Mountain Weather

An Gearanach weather forecast.

982 m summit in Lochaber. 8 forecast days covering wind, cloud, rain and temperature, updated 21 September 2026 at 16:08 UTC.

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Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather23/100Poor
Wind20-35 mph westerly Gusts35-45 mph Feels like4 to 8°C PrecipitationAround 5-10 mm Cloud-free summit estimate15% Cloud base through day600-900 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:02 · Sunset 19:22 · 12.3 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A wet day with extensive summit cloud on An Gearanach: summit wind broadly 20-35 mph, with gusts 35-45 mph at times (strong winds). Hill cloud may make navigation difficult, with very poor visibility in wetter spells.

Wind & exposure

Much calmer lower down - generally 10-20 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops.

Cloud & views

Cloud base mostly around 600–900 m through daylight. Summit cloud is likely, but brief clear spells remain possible if the cloud sits higher than expected.

Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.

Cloud may hang lower on western slopes and lift somewhat on the eastern side, but local terrain can differ. Very little direct sunshine is likely, with extensive cloud.

Drizzle is forecast for much of the day. The forecast total is around 5-10 mm, but local amounts will vary.

Forecast models differ on summit wind strength: around 21-33 mph at walker height, with gusts 30-47 mph.

Rain & temperature

The ground is likely to be wet after recent rain.

Forecast confidence

Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Exposed tops may feel chilly in the wind.

A windproof layer will help, with an extra warm layer for stops. If clothing gets wet, you can cool more quickly.

Keep a dry warm layer protected. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges.

Some forecast models bring rain during the main walking period, while others keep it mostly dry.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
34/100
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor More rain is expected. Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Some forecast models bring rain during the afternoon, while others keep it mostly dry.
12/100

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaExposed camping is not recommended near 600 and 900 m: gusts may reach about 50 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 35 mph at times. Choose an alternative off the exposed hill. Do not rely on finding shelter after setting out. 19/100Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 21 September 2026

Full overnight outlook

Exposed camping is not recommended near 600 and 900 m: gusts may reach about 50 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 35 mph at times. Choose an alternative off the exposed hill. Do not rely on finding shelter after setting out. Open-hillside camping looks very poor overall around 600 m (19/100). Peak gusts range from about 35 mph at 300 m to 50 mph at 900 m. Roughly 5.4 mm is forecast overnight, with rain liable to affect both pitching and packing up. Pitches near 900 m may spend part of the night in cloud, bringing damp conditions and poor visibility while cloud is present. Condensation risk is high near 300, 600 and 900 m. Ventilation will matter. The coldest temperature falls from about 10.7°C at 300 m to 9.1°C at 900 m.

Overnight rain5.4 mm Open ground · 600 m27 mph · gusts 42 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 8°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing gibbous moon

Illuminated disc
78%
Moonrise
18:07 BST
Moonset
01:12 next morning BST

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 21 Sep, 17:00 BST to 22 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m39/100 · poor
Wind / gust
22 mph / 35 mph
Typical / low
12.0°C / 10.7°C
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m19/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
27 mph / 42 mph
Typical / low
12.0°C / 10.7°C
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m9/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
31 mph / 49 mph
Typical / low
10.4°C / 9.1°C · several hours
In cloud
100% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 2-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 8°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaWet rock is likely. Gusts near 40 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor0/100 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Conditions for exposed scrambling look very poor (0/100). Rain during the climbing period is likely to leave rock wet and more slippery. The mapped summit rock is Metaquartz-arenite (Eilde Quartzite Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Representative samples along available mapped routes also include Pelite and calcsilicate-rock, Porphyritic microdiorite, so rock character and wet-weather behaviour may change across the mountain. Gusts may reach about 40 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious. Cloud may also make route-finding and retreat harder.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust39 mphRain5.6 mm
Main factorsgusts around 40 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Mapped rock across the summit and available routes Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member
Origin
Metamorphic
Rock family
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Rock-response profile
High confidence
View the summit BGS record

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

sandstone or gritstone, psammite, pelite or semipelite, granite, gneiss or gabbro

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

4 rock types appear across the available route samples

The summit type remains the forecast's cautious rock-response reference. Other mapped types show where conditions may behave differently elsewhere on the mountain.

Summit mapping Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member 830–963 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Pelite and calcsilicate-rock Leven Schist Formation 311–699 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet.

BGS record
Route sample Metaquartz-arenite Glen Coe Quartzite Member Around 1,093 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Porphyritic microdiorite Ben Nevis Dyke Swarm Around 571 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaCloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-09-21. All times are UK local time.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 22 Sep, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BST.

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky.

Moon-free dark sky: 22 Sep, 01:05 BST to 04:55 BST.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
21 Sep, 21:35 BST to 22:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

21 Sep, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

21 Sep, 23:00 BST to 22 Sep, 00:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

22 Sep, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky.

22 Sep, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

22 Sep, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

22 Sep, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

22 Sep, 04:00 BST to 04:55 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Gibbous moon, about 78% illuminated.

Moonrise around 21 Sep, 18:10 BST.

Moonset around 22 Sep, 01:05 BST.

Full darkness: 21 Sep, 21:35 BST to 22 Sep, 04:55 BST.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

  • Draconids: peak around 9 October 2026.
  • Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
  • Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
  • Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
  • Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
  • Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 367 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about An Gearanach on Monday 21 September 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather13/100Poor
Wind15-35 mph southwesterly Gusts35-45 mph Feels like0 to 4°C PrecipitationAround 5-10 mm Cloud-free summit estimate15% Cloud base through day600-900 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:04 · Sunset 19:20 · 12.3 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A wet day with extensive summit cloud on An Gearanach: summit wind broadly 15-35 mph, with gusts 35-45 mph at times (strong winds). Hill cloud may make navigation difficult, with very poor visibility in wetter spells.

Wind & exposure

Much calmer lower down - generally 0-10 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops.

Cloud & views

Cloud base mostly around 600–900 m through daylight. Summit cloud is likely, but brief clear spells remain possible if the cloud sits higher than expected.

Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.

Cloud may hang lower on southwestern slopes and lift somewhat on the northeastern side, but local terrain can differ. Very little direct sunshine is likely, with extensive cloud.

Drizzle is forecast for much of the day. The forecast total is around 5-10 mm, but local amounts will vary.

Forecast models differ on summit wind strength: around 21-37 mph at walker height, with gusts 30-51 mph.

Rain & temperature

The ground is likely to be wet after recent rain.

Forecast confidence

Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Exposed tops may feel chilly in the wind.

A windproof layer will help, with an extra warm layer for stops. If clothing gets wet, you can cool more quickly.

Keep a dry warm layer protected. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges.

Summit wind could be roughly 21-37 mph, which changes how difficult exposed walking may feel.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 15-30 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period.
0/100
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is forecast during the afternoon, but models differ considerably on the amount.
26/100

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaAbout 2.4 mm is forecast, with rain liable to affect both pitching and packing up. 64/100Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Tuesday 22 September 2026

Full overnight outlook

Open-hillside camping looks reasonable overall around 600 m (64/100). It may be breezy on open ground, with gusts near 25 mph. Peak gusts range from about 15 mph at 300 m to 25 mph at 900 m. Around 2.4 mm is forecast, with rain liable to affect both pitching and packing up. Pitches near 900 m may spend part of the night in cloud, bringing damp conditions and poor visibility while cloud is present. Condensation risk is high near 300, 600 and 900 m. Ventilation will matter. The coldest temperature falls from about 6.3°C at 300 m to 4.4°C at 900 m.

Overnight rain2.4 mm Open ground · 600 m11 mph · gusts 20 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 4°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing gibbous moon

Illuminated disc
86%
Moonrise
18:18 BST
Moonset
02:37 next morning BST

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 22 Sep, 17:00 BST to 23 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m64/100 · reasonable
Wind / gust
10 mph / 16 mph
Typical / low
8.6°C / 6.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m64/100 · reasonable
Wind / gust
11 mph / 20 mph
Typical / low
8.6°C / 6.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m54/100 · mixed
Wind / gust
13 mph / 23 mph
Typical / low
6.8°C / 4.4°C · a brief spell
In cloud
80% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaWet rock is likely. Gusts near 40 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor0/100 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Conditions for exposed scrambling look very poor (0/100). Rain during the climbing period is likely to leave rock wet and more slippery. The mapped summit rock is Metaquartz-arenite (Eilde Quartzite Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Representative samples along available mapped routes also include Pelite and calcsilicate-rock, Porphyritic microdiorite, so rock character and wet-weather behaviour may change across the mountain. Gusts may reach about 40 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious. Cloud may also make route-finding and retreat harder.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust40 mphRain9.1 mm
Main factorsgusts around 40 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Mapped rock across the summit and available routes Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member
Origin
Metamorphic
Rock family
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Rock-response profile
High confidence
View the summit BGS record

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

sandstone or gritstone, psammite, pelite or semipelite, granite, gneiss or gabbro

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

4 rock types appear across the available route samples

The summit type remains the forecast's cautious rock-response reference. Other mapped types show where conditions may behave differently elsewhere on the mountain.

Summit mapping Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member 830–963 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Pelite and calcsilicate-rock Leven Schist Formation 311–699 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet.

BGS record
Route sample Metaquartz-arenite Glen Coe Quartzite Member Around 1,093 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Porphyritic microdiorite Ben Nevis Dyke Swarm Around 571 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaCloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-09-22. All times are UK local time.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 22 Sep, 21:30 BST to 22:00 BST.

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Moon-free dark sky: 23 Sep, 02:30 BST to 04:55 BST.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
22 Sep, 21:30 BST to 22:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

22 Sep, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

22 Sep, 23:00 BST to 23 Sep, 00:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

23 Sep, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

23 Sep, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky.

23 Sep, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky.

23 Sep, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky.

23 Sep, 04:00 BST to 04:55 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Gibbous moon, about 85% illuminated.

Moonrise around 22 Sep, 18:20 BST.

Moonset around 23 Sep, 02:30 BST.

Full darkness: 22 Sep, 21:30 BST to 23 Sep, 04:55 BST.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

  • Draconids: peak around 9 October 2026.
  • Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
  • Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
  • Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
  • Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
  • Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 367 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about An Gearanach on Tuesday 22 September 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather73/100Good
Wind10-20 mph northwesterly Gusts15-25 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate50% Cloud base through day600-1,800 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:06 · Sunset 19:17 · 12.2 hours daylight

The day on the hill

On An Gearanach: summit wind broadly 10-20 mph, with gusts 15-25 mph at times (a moderate breeze).

Cloud & views

Cloud base around 600–900 m in the morning, lifting to 1000–1300 m around midday and 1500–1800 m by late afternoon. The top is likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a view from around midday into the evening.

Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.

Cloud may hang lower on northwestern slopes and lift somewhat on the southeastern side, but local terrain can differ. Sunny spells are possible away from summit cloud, but may not reach the top while it is in cloud.

Rain & temperature

The ground is likely to be wet after recent rain. Little or no rain is forecast.

Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 2 to 6°C, feeling around -4 to 0°C in the wind.

Forecast confidence

Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Keep windproof and warm layers readily available.

Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud, even where forecasts agree on the wider cloud cover.

Cloud-free timing: Around 10% early, improving to around 80% later.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 6.2 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
Less than 1 hour
Midday
1.4 h
Later
3 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
62/100
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
84/100

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA cold night is forecast near 900 m, with the cold lasting much of the night. 85/100Excellent · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 23 September 2026

Full overnight outlook

Open-hillside camping looks promising overall around 600 m (85/100). A lower pitch near 300 m looks more comfortable. Conditions are less suitable by 900 m. It may be breezy on open ground, with gusts near 30 mph. Peak gusts range from about 20 mph at 300 m to 30 mph at 900 m. Wind direction may change substantially during the night. Shelter that works at dusk may be less effective later. Little overnight rain is forecast. The coldest temperature falls from about 5.9°C at 300 m to 4.3°C at 900 m.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m10 mph · gusts 24 mph Morning pack-upNo wet signal Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing gibbous moon

Illuminated disc
92%
Moonrise
18:26 BST
Moonset
04:02 next morning BST

Views of the Moon may come and go through cloud breaks. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 23 Sep, 17:00 BST to 24 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m87/100 · promising
Wind / gust
8 mph / 21 mph
Typical / low
6.4°C / 5.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m85/100 · promising
Wind / gust
10 mph / 24 mph
Typical / low
6.4°C / 5.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m59/100 · mixed
Wind / gust
11 mph / 28 mph
Typical / low
4.6°C / 4.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
7% of modelled night
Condensation
Low

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaRock may be damp or still drying. Poor49/100 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Conditions for exposed scrambling look mixed (49/100). Recent rain may leave seepage and damp rock, especially on shaded sections. The mapped summit rock is Metaquartz-arenite (Eilde Quartzite Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Representative samples along available mapped routes also include Pelite and calcsilicate-rock, Porphyritic microdiorite, so rock character and wet-weather behaviour may change across the mountain.

Rock surfaceDry overhead; seepage uncertainPeak gust21 mphRain0.2 mm
Main concerndamp or incompletely dried rock possible
Mapped rock across the summit and available routes Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member
Origin
Metamorphic
Rock family
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Rock-response profile
High confidence
View the summit BGS record

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

sandstone or gritstone, psammite, pelite or semipelite, granite, gneiss or gabbro

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

4 rock types appear across the available route samples

The summit type remains the forecast's cautious rock-response reference. Other mapped types show where conditions may behave differently elsewhere on the mountain.

Summit mapping Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member 830–963 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Pelite and calcsilicate-rock Leven Schist Formation 311–699 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet.

BGS record
Route sample Metaquartz-arenite Glen Coe Quartzite Member Around 1,093 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Porphyritic microdiorite Ben Nevis Dyke Swarm Around 571 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaAurora may be visible, but cloud could hide it View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-09-23. All times are UK local time.

Aurora may be visible, but cloud could hide it

Look north-north-west, from the horizon part-way up the sky. A clear, open view that way matters more than height.

A bright Moon is above the horizon around the best forecast hour and may wash out faint aurora detail. A stronger display may still be visible.

Aurora viewing guidance

Cloud is sampled overhead and towards the northern viewing horizon. Narrow cloud bands can still be missed. The available models broadly agree on cloud towards the viewing horizon.

The terrain horizon has not been checked at this exact location. Nearby slopes or a lower campsite can have a very different view.

More surrounding artificial light lies towards the aurora than at most assessed peaks. This may make a faint, low display harder to pick out.

Most likely a faint glow low in the sky that a phone camera shows better than your eyes. It can look like thin cloud.

Not sure what you are seeing? Take a Night-mode photo facing north: rest the phone on a rock or pack, use the main lens and a timer, and hold still for a 3–10 second exposure. Cameras show aurora colour long before eyes do.

Aurora activity can change quickly. This is experimental guidance, not a guaranteed sighting. Check again before heading out.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 23 Sep, 21:25 BST to 22:00 BST.

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Moon-free dark sky: 24 Sep, 03:55 BST to 05:00 BST.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
23 Sep, 21:25 BST to 22:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

23 Sep, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

23 Sep, 23:00 BST to 24 Sep, 00:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

24 Sep, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

24 Sep, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

24 Sep, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

24 Sep, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

24 Sep, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Gibbous moon, about 92% illuminated.

Moonrise around 23 Sep, 18:25 BST.

Moonset around 24 Sep, 03:55 BST.

Full darkness: 23 Sep, 21:25 BST to 24 Sep, 05:00 BST.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

  • Draconids: peak around 9 October 2026.
  • Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
  • Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
  • Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
  • Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
  • Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 367 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about An Gearanach on Wednesday 23 September 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Low
Overall hill weather34/100Poor
Wind30-50 mph southwesterly Gusts55-65 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day1,400-2,200 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:08 · Sunset 19:14 · 12.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

Strong gusts on An Gearanach: summit wind broadly 30-50 mph, with gusts 55-65 mph at times (gale-force mean winds at times).

Wind & exposure

Much calmer lower down - generally 5-15 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops. Summit wind strength is uncertain: around 27-58 mph at walker height, with gusts 38-81 mph.

Check again nearer the time. Keep windproof and warm layers readily available.

If clothing gets wet, you can cool more quickly. Keep a dry warm layer protected.

The strongest gusts could knock you over on exposed ground. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.

Cloud & views

Cloud base around 1400–1700 m in the morning, lifting to 1900–2200 m around midday. The summit is likely to stay mostly clear.

Drizzle is forecast at times. The forecast total is up to around 2 mm, but local amounts will vary.

Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 2 to 6°C, feeling around -4 to 0°C in the wind.

Forecast confidence

Summit wind could be roughly 27-58 mph, which changes how difficult exposed walking may feel.

Cloud-free timing: Around 95% early, falling to around 70% later.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 1.3 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
Less than 1 hour

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 15-25 mph early in the morning, strengthening to 30-40 mph later. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts may knock you off balance on exposed ground, even between spells of lighter wind. Rain is possible during the morning, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
43/100
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Winds strengthen compared with the morning. Summit winds around 30-40 mph. Gusts around 50-60 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts may knock you off balance on exposed ground, even between spells of lighter wind. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is forecast during the afternoon, but models differ considerably on the amount.
26/100

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaExposed camping is not recommended near 300, 600 and 900 m: gusts may reach about 65 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 45 mph at times. Choose an alternative off the exposed hill. Do not rely on finding shelter after setting out. 9/100Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 24 September 2026

Full overnight outlook

Exposed camping is not recommended near 300, 600 and 900 m: gusts may reach about 65 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 45 mph at times. Choose an alternative off the exposed hill. Do not rely on finding shelter after setting out. Open-hillside camping looks very poor overall around 600 m (9/100). Peak gusts range from about 45 mph at 300 m to 65 mph at 900 m. Roughly 13 mm is forecast overnight, with rain liable to affect both pitching and packing up. Pitches near 600 and 900 m may spend part of the night in cloud, bringing damp conditions and poor visibility while cloud is present. Condensation risk is high near 600 and 900 m. Ventilation will matter. The coldest temperature falls from about 8.3°C at 300 m to 5.7°C at 900 m.

Overnight rain13.0 mm Open ground · 600 m30 mph · gusts 55 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 4°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing gibbous moon

Illuminated disc
97%
Moonrise
18:32 BST
Moonset
05:27 next morning BST

Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 24 Sep, 17:00 BST to 25 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m19/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
25 mph / 45 mph
Typical / low
10.3°C / 8.3°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m9/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
30 mph / 55 mph
Typical / low
9.9°C / 7.9°C · several hours
In cloud
80% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m0/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
35 mph / 65 mph
Typical / low
8.0°C / 5.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
87% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaWet rock is likely. Gusts near 60 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor0/100 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Conditions for exposed scrambling look very poor (0/100). Rain during the climbing period is likely to leave rock wet and more slippery. The mapped summit rock is Metaquartz-arenite (Eilde Quartzite Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Representative samples along available mapped routes also include Pelite and calcsilicate-rock, Porphyritic microdiorite, so rock character and wet-weather behaviour may change across the mountain. Gusts may reach about 60 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust58 mphRain0.6 mm
Main factorsgusts around 60 mphwet rock likely
Mapped rock across the summit and available routes Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member
Origin
Metamorphic
Rock family
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Rock-response profile
High confidence
View the summit BGS record

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

sandstone or gritstone, psammite, pelite or semipelite, granite, gneiss or gabbro

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

4 rock types appear across the available route samples

The summit type remains the forecast's cautious rock-response reference. Other mapped types show where conditions may behave differently elsewhere on the mountain.

Summit mapping Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member 830–963 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Pelite and calcsilicate-rock Leven Schist Formation 311–699 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet.

BGS record
Route sample Metaquartz-arenite Glen Coe Quartzite Member Around 1,093 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Porphyritic microdiorite Ben Nevis Dyke Swarm Around 571 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaCloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-09-24. All times are UK local time.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 24 Sep, 21:25 BST to 22:00 BST.

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

A bright Moon remains above the horizon through full darkness, washing out fainter stars and meteors.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
24 Sep, 21:25 BST to 22:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

24 Sep, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

24 Sep, 23:00 BST to 25 Sep, 00:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

25 Sep, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

25 Sep, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

25 Sep, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

25 Sep, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

25 Sep, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-full moon, about 96% illuminated.

Moonrise around 24 Sep, 18:35 BST.

Moonset around 25 Sep, 05:15 BST.

Full darkness: 24 Sep, 21:25 BST to 25 Sep, 05:00 BST.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

  • Draconids: peak around 9 October 2026.
  • Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
  • Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
  • Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
  • Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
  • Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 367 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about An Gearanach on Thursday 24 September 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather32/100Poor
Wind20-30 mph southwesterly Gusts30-40 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationAround 2-5 mm Cloud-free summit estimate20% Cloud base through day500-1,000 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:10 · Sunset 19:11 · 12.0 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A wet day with extensive summit cloud on An Gearanach: summit wind broadly 20-30 mph, with gusts 30-40 mph at times (a fresh breeze).

Wind & exposure

Much calmer lower down - generally 0-10 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops.

Cloud & views

Cloud base around 500–800 m through the morning, lifting to 700–1000 m by late afternoon. Summit cloud is likely, but brief clear spells remain possible if the cloud sits higher than expected.

Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.

Cloud may hang lower on southwestern slopes and lift somewhat on the northeastern side, but local terrain can differ. Any sunshine may be confined to lower ground or breaks away from the summit.

Drizzle is forecast for much of the day, with some passing showers too. The forecast total is around 2-5 mm, but local amounts will vary.

Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 2 to 6°C, feeling around -4 to 0°C in the wind. Forecast models differ on summit wind strength: around 11-30 mph at walker height, with gusts 15-42 mph.

Forecast confidence

Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Keep windproof and warm layers readily available.

If clothing gets wet, you can cool more quickly. Keep a dry warm layer protected.

Forecast models differ on whether meaningful rain reaches the hills during the main walking period.

Cloud-free timing: Around 5% early, improving to around 45% later.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 11 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.

Early
2 h
Midday
4 h
Later
3 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
37/100
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
28/100

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaExposed camping is not recommended near 900 m: gusts may reach about 45 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 35 mph at times. Lower sheltered ground may be less exposed, but this forecast does not confirm a suitable pitch or a safe approach. Check its overnight conditions separately. 39/100Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Friday 25 September 2026

Full overnight outlook

Exposed camping is not recommended near 900 m: gusts may reach about 45 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 35 mph at times. Lower sheltered ground may be less exposed, but this forecast does not confirm a suitable pitch or a safe approach. Check its overnight conditions separately. Open-hillside camping looks poor overall around 600 m (39/100). Peak gusts range from about 30 mph at 300 m to 45 mph at 900 m. Around 1 mm is forecast, with rain liable to affect both pitching and packing up. Pitches near 600 and 900 m may spend part of the night in cloud, bringing damp conditions and poor visibility while cloud is present. Condensation risk is high near 900 m. Ventilation will matter. The coldest temperature falls from about 7.5°C at 300 m to 5.2°C at 900 m.

Overnight rain1.0 mm Open ground · 600 m24 mph · gusts 39 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 4°C or lower

Moon overnight

Near-full moon

Illuminated disc
99%
Moonrise
18:37 BST
Moonset
06:53 next morning BST

Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 25 Sep, 17:00 BST to 26 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59/100 · mixed
Wind / gust
20 mph / 32 mph
Typical / low
7.7°C / 7.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m39/100 · poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 39 mph
Typical / low
7.4°C / 7.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
60% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
900 m19/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
28 mph / 46 mph
Typical / low
5.4°C / 5.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
93% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaWet rock is likely. Gusts near 35 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor0/100 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Conditions for exposed scrambling look very poor (0/100). Rain during the climbing period is likely to leave rock wet and more slippery. The mapped summit rock is Metaquartz-arenite (Eilde Quartzite Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Representative samples along available mapped routes also include Pelite and calcsilicate-rock, Porphyritic microdiorite, so rock character and wet-weather behaviour may change across the mountain. Gusts may reach about 35 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious. Cloud may also make route-finding and retreat harder.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust35 mphRain2.7 mm
Main factorsgusts around 35 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Mapped rock across the summit and available routes Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member
Origin
Metamorphic
Rock family
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Rock-response profile
High confidence
View the summit BGS record

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

sandstone or gritstone, psammite, pelite or semipelite, granite, gneiss or gabbro

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

4 rock types appear across the available route samples

The summit type remains the forecast's cautious rock-response reference. Other mapped types show where conditions may behave differently elsewhere on the mountain.

Summit mapping Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member 830–963 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Pelite and calcsilicate-rock Leven Schist Formation 311–699 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet.

BGS record
Route sample Metaquartz-arenite Glen Coe Quartzite Member Around 1,093 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Porphyritic microdiorite Ben Nevis Dyke Swarm Around 571 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaCloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-09-25. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Increased potential: activity may reach this horizon. Too early to forecast.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 25 Sep, 21:20 BST to 22:00 BST.

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

A bright Moon remains above the horizon through full darkness, washing out fainter stars and meteors.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
25 Sep, 21:20 BST to 22:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

25 Sep, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

25 Sep, 23:00 BST to 26 Sep, 00:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

26 Sep, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

26 Sep, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

26 Sep, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

26 Sep, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

26 Sep, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

26 Sep, 05:00 BST to 05:05 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-full moon, about 99% illuminated.

Moonrise around 25 Sep, 18:40 BST.

Moonset around 26 Sep, 06:40 BST.

Full darkness: 25 Sep, 21:20 BST to 26 Sep, 05:05 BST.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

  • Draconids: peak around 9 October 2026.
  • Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
  • Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
  • Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
  • Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
  • Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 367 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about An Gearanach on Friday 25 September 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather6/100Poor
Wind30-40 mph southwesterly Gusts45-55 mph Feels like-2 to 2°C PrecipitationAround 10-20 mm Cloud-free summit estimate10% Cloud base through day500-1,000 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:12 · Sunset 19:09 · 11.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

Strong gusts and frequent summit cloud on An Gearanach: summit wind broadly 30-40 mph, with gusts 45-55 mph at times (strong winds). Visibility may drop briefly in showers.

Wind & exposure

Much calmer lower down - generally 5-15 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops. Gusts may knock you off balance on exposed ground, even between spells of lighter wind.

Cloud & views

Cloud base around 500–800 m in the morning, then around 700–1000 m around midday and 500–800 m by late afternoon. Cloud is likely to cover the top for most or all of daylight, with no dependable break.

Cloud may hang lower on southwestern slopes and lift somewhat on the northeastern side, but local terrain can differ. Any sunshine may be confined to lower ground or breaks away from the summit.

Drizzle is forecast for much of the day, with some passing showers too. The forecast total is around 10-20 mm, but local amounts will vary.

Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 4 to 8°C, feeling around -2 to 2°C in the wind. Forecast models differ on summit wind strength: around 17-43 mph at walker height, with gusts 24-60 mph.

Forecast confidence

Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. Keep windproof and warm layers readily available.

If clothing gets wet, you can cool more quickly. Keep a dry warm layer protected.

Forecast models differ on whether meaningful rain reaches the hills during the afternoon and evening.

Cloud-free timing: Best around midday at about 15%. Lowest later at about 5%.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 10.7 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.

Early
1.8 h
Midday
4 h
Later
3 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts may knock you off balance on exposed ground, even between spells of lighter wind. Rain is forecast during this period.
15/100
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Severe hill conditions More rain is expected. Summit winds around 30-40 mph. Gusts around 45-55 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts may knock you off balance on exposed ground, even between spells of lighter wind. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
0/100

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaExposed camping is not recommended near 900 m: gusts may reach about 50 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 35 mph at times. Lower sheltered ground may be less exposed, but this forecast does not confirm a suitable pitch or a safe approach. Check its overnight conditions separately. 39/100Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Saturday 26 September 2026

Full overnight outlook

Exposed camping is not recommended near 900 m: gusts may reach about 50 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 35 mph at times. Lower sheltered ground may be less exposed, but this forecast does not confirm a suitable pitch or a safe approach. Check its overnight conditions separately. Open-hillside camping looks poor overall around 600 m (39/100). Peak gusts range from about 35 mph at 300 m to 50 mph at 900 m. Roughly 10.5 mm is forecast overnight, with rain liable to affect both pitching and packing up. Pitches near 600 and 900 m may spend part of the night in cloud, bringing damp conditions and poor visibility while cloud is present. Condensation risk is high near 600 and 900 m. Ventilation will matter. The coldest temperature falls from about 9.9°C at 300 m to 7.6°C at 900 m.

Overnight rain10.5 mm Open ground · 600 m24 mph · gusts 41 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 6°C or lower

Moon overnight

Near-full moon

Illuminated disc
100%
Moonrise
18:42 BST
Moonset
Outside this window

Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 26 Sep, 17:00 BST to 27 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m49/100 · mixed
Wind / gust
20 mph / 34 mph
Typical / low
10.2°C / 9.9°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m39/100 · poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 41 mph
Typical / low
9.8°C / 9.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
100% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
29 mph / 48 mph
Typical / low
8.0°C / 7.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
100% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 6°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaWet rock is likely. Gusts near 50 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor0/100 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Conditions for exposed scrambling look very poor (0/100). Rain during the climbing period is likely to leave rock wet and more slippery. The mapped summit rock is Metaquartz-arenite (Eilde Quartzite Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Representative samples along available mapped routes also include Pelite and calcsilicate-rock, Porphyritic microdiorite, so rock character and wet-weather behaviour may change across the mountain. Gusts may reach about 50 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious. Cloud may also make route-finding and retreat harder.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust49 mphRain12.2 mm
Main factorsgusts around 50 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Mapped rock across the summit and available routes Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member
Origin
Metamorphic
Rock family
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Rock-response profile
High confidence
View the summit BGS record

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

sandstone or gritstone, psammite, pelite or semipelite, granite, gneiss or gabbro

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

4 rock types appear across the available route samples

The summit type remains the forecast's cautious rock-response reference. Other mapped types show where conditions may behave differently elsewhere on the mountain.

Summit mapping Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member 830–963 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Pelite and calcsilicate-rock Leven Schist Formation 311–699 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet.

BGS record
Route sample Metaquartz-arenite Glen Coe Quartzite Member Around 1,093 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Porphyritic microdiorite Ben Nevis Dyke Swarm Around 571 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaCloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-09-26. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Slightly raised activity; unlikely to reach this horizon.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 27 Sep, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BST.

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

A bright Moon remains above the horizon through full darkness, washing out fainter stars and meteors.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
26 Sep, 21:20 BST to 22:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

26 Sep, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

26 Sep, 23:00 BST to 27 Sep, 00:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

27 Sep, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

27 Sep, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

27 Sep, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

27 Sep, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

27 Sep, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

27 Sep, 05:00 BST to 05:05 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-full moon, about 100% illuminated.

Moonrise around 26 Sep, 18:45 BST.

Full darkness: 26 Sep, 21:20 BST to 27 Sep, 05:05 BST.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

  • Draconids: peak around 9 October 2026.
  • Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
  • Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
  • Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
  • Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
  • Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 367 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about An Gearanach on Saturday 26 September 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Unavailable
Overall hill weather32/100Poor
Wind25-35 mph southerly Gusts40-50 mph Feels like0 to 4°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate60% Cloud base through day700-2,300 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:14 · Sunset 19:06 · 11.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

On An Gearanach: summit wind broadly 25-35 mph, with gusts 40-50 mph at times (strong winds).

Wind & exposure

Much calmer lower down - generally 5-15 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops.

Cloud & views

Cloud base around 700–1000 m in the morning, lifting to 900–1200 m around midday and 2000–2300 m by late afternoon. The top is likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a view from late afternoon into the evening.

Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.

Cloud may hang lower on southern slopes and lift somewhat on the northern side, but local terrain can differ. Sunny spells are possible away from summit cloud, but may not reach the top while it is in cloud.

Rain & temperature

The ground is likely to be wet after recent rain. Little or no rain is forecast.

Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 4 to 8°C, feeling around 0 to 4°C in the wind. Forecast models differ on summit wind strength.

Treat the wind figures as a guide.

Forecast confidence

Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. A windproof layer will help, with an extra warm layer for stops.

Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Overall confidence is unavailable: insufficient comparable wind, rain guidance.

Cloud-free timing: Around 15% early, improving to around 95% later.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 7.4 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early
0 h
Midday
3.3 h
Later
3 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Some forecast models bring rain during the morning, while others keep it mostly dry.
25/100
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Some forecast models bring rain during the afternoon, while others keep it mostly dry.
40/100

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaExposed camping is not recommended near 900 m: gusts may reach about 45 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 30 mph at times. Lower sheltered ground may be less exposed, but this forecast does not confirm a suitable pitch or a safe approach. Check its overnight conditions separately. 39/100Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Sunday 27 September 2026

Full overnight outlook

Exposed camping is not recommended near 900 m: gusts may reach about 45 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 30 mph at times. Lower sheltered ground may be less exposed, but this forecast does not confirm a suitable pitch or a safe approach. Check its overnight conditions separately. Open-hillside camping looks poor overall around 600 m (39/100). Peak gusts range from about 30 mph at 300 m to 45 mph at 900 m. Around 2.6 mm is forecast, including rain around pack-up. Pitches near 900 m may spend part of the night in cloud, bringing damp conditions and poor visibility while cloud is present. Condensation risk is high near 900 m. Ventilation will matter.

Overnight rain2.6 mm Open ground · 600 m23 mph · gusts 38 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning gibbous moon

Illuminated disc
98%
Moonrise
18:48 BST
Moonset
Outside this window

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 27 Sep, 17:00 BST to 28 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59/100 · mixed
Wind / gust
20 mph / 31 mph
Typical / low
10.9°C / 5.5°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m39/100 · poor
Wind / gust
23 mph / 38 mph
Typical / low
9.1°C / 5.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
900 m19/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
28 mph / 44 mph
Typical / low
8.0°C / 4.3°C · several hours
In cloud
53% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaRock may be damp or still drying. Gusts near 40 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor23/100 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Conditions for exposed scrambling look poor (23/100). Recent rain may leave seepage and damp rock, especially on shaded sections. The mapped summit rock is Metaquartz-arenite (Eilde Quartzite Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Representative samples along available mapped routes also include Pelite and calcsilicate-rock, Porphyritic microdiorite, so rock character and wet-weather behaviour may change across the mountain. Gusts may reach about 40 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious. Cloud may also make route-finding and retreat harder.

Rock surfaceDry overhead; seepage uncertainPeak gust42 mphRain0.0 mm
Main factorsgusts around 40 mphdamp or incompletely dried rock possiblemuch of the route may be in cloud
Mapped rock across the summit and available routes Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member
Origin
Metamorphic
Rock family
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Rock-response profile
High confidence
View the summit BGS record

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

sandstone or gritstone, psammite, pelite or semipelite, granite, gneiss or gabbro

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

4 rock types appear across the available route samples

The summit type remains the forecast's cautious rock-response reference. Other mapped types show where conditions may behave differently elsewhere on the mountain.

Summit mapping Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member 830–963 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Pelite and calcsilicate-rock Leven Schist Formation 311–699 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet.

BGS record
Route sample Metaquartz-arenite Glen Coe Quartzite Member Around 1,093 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Porphyritic microdiorite Ben Nevis Dyke Swarm Around 571 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaCloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-09-27. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Slightly raised activity; unlikely to reach this horizon.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 27 Sep, 21:15 BST to 22:00 BST.

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

A bright Moon remains above the horizon through full darkness, washing out fainter stars and meteors.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
27 Sep, 21:15 BST to 22:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

27 Sep, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

27 Sep, 23:00 BST to 28 Sep, 00:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

28 Sep, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

28 Sep, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

28 Sep, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

28 Sep, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

28 Sep, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

28 Sep, 05:00 BST to 05:10 BSTPoor sky conditions

Cloud is likely to obscure much of the sky. Rain may interrupt viewing. Reduced visibility may obscure faint objects. Moonlight washes out fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-full moon, about 98% illuminated.

Moonrise around 27 Sep, 18:50 BST.

Full darkness: 27 Sep, 21:15 BST to 28 Sep, 05:10 BST.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

  • Draconids: peak around 9 October 2026.
  • Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
  • Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
  • Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
  • Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
  • Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 367 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about An Gearanach on Sunday 27 September 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

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Confidence: Unavailable
Overall hill weather22/100Poor
Wind20-30 mph southwesterly Gusts30-40 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationAround 5-10 mm Cloud-free summit estimate20% Cloud base through day700-1,000 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:16 · Sunset 19:03 · 11.8 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A wet day with extensive summit cloud on An Gearanach: summit wind broadly 20-30 mph, with gusts 30-40 mph at times (strong winds). Visibility may drop briefly in showers.

Wind & exposure

Much calmer lower down - generally 5-15 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops.

Cloud & views

Cloud base mostly around 700–1000 m through daylight. Summit cloud is likely, but brief clear spells remain possible if the cloud sits higher than expected.

Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.

Cloud may hang lower on southwestern slopes and lift somewhat on the northeastern side, but local terrain can differ. Any sunshine may be confined to lower ground or breaks away from the summit.

Drizzle is forecast for much of the day, with some passing showers too. The forecast total is around 5-10 mm, but local amounts will vary.

Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 2 to 6°C, feeling around -4 to 0°C in the wind. Forecast models disagree markedly on summit wind strength.

Check again nearer the time. Keep windproof and warm layers readily available.

If clothing gets wet, you can cool more quickly. Keep a dry warm layer protected.

Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges.

Rain & temperature

The ground is likely to be wet after recent rain.

Forecast confidence

Overall confidence is unavailable: insufficient comparable wind, rain guidance.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 7.8 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.

Early
Less than 1 hour
Midday
3.2 h
Later
2.8 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period.
22/100
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period.
23/100

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaExposed camping is not recommended near 900 m: gusts may reach about 40 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 30 mph at times. Lower sheltered ground may be less exposed, but this forecast does not confirm a suitable pitch or a safe approach. Check its overnight conditions separately. 39/100Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 28 September 2026

Full overnight outlook

Exposed camping is not recommended near 900 m: gusts may reach about 40 mph. Sustained winds may reach about 30 mph at times. Lower sheltered ground may be less exposed, but this forecast does not confirm a suitable pitch or a safe approach. Check its overnight conditions separately. Open-hillside camping looks poor overall around 600 m (39/100). Peak gusts range from about 30 mph at 300 m to 40 mph at 900 m. Around 1.9 mm is forecast, with rain liable to affect both pitching and packing up. Pitches near 900 m may spend part of the night in cloud, bringing damp conditions and poor visibility while cloud is present. Condensation risk is high near 300, 600 and 900 m. Ventilation will matter. It may be only a few degrees above freezing at the coldest point of the night near 900 m. Around 600 m the low near 5°C is forecast for a brief spell.

Overnight rain1.9 mm Open ground · 600 m20 mph · gusts 35 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning gibbous moon

Illuminated disc
94%
Moonrise
18:56 BST
Moonset
Outside this window

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 28 Sep, 17:00 BST to 29 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59/100 · mixed
Wind / gust
16 mph / 29 mph
Typical / low
5.3°C / 5.0°C · a brief spell
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m39/100 · poor
Wind / gust
20 mph / 35 mph
Typical / low
5.3°C / 5.0°C · a brief spell
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19/100 · very poor
Wind / gust
23 mph / 42 mph
Typical / low
4.2°C / 3.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
100% of modelled night
Condensation
High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaWet rock is likely. Gusts near 35 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor24/100 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Conditions for exposed scrambling look poor (24/100). Rain during the climbing period is likely to leave rock wet and more slippery. The mapped summit rock is Metaquartz-arenite (Eilde Quartzite Member). Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Representative samples along available mapped routes also include Pelite and calcsilicate-rock, Porphyritic microdiorite, so rock character and wet-weather behaviour may change across the mountain. Gusts may reach about 35 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious. Cloud may also make route-finding and retreat harder.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust36 mphRain7.6 mm
Main factorsgusts around 35 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Mapped rock across the summit and available routes Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member
Origin
Metamorphic
Rock family
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Rock-response profile
High confidence
View the summit BGS record

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully. Summit-point mapping plus representative BGS bedrock samples along available GPX routes. These are not continuous geological surveys; contacts, superficial deposits and the exposed rock on individual holds may differ.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

sandstone or gritstone, psammite, pelite or semipelite, granite, gneiss or gabbro

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

4 rock types appear across the available route samples

The summit type remains the forecast's cautious rock-response reference. Other mapped types show where conditions may behave differently elsewhere on the mountain.

Summit mapping Metaquartz-arenite Eilde Quartzite Member 830–963 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Pelite and calcsilicate-rock Leven Schist Formation 311–699 m samples Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet.

BGS record
Route sample Metaquartz-arenite Glen Coe Quartzite Member Around 1,093 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Usually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.

BGS record
Route sample Porphyritic microdiorite Ben Nevis Dyke Swarm Around 571 m Seen on An Gearanach, Stob Coire a' Chàirn, Am Bodach and Sgùrr a' Mhàim

Generally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaNight-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. This does not mean clear skies or no aurora.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about An Gearanach on Monday 28 September 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Weather data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). Adapted by Mountain Weather.

Forecast run: 2026-09-21

Keep exploring

Weather around An Gearanach.

Compare the summit forecast with the wider regional picture and nearby peaks before choosing a route.

Regional mountain forecastLochaberView area →
Stob Coire a' Chàirn981 m · 0.9 km awayForecast →Am Bodach1,032 m · 2.2 km awayForecast →Sgùrr a' Mhàim1,099 m · 2.3 km awayForecast →Na Gruagaichean1,056 m · 2.4 km awayForecast →

A forecast is part of the decision.

Mountain weather can differ sharply from conditions in the valley. Check official warnings, carry appropriate navigation and clothing, and be ready to change the plan. Read how Mountain Weather forecasts are produced and where their limits lie.

Choose another summit