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.
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.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 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.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Thursday 18th September 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Strong upland wind or gales across the mountains. Frontal wave bringing persistent, heavy rain and extensive cloud from North Wales to the Southern Uplands. Highlands drier, especially east of A9, but showery near the west and north-west coast in the morning. Temperatures mild but with notable wind chill.
Headline for West Highlands
Upland gales, wet morning with extensive cloud
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 40 to 55mph, the highest speeds well inland. Very gusty.
Effect of the wind on you?
Difficult walking conditions will make progress challenging. Very powerful gusts may easily blow you over. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Wet near the coast, particularly morning
Showery near the coast, especially Lochaber in the morning; showers may merge to feel like persistent rain for a time. Clearing from the south in the afternoon. Much drier well inland all day.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive in morning, lifting later
Extensive cloud down to coastal slopes in the morning; cloud base on upper-slopes well inland. Cloud base lifting and breaks developing in the afternoon, initially near Ben Lomond.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20% becoming 60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sun in many places, but patchy sunshine if out of rain in the afternoon. Poor visibility near the coast.
How Cold? (at 900m)
7C. Feeling around -5C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Well above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Friday 19th September 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 25 to 35mph, likely strongest over Ben Nevis range, at times may reach 40mph during morning.
Effect of the wind on you?
Feeling blustery with balance affected at times over higher terrain, particularly morning. Considerable wind chill.
How Wet?
Early rain, then showers mostly coast
A front passing northeastward brings rain widely for a time early morning. Then showers on and off through the day near the coast in Lochaber, may fade slowly, possibly becoming widely mostly dry.
Cloud on the hills?
Widespread higher areas
Cloud shrouding most higher ground, especially near the coast. Base will lowest during and after morning rain, tending to rise, some breaks to 900m well inland, but is unlikely to clear the higher summits.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of weak sunshine at times. Poor visibility in rain, becoming good below cloud.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6 or 7C. Feeling sub-zero in the wind, near -5C highest summits in morning.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Saturday 20th September 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Forecast details uncertain. Northerly, picking up through the day to 35-50mph by evening, chance only 20-30mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous conditions developing into the afternoon, possibly difficult. Balance affected late in the day, especially on exposed ridges. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Little or no rain, probably
Some uncertainty: Likely an overall dry day with isolated light showers, falling as snow flurries on high ground in the afternoon. Risk of more persistent, heavier rain remains.
Cloud on the hills?
Widespread on high ground
Widespread patchy cloud at various levels through the day. Should heavier rain arrive, these will merge, lower and become more extensive.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sunshine. Good visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
3 to 5C, coldest north - warmest south. Dropping afternoon. Higher summits below freezing in the afternoon. Wind chill: -10C.
Freezing Level
Above the summits in the morning, dropping to 1100-1000m by the afternoon and further into evening.
Planning Outlook
Weather remains mixed into and through the weekend, often with high winds, regions of persistent rain and extensive cloud. Temperatures falling through Saturday across the UK with the higher Scottish summits dropping below freezing and frosts in some glens. Looking increasingly likely that high pressure will take hold from the north on Sunday evening, bringing a period of more settled weather across the country for a couple of days at least, perhaps longer.