Mountain Weather
Information Service
Northwest Highland Forecast

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

Light wind, negligible impact
Dry, Inversion
Hazy, some fog banks
Cool to mild

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Click here to download the latest PDF Last Updated Mon 13th Oct 25 at 3:40PM Last Updated Mon 13th Oct 25 at 3:40PM
View our low-graphics version Last Updated Mon 13th Oct 25 at 3:40PM Last Updated Mon 13th Oct 25 at 3:40PM

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Tuesday 14th October 2025
Last updated Mon 13th Oct 25 at 3:40PM

Summary for all mountain areas

Inversion conditions still probable over Scottish Highland summits; exposed rock in fog below the inversion may be slippery, notably early. High Lakeland and Snowdonia summits near or above cloud as well. A mix of cloud and sun elsewhere as morning fog lifts, some haze below cloud later. Feeling mild to warm.

Headline for The Northwest Highlands

High southern tops above inversion, cloudier north

How windy? (On the Munros)

Westerly 10 to 15mph, or less on some slopes, but over northern mountains gusts 20mph in places.

Effect of the wind on you?

Mostly small

How Wet?

Rain unlikely

Fine drizzle possible on some windward western slopes where within cloud banks, greatest risk in the far north. Rock surfaces may be slippery.

Cloud on the hills?

Fairly extensive, highest tops south at or above cloud top

From dawn, extensive near the coast and northern areas. More broken southern inland areas, concentrated on low slopes and in glens. Bases lift to middle and upper slopes, remaining extensive north. Best of breaks south of Ullapool where highest tops at or above the cloud layer.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

40% north in the morning, lowering to 20%; 80% southern high tops

Sunshine and air clarity?

Most western areas largely cloudy, misty or dull lower down. Highest summits in the south above the cloud layer will see extensive sun in very clear air.

How Cold? (at 900m)

5 to 8C in the morning, coolest in the north; little change in temperature downslope. Mountains south of Torridon may rise to 9 or 10C, particularly if tops are above the cloud.

Freezing Level

Above the summits.

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Wednesday 15th October 2025
Last updated Mon 13th Oct 25 at 3:40PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

Generally variable 15mph or less. North and eastern areas may see NW'ly winds up to a gusty 20mph.

Effect of the wind on you?

Mostly small.

How Wet?

Likely dry

Small chance of light spotty rain in the north. Dry elsewhere.

Cloud on the hills?

Banks of cloud lifting to higher slopes

At dawn, variable cloud at multiple levels largely below 900m. Towards Kintail and Ben Wyvis, possibly only a layer of low fog. Cloud lifts to between 700-1000m, variably coming and going. North of Ullapool, may fill in more widely and over tops at times.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

70% at dawn (high tops above cloud), lowering to 50%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Patchy sunshine, may become more overcast towards the north. Excellent visibility on highest slopes, particularly early, some haze lower.

How Cold? (at 900m)

6 or 7C; warmer on summits if above cloud. Cooler inland glens at dawn.

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Thursday 16th October 2025
Last updated Mon 13th Oct 25 at 3:40PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

Mostly variable 10-15mph, at times less. In the far north, a gusty northwesterly 15mph.

Effect of the wind on you?

Mostly small

How Wet?

Damp air where in cloud

Where within fog, some very fine drizzle drifting around and rock surfaces will be slick.

Cloud on the hills?

Fairly extensive, bases lift somewhat

Extensive from dawn with lowest bases near the west coast. More broken on lower terrain near Kintail/Ben Wyvis. Bases rise towards 600-700m, higher bases well east, but most high terrain remains shrouded, only a few odd breaks.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

20%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Little or no sunshine. Good visibility under the cloud.

How Cold? (at 900m)

5 or 6C

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Planning Outlook

High pressure lingers over the country through the later days of this week: in the mornings, varied low cloud and valley fog is likely with highest tops still possibly above the cloud layer. As the weekend approaches, the inversion starts to weaken as pressure begins to fall gradually; cloud will begin to lift to higher slopes, starting to shroud mountain peaks more often. Local cloud breaks, best of breaks in west Wales, though a haze will linger on low slopes while high pressure remains in charge. Light winds overall, an easterly breeze likely for Wales. Next weekend looks to be transitional as low pressure becomes favored. Winds rising with increasing cloud and a risk of rain.