Inverness

Highlands Weather & Climate: the United Kingdom

Climate by month across the Highlands, the United Kingdom, average temperatures, rainfall and the best time to visit.

Climate overview of the Highlands

Whether you're visiting the Highlands in the United Kingdom during the peak of July (19°C (66°F)) or the cooler months around December (6°C (43°F)), knowing what to pack starts with understanding the local climate. Our overview is based on data from Inverness, the region's most prominent city. For more detailed climate information about other cities in the area, please see the section beneath the map further down the page.

In the Highlands, no particular months stand out for consistently comfortable weather, as average temperatures fluctuate year-round.

The cooler season is during the months of January, February, March, November and December.

When it comes to rainfall, the Highlands maintains fairly consistent rainfall patterns throughout the year, with January seeing 99 mm (3.9 in) and April receiving 75 mm (3 in).

May is the sunniest period, with ideal conditions for exploring the region and all it has to offer.

Explore the Highlands by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in the Highlands — and find the best time to visit. (based on Inverness)

Popular cities by month

Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.

Inverness Fort William Fort Augustus Nairn Drumnadrochit Grantown on Spey
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Monthly sunshine (hours)

Climate map of the Highlands

Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.

Avg day temp (°C)
32°

Compare popular cities

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.

Inverness 7°C (45°F) 19°C (66°F) 1°C (34°F) 11°C (52°F) 1037 mm (41 in) 1,230 hours
Fort William 6°C (43°F) 18°C (64°F) 0°C (32°F) 10°C (50°F) 2065 mm (81 in) 1,208 hours
Fort Augustus 6°C (43°F) 17°C (63°F) 0°C (32°F) 10°C (50°F) 1488 mm (59 in) 1,230 hours
Nairn 8°C (46°F) 19°C (66°F) 2°C (36°F) 12°C (54°F) 936 mm (37 in) 1,230 hours
Drumnadrochit 6°C (43°F) 18°C (64°F) 1°C (34°F) 10°C (50°F) 1165 mm (46 in) 1,230 hours
Grantown on Spey 6°C (43°F) 18°C (64°F) 0°C (32°F) 10°C (50°F) 1079 mm (42 in) 1,230 hours

Places in the Highlands, the United Kingdom

Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.

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Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.