Mountain Weather
Information Service
West Highlands Forecast

West Highlands

Western Highlands accessible from, and south of, Glenfinnan (Road to the Isles) and Glen Spean (includes Creag Meagaidh). This area includes Ben Nevis and the mountains around Glencoe. In the east, from Ben Alder south to Loch Lomond and Trossachs NP. Also Arran and Mull.

Sunday's Forecast

Windy, walking impeded
Snow and rain mix
Poor visibility
Chilly
Winter kit required on higher terrain

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Click here to download the latest PDF Last Updated Sat 22nd Nov 25 at 2:39PM Last Updated Sat 22nd Nov 25 at 2:39PM
View our low-graphics version Last Updated Sat 22nd Nov 25 at 2:39PM Last Updated Sat 22nd Nov 25 at 2:39PM

Viewing Forecast For

West Highlands
Sunday 23rd November 2025
Last updated Sat 22nd Nov 25 at 2:39PM

Summary for all mountain areas

Low pressure will dominate the weather bringing areas of strong winds, rain (or snow on higher areas) and extensive fog to the hills - whiteout in places mainly southern Highlands. Windiest in Wales where upland gales will strengthen, whilst least windy S Scotland.

Headline for West Highlands

Windy; frequent rain or snow. Higher areas frozen.

How windy? (On the Munros)

Easterly, in the range 20 to 35mph, least wind near central belt. May fall almost calm on Arran.

Effect of the wind on you?

Expect arduous walking where exposed; in places sudden gusts will reach lower slopes, most likely Lochaber. Considerable wind chill.

How Wet?

Rain or higher up snow most or all day

Loch Lomond NP and Arran: Rain, or above 600-900m snow rarely ceasing; risk whiteout. Further north: The precipitation intermittent, ranging from little in total near and west of Loch Linnhe to frequent central highlands.

Cloud on the hills?

Extensive; highest cloud base west across Lochaber

Persistent fog most mountains, widely above 500 to 700m, often lower Loch Lomond NP and Arran. North and west across Lochaber, most cloud near or perhaps above 900m, but patches nearer 500m, particularly toward central highlands.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

Less than 10%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Sunshine not expected: extensively dull and misty with areas of persistent fog. In Lochaber out of cloud widely excellent.

How Cold? (at 900m)

Around 0C. Will feel as cold as minus 10C directly in the wind.

Freezing Level

700 to 1050m (poorly defined); some lower areas may still be partly frozen.

Viewing Forecast For

West Highlands
Monday 24th November 2025
Last updated Sat 22nd Nov 25 at 2:39PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

Northerly, around 30mph.

Effect of the wind on you?

Will impede ease of walking across the hills, and near precipitation in gusty conditions, balance may be tricky.

How Wet?

Snow/hail showers, mainly Lochaber

Occasional hail and above 400m snow showers Lochaber. Few if any showers southward toward Loch Lomond NP and Arran.

Cloud on the hills?

Extensively covering higher tops Lochaber; may clear elsewhere

Cloud base varying as showers coming and going: typically 900-1200m, lowest Lochaber, but shafts of cloud below 700m near precipitation. Cloud rare on summits south of Glencoe.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

20% north to 70% south

Sunshine and air clarity?

Patches of bright sunshine, particularly south of Lochaber. Very poor visibility in snow, but otherwise, very good.

How Cold? (at 900m)

-1C Will feel as cold as minus 10C directly in the wind.

Freezing Level

700m.

Viewing Forecast For

West Highlands
Tuesday 25th November 2025
Last updated Sat 22nd Nov 25 at 2:39PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

Northerly gradually backing west or southwesterly. A prolonged lull of 10-15mph, but perhaps 25mph by dusk near coast.

Effect of the wind on you?

Small

How Wet?

Precipitation unlikely

Risk near the coast of an isolated hail or snow flurry.

Cloud on the hills?

Varied; some higher tops clearing, others remaining in cloud.

Generally, cloud base 800 to 1200m. Cloud will lift off some higher summits, whilst 'hanging' on some slopes and in corries all day. Cloud may begin to shroud west coastal slopes at 300-450m by dusk.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

40%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Bright sunshine, most widely Loch Lomond NP and Arran. The air very clear so excellent visibility, but fog some valleys and higher slopes.

How Cold? (at 900m)

-1C

Freezing Level

Around 750m, rising slowly through day. Some frozen ground lower slopes after frost in valleys.

Planning Outlook

After a brief burst of cold air on Monday and Tuesday winds will turn westerly. It will be milder with a week or more frequent rain and upland gales, particularly on western mountains. In Scotland, temperatures on the Munros will sometimes be below freezing point, but fresh snow transient, whereas elsewhere, snow rare, if any.