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
Moderate breeze, locally gusty
A noticeable breeze, feeling cool where exposed on tops. Locally may be gusty, but unlikely to affect walking progress. 15-25mph.
Patchwork of cloud and sun
Dry most or all day. A mix of cloud and sunshine. Occasional cloud banks drifting over higher slopes, lifting above the tops.
Mild
Air temperature +5 to 10C on higher terrain. Comfortable temperatures on lower terrain, but feeling chilly if exposed to wind higher up, especially if stationary. Pack extra layers.
Bright sunshine
Beware of sunburn from bright spring sunshine, despite feeling cool in the breeze on higher terrain.
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Moderate breeze, locally gusty
A noticeable breeze, feeling cool where exposed on tops. Locally may be gusty, but unlikely to affect walking progress. 15-25mph.
Patchwork of cloud and sun
Dry most or all day. A mix of cloud and sunshine. Occasional cloud banks drifting over higher slopes, lifting above the tops.
Mild
Air temperature +5 to 10C on higher terrain. Comfortable temperatures on lower terrain, but feeling chilly if exposed to wind higher up, especially if stationary. Pack extra layers.
Bright sunshine
Beware of sunburn from bright spring sunshine, despite feeling cool in the breeze on higher terrain.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 9th May 2025
Last updated
Thu 8th May 25 at
3:29PM
Summary for all mountain areas
In Scotland, thin mist in the glens and isolated cloud caps over highest tops at dawn will soon clear for cloud free hills. Isolated low morning fog in eastern valleys of England and Wales as well, also soon clearing. A patchwork of sun for most as high fair-weather cloud builds, feeling warm in direct sun. Mostly light winds.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Dry with patchy high cloud; a brisk breeze north
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 15 to 25mph, strongest toward the north and along the coast. Speeds over tops of the far north may reach 35mph at times.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking starting to be impeded. Anticipate stability challenges on exposed ridges in the far northwest. Feeling chilly.
How Wet?
No rain
Cloud on the hills?
Little or none
Possibility of patchy cloud drifting onto coastal slopes on and around Skye. Thin local mists in inland glens at dawn as well soon disperse.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
90%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sunshine and patchy fair-weather cloud. Visibility excellent.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C at dawn, warming only a degree along the west coast. Warming to 10C well inland and east in the afternoon. Feeling near freezing in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 10th May 2025
Last updated
Thu 8th May 25 at
3:29PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 15 to 25mph, strongest west coastal mountains. May gust 30mph at times, notably at dawn.
Effect of the wind on you?
Blustery over exposed coastal ridges, may affect balance in places. Fairly small further inland and eastwards.
How Wet?
Occasional light rain
Afternoon spots of light rain from high cloud, mostly western mountains.
Cloud on the hills?
Mostly around Skye
At dawn, patchy cloud banks near to west coast, most likely on the Cuillin, perhaps to mid-slopes southern areas. Most will dissipate by late morning. Away from the west coast, most mountains may well stay clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
70%, rising to above 90%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly sunny, some variable high cloud in the west at times weakening sun. Visibility excellent, but locally may be mistier Skye.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6 to 8C all day nearest west coast. Inland 5C rising to 10C by afternoon.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 11th May 2025
Last updated
Thu 8th May 25 at
3:29PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 20-30mph, nearer 35mph over high tops in the morning. Some lighter winds inland.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking starting to be impeded, stability challenged on exposed high terrain. Feeling chilly in the wind.
How Wet?
Coastal rain, drifting inland after noon
Rain on and off along the coast and Skye, becoming persistent for a few hours after noon and drifting inland.
Cloud on the hills?
Intermittent over coastal high terrain
Cloud frequently shrouding the Cuillin ridge from mid-slopes upward. Intermittent cloud banks drift over high coastal terrain through the day, only occasionally forming on high terrain inland.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30% Skye, 50% coast, 70% inland
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun at dawn, best in the far east, becoming overcast by midday. Visibility excellent, becoming poor in rain.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6 or 7C, some local spots near the coast a degree cooler. Only a slight rise inland. Feeling below freezing in highest wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Planning Outlook
Low pressure south and west of the British Isles will facilitate bursts of rain into Wales though the weekend into next week. High pressure to the east keeps most eastern areas settled during this time. The continental wind track will keep most cloud above the summits, with eastern areas often sunny. Generally settled conditions prevail next week as high pressure reestablishes just north of the British Isles, though odd bursts of rain come and go in Wales. A mix of cloud and sun with light winds, generally easterly though variable. Slight frosts at dawn in sheltered spots, mostly warm by day. Very dry ground conditions, beware high risk of fire.