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
Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling mostly as snow on higher terrain, rain on low-to-middle elevations, may turn to sleet or rain higher up.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
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Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling mostly as snow on higher terrain, rain on low-to-middle elevations, may turn to sleet or rain higher up.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Thursday 18th December 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Dec 25 at
4:35PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Scotland: South to south-west gales bringing hill fog and showers, before band of heavy, perhaps squally, rain moves up from the southwest in afternoon, snow tops. England and Wales: Heavy rain spreading north with hill fog becoming extensive with strong to gale force southerly winds.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Southerly gales, significant wind chill. Showers. Later persistent rain/snow tops.
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southwesterly 40 to 60mph, peak speeds varying during day.
Effect of the wind on you?
Ongoing arduous conditions over higher terrain, walking often difficult in exposure, significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Showers mostly Skye, some snow tops
Showery over west coast mountains, most frequent rain on Skye. Mostly dry inland, north and east. Late in day more persistent band of heavy rain from southwest. Snow at times as low as 800m, risk hail, mainly later.
Cloud on the hills?
Most persistent west, clearer N/E
Often covering western hills around Skye above 700-800m. Breaks higher up inland and north, but widely lowering in rain.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%, to 60% north mainland.
Sunshine and air clarity?
Largely cloudy, visibility varying, good intermittently if dry, but reducing to poor in showers, most often Skye.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 to 2C. Wind chill feeling like -12 to -15C on tops.
Freezing Level
900 to 1000m, rising for a time, then likely to lower again from west into evening.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 19th December 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Dec 25 at
4:35PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 50 to 70mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Difficult conditions over the mountains, frequent buffeting from modest elevations upward. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Frequent showers, hail, snow tops
Showers merging into near constant precipitation in the morning over western hills, with hail, also falling as snow above 800m; risk lightning. Tending to become fewer and less intense showers afternoon.
Cloud on the hills?
Varied, but often capping western tops
Often shrouding higher terrain, cloud base constantly changing, bases 600 to 900m, brief lower patches in west. Occasional breaks toward upper slopes.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Brief bursts of sun, most common east. Visibility intermittently very good, but at times very poor in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 to 1C, slight rise later. Feeling like -15C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
900 to 1000m, may then rise a little onward into the night.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 20th December 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Dec 25 at
4:35PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to south-easterly 25 to 40mph, but on and near Skye 45 to 60mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking arduous, or near west coast and Isles difficult, with a very turbulent airflow. Significant wind chill and buffeting.
How Wet?
Most areas dry, damp on and near Skye.
Most areas dry, although a front near the west coast will likely bring damp weather on and near Skye with rain, and over highest tops, patchy sleet or snow.
Cloud on the hills?
Mostly hills on and near Skye
Hills on and near Skye, likely covered extensively in fog throughout the day, from mid slopes upwards. Elsewhere, varied banks upper slopes, but often clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30% on and near Skye. 60% elsewhere
Sunshine and air clarity?
A little weak sun possible as cloud layers thin at times. Visibility good or very good, but poor in any rain. General haze west coast.
How Cold? (at 900m)
2 to 4C, highest northern hills, small rate of change in temperature with height.
Freezing Level
Confined to highest tops or above
Planning Outlook
South-southwesterly winds widely remain gale force over the mountains later this week and through into Saturday, severe upland gales for periods. Showery on Friday, most frequent in western Scotland with hail, also snow over tops. Another belt of persistent rain likely arrives onto western hills into Saturday, snow only highest Scottish tops. A switch to east-southeasterly winds by Sunday into early next week, some residual rain and high-level snow, but a drier theme develops and favouring chillier conditions into the Christmas period.