all regions, gale-force westerlies on higher mountains. Much cooler air than recently, feeling distinctly chilly where exposed on hills. Showery rain most frequent western Scotland and cloud often capping tops. Light showers England & Wales, drier spells.

Headline for The Northwest Highlands

Chilly and windy, gales on higher terrain. Showery.

How windy? (On the Munros)

Westerly 35 to 45mph, strongest wind most sustained northern mountains, often 50mph Ben Hope with stronger gusts at times.

Effect of the wind on you?

Frequent buffeting over higher terrain, balance challenging on ridges, walking generally more difficult in north where gusts could knock you over. Considerable wind chill.

How Wet?

Rain or drizzle on and off

Mostly light showery rain or drizzle much of the day, most frequent in west. Early morning some more persistent rain mainly northern areas.

Cloud on the hills?

Fairly persistent west

Often covering western mountains above 600 to 800m. More often above 800m further inland and eastwards, brief breaks.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

20%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Mostly cloudy, glimpses of sun east. Visibility very good below cloud.

How Cold? (at 900m)

3C from dawn, rising to 6C. Feeling like -5C in the wind, or colder early morning on high tops.

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Tuesday 24th June 2025
Last updated Sun 22nd Jun 25 at 4:00PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

Southwesterly 15 to 25mph, strongest around Skye.

Effect of the wind on you?

Fairly small, but may start to feel noticeable and affect balance where exposed on Cuillin. Rather cool.

How Wet?

Rain for a time, then light showers

Rain and drizzle fairly persistent for a few hours particularly on western mountains, breaking up into occasional light showers, though drizzly rain may remain frequent on Skye.

Cloud on the hills?

Fairly extensive

Shrouding hills most or all day in western areas, from mid-to-lower slopes up in rain, bases may rise a little. Some breaks forming above 800m in Sutherland.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

20%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Largely cloudy, glimpses of sun east. Visibility good below cloud inland, but often rather misty over many western hills.

How Cold? (at 900m)

6C. Feeling near/below freezing in breeze.

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Wednesday 25th June 2025
Last updated Sun 22nd Jun 25 at 4:00PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

Southwest then southerly, 15 to 25mph, strongest west coastal hills, particularly Skye.

Effect of the wind on you?

Fairly small, may feel noticeable on exposed ridges in west.

How Wet?

Little or no rain during daytime

Occasional drizzle, mainly on and nearest to Skye. Into the night, rain may develop from the southwest.

Cloud on the hills?

Fairly persistent Skye, clearer north/east

Often covering higher slopes on Skye and nearby on the mainland above 600 to 800m. Some cloud banks elsewhere, mainly western mountains in morning, good breaks likely forming toward far north.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

20% Skye, to 50% north/east.

Sunshine and air clarity?

A little sun mostly Sutherland, largely cloudy toward Skye. Visibility good out of cloud, very good northern areas.

How Cold? (at 900m)

6C, rising up to 9C inland afternoon. Feeling sub-zero in the wind on Skye.

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Planning Outlook

West to southwesterly winds prevail this week and a series of frontal systems come in from the Atlantic. Rain and drizzle most frequent in west with low cloud often covering hills. Higher cloud bases and drier further eastwards. Much cooler than recently, temperatures nearer average, or lower at times in Scotland. Often windy, but by later in the week, risk of more extensive upland gales and some heavier rain as deeper areas of low pressure likely move in.