Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath

Cairngorms National Park and Monadhliath. Also includes the Ben Alder area hills between Loch Ericht and Loch Laggan.

Monday's Forecast

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Click here to download the latest PDF Last Updated Sun 19th Oct 25 at 4:35PM
View our detailed version Last Updated Sun 19th Oct 25 at 4:35PM

Viewing Forecast For

Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Monday 20th October 2025
Last updated Sun 19th Oct 25 at 4:35PM

Summary for all mountain areas

Much of the Highlands dry all day with light winds; varied banks of cloud will linger, on some lower slopes in morning. Overnight rain clearing may linger in far north. Local showers near west coast. Bursts of rain for Wales, more persistent south, extend increasingly into Peak District. Local showers possible N Eng/S Scot.

Headline for Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath

Patchy rain fades. Varied cloud banks. Light wind.

How windy? (On the Munros)

Direction variable, mostly 10mph or less. Up to dawn, may be SE'ly 25mph northeasternmost areas.

Effect of the wind on you?

Small

How Wet?

Largely dry after early rain clears

Overnight rain likely to clear northwards from dawn, leaving a fair amount of dry weather during the day across the region. Chance of an odd light shower.

Cloud on the hills?

Varied cloud banks, clearer areas

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 1000m, substantial breaks may form.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

50%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Fairly cloudy, some sun may break through. Patchy mist early in day, visibility then very good below cloud.

How Cold? (at 900m)

6C, little change all day.

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Viewing Forecast For

Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Tuesday 21st October 2025
Last updated Sun 19th Oct 25 at 4:35PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

Variable 10-15mph or less, possibly for much of the day, trending W-SW'ly, may increase to 20-25mph+ later in day.

Effect of the wind on you?

Most likely small. Note possibly becoming more blustery, especially later in day.

How Wet?

Rare light showers

Often dry, a little light showery rain may occur locally, greater risk toward Ben Alder.

Cloud on the hills?

Mostly small patches

From dawn, fog mostly in the glens, but some fragments of cloud around upper slopes and corries. Tending to disperse, but some patchy cloud at times on tops, greater risk around Drumochter.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

60%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Occasional sun, locally sunnier for periods mainly in east. Visibility excellent.

How Cold? (at 900m)

6C, little change, then 3C into night; glens cooler at first. Feeling near or later below freezing if the wind increases.

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Viewing Forecast For

Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Last updated Sun 19th Oct 25 at 4:35PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

West or southwesterly 15 to 25mph, possibly 30mph at times high tops.

Effect of the wind on you?

Fairly small, but feeling blustery on exposed higher tops, may affect balance on some ridges. Marked wind chill.

How Wet?

Rare if any precipitation

Chance of an odd brief light shower, or snow flurry on higher Munros.

Cloud on the hills?

Patches high tops, good breaks

Occasional cloud grazing higher slopes, mostly above 1000m, most common western areas. Further east, cloud often above higher summits.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

70%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Fairly cloudy, some sun, best in east. Visibility excellent.

How Cold? (at 900m)

2 or 3C. Feeling like -5C, nearer -8C high summits in the wind.

Freezing Level

Near highest Cairngorms summits, 1200-1300m or slightly higher.

Planning Outlook

A mixed outlook this 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, 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. Significantly colder later in the week with northerly winds, dropping below freezing on higher mountains, with snow showers especially Scottish Munros.