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.)
Thursday's Forecast
Light wind, negligible impact
Little wind or walking hardly affected by the wind, but feeling chilly if exposed on tops. 10-15mph or less.
Dry, Inversion
Banks of cloud or fog on lower or middle slopes, but higher terrain likely clear and sunny above an inversion.
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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Light wind, negligible impact
Little wind or walking hardly affected by the wind, but feeling chilly if exposed on tops. 10-15mph or less.
Dry, Inversion
Banks of cloud or fog on lower or middle slopes, but higher terrain likely clear and sunny above an inversion.
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 25th December 2025
Last updated
Wed 24th Dec 25 at
4:20PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Dry with sunshine best in west and northern Scotland, high terrain warmer than many lower slopes, local low-level fog. High summits SE Highlands likely just above patchy cloud. Mostly cloudy Pennines, grazing tops, clearer westward across the Lakes. Gusty easterly winds, strongest further south, gale-force in Wales.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Sunshine, mostly light wind; fog mainly lower eastern areas.
How windy? (On the Munros)
East-southeasterly 10-15mph, some gustiness.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small though gusty at all elevations
How Wet?
Dry all day
Cloud on the hills?
Fog in lower areas east and northeast; tops clear; largely clear west
Persistent fog confined to lower slopes, mostly glens which drain eastwards to the North Sea. In places the top of the layer up to around 600m in the morning, tending to lower. Western coastal areas and Skye largely clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Above 90% (some hills above fog)
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly sunny west coast. Toward east and north, sunshine above low fog which may persist all day glens and near east coast. Excellent visibility over the mountains.
How Cold? (at 900m)
4 to 6C, warmer than many lower slopes; little change or slight rise in temperature with added height. Feeling nearer -3C if exposed to gusts.
Freezing Level
Above the summits, though some frost in the glens at dawn, which may linger where shaded from sun or if fog persists.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 26th December 2025
Last updated
Wed 24th Dec 25 at
4:20PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Variable 5 to 10mph or less. Toward and beyond dusk tending to increase northeasterly 15-20mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small
How Wet?
Dry all day
Cloud on the hills?
Most hills clear, locally above fog
Patchy fog mainly glens or lower slopes, the mountains generally clear. Some cloud banks may drift higher onto north coastal slopes above 500-700m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bright sunshine and excellent visibility. Misty in places lower down.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 to 2C, small variation with height inland, some corries and glens stay colder.
Freezing Level
Frost in many inland glens, terrain at least partly frozen higher up, but air temperature just above freezing on high tops.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 27th December 2025
Last updated
Wed 24th Dec 25 at
4:20PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
East to northeasterly 20 to 25mph, but possible stronger gusts around some slopes, not just highest tops.
Effect of the wind on you?
Blustery in places, may start to feel noticeable and giving a distinct chill.
How Wet?
Rare light precipitation
Largely dry; a few brief spots of light rain, or snow grains on some slopes, mainly in the morning; unlikely toward Skye.
Cloud on the hills?
Covering some slopes, less in west
Banks of cloud mostly between 700 and 1000m, mainly areas from Ben Hope to Ben Wyvis, patchier westward toward Skye; may break up more widely.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50%, to 70% Skye & Wester Ross
Sunshine and air clarity?
Patchy sun, most common toward coast near Skye. Visibility excellent away from cloud.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1 to 2C, coolest in far north; slightly warmer on higher tops above an inversion. Feeling like -5 to -8C in stronger wind.
Freezing Level
Varied partly frozen terrain, including frost inland glens, but above freezing on most west coastal slopes and some tops.
Planning Outlook
Dry weather continues into the weekend as a strong area of high pressure resides near or north of Scotland. Inversion conditions Scottish mountains, high tops generally above freezing and above most patchy cloud, some frost and fog in glens. Gusty east-northeasterly wind increasing for Scotland by Saturday, easing again for Sunday. Strong and gusty winds prevail for England and Wales, often cloudy, a little light rain occasionally Pennines; some sun toward west. Next week stays dry for many, local showers northern Scotland, possibly turning chillier with northerly winds. *** Wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year from all the team at MWIS ***