A fine day on Ben Nevis: dry, with light winds and clear tops for most of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly north-easterly, with gusts of 10–20 mph at the windiest.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views as long as the tops stay clear.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -4 to 0°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 1100–1400 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 3.9 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
93
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
93
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of the cold: a frost, down to -1°C.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Tuesday 10 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the cold. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. It should stay dry. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -1°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 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.
Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross granite, which has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust10-20 mphRain0.0 mm
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
5 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation856–1,343 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.
BGS record →
Route sample
LeucomicrogranodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Inner Granite)511–1,020 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
Porphyritic granodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Outer Granite)393–535 m samplesSeen on Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
LamprophyreBen Nevis Dyke SwarmAround 174 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Lamprophyre is a dark rock that usually forms thin dykes. It grips reasonably when dry and is poor when wet. It weathers easily and is often crumbly and loose, so treat it with suspicion.
BGS record →
Route sample
MicrogabbroNorth Britain Palaeogene Dyke SuiteAround 354 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-10. All times are UK local time.
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale).
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Good sky conditions during the best available spell: 10 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 10 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 11 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
10 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Good sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.
10 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Forecasts disagree about rain or haze, so it could be murkier than this looks.
Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Good sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 11 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Good sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-new moon, about 3% illuminated.
Full darkness: 10 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 11 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
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.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 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 483 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.
Terrain at this viewpoint
Approximate terrain horizon at Ben Nevis. Trees, buildings and nearby obstacles are not included.
Approximate bare-earth horizon, not surveyed sightlines. Narrow ridges may fall between samples. Trees, buildings and very close obstacles are not resolved. Valid only at the named summit coordinate, not on its slopes or at a lower campsite.
Mapzen Terrain Tiles. Europe terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers. UK terrain: Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. Global terrain: USGS and NOAA.
Contains Welsh Government public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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 Ben Nevis on Tuesday 10 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A fine day on Ben Nevis: dry and breezy, with clear tops for most of the day, though expect a bitter wind chill.
Wind
On the summit expect a northerly wind of 5–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 20–30 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. A wind like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views as long as the tops stay clear.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -6 to -2°C, feeling like -14 to -10°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 700–1000 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
There is some disagreement between forecast models on wind strength. Some of the detail could still change, so have a last look at the forecast in the morning before you set off.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 5.3 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
97
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 10-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground.
87
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 40 mph and a frost, down to -4°C). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 11 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 40 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Expect a little rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. A frost at every height we checked (300-900 m), down to about -4°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 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.
Poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Snow is likely on the rock and ledges, so it becomes a winter route. Gusts of 20–30 mph will be noticeable on exposed ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross granite, which has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust20-30 mphRain0.1 mm
Main concernSnow may fall on high ground. Deposits could make summer scrambling conditions inappropriate
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
5 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation856–1,343 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.
BGS record →
Route sample
LeucomicrogranodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Inner Granite)511–1,020 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
Porphyritic granodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Outer Granite)393–535 m samplesSeen on Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
LamprophyreBen Nevis Dyke SwarmAround 174 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Lamprophyre is a dark rock that usually forms thin dykes. It grips reasonably when dry and is poor when wet. It weathers easily and is often crumbly and loose, so treat it with suspicion.
BGS record →
Route sample
MicrogabbroNorth Britain Palaeogene Dyke SuiteAround 354 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-11. All times are UK local time.
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale).
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 12 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 11 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 12 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
11 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
11 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
11 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
11 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 12 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
12 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
12 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
12 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 7% illuminated.
Full darkness: 11 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 12 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
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.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 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 483 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.
Terrain at this viewpoint
Approximate terrain horizon at Ben Nevis. Trees, buildings and nearby obstacles are not included.
Approximate bare-earth horizon, not surveyed sightlines. Narrow ridges may fall between samples. Trees, buildings and very close obstacles are not resolved. Valid only at the named summit coordinate, not on its slopes or at a lower campsite.
Mapzen Terrain Tiles. Europe terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers. UK terrain: Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. Global terrain: USGS and NOAA.
Contains Welsh Government public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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 Ben Nevis on Wednesday 11 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A mixed day on Ben Nevis, with a bitter wind chill and a blustery wind.
Wind
On the summit expect a northerly wind of 20–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -8 to -4°C, feeling like -18 to -14°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 500–800 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
The forecast models disagree on how strong the wind will be, so it could be noticeably stronger than this. It's still two days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges.
56
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges.
57
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind: a frost, down to -2°C.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 12 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 35 mph around 900 m and nearer 25 mph around 300 m, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the north. It should stay dry. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -2°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
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: 12 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 13 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
17 mph / 24 mph
Typical / low
1.1°C / 0.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
21 mph / 29 mph
Typical / low
0.5°C / 0.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 34 mph
Typical / low
-2.0°C / -2.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 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.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaFair conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 30–40 mph.Mixed61View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Fair conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross granite, which has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust30-40 mphRain0.0 mm
Main concerngusts of 30–40 mph
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
5 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation856–1,343 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.
BGS record →
Route sample
LeucomicrogranodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Inner Granite)511–1,020 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
Porphyritic granodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Outer Granite)393–535 m samplesSeen on Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
LamprophyreBen Nevis Dyke SwarmAround 174 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Lamprophyre is a dark rock that usually forms thin dykes. It grips reasonably when dry and is poor when wet. It weathers easily and is often crumbly and loose, so treat it with suspicion.
BGS record →
Route sample
MicrogabbroNorth Britain Palaeogene Dyke SuiteAround 354 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-12. All times are UK local time.
Aurora is unlikely on this night
Too quiet for a likely sighting from here. Activity peaks around Kp 2.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale). It would take about Kp 3.7 for a camera to pick up a glow low in the north, though that is not a hard line.
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 12 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 12 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 13 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
12 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 13 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
13 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
13 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
13 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
13 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
13 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
13 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 13% illuminated.
Full darkness: 12 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 13 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
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.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 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 483 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.
Terrain at this viewpoint
Approximate terrain horizon at Ben Nevis. Trees, buildings and nearby obstacles are not included.
Approximate bare-earth horizon, not surveyed sightlines. Narrow ridges may fall between samples. Trees, buildings and very close obstacles are not resolved. Valid only at the named summit coordinate, not on its slopes or at a lower campsite.
Mapzen Terrain Tiles. Europe terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers. UK terrain: Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. Global terrain: USGS and NOAA.
Contains Welsh Government public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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 Ben Nevis on Thursday 12 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-30 mph westerlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mphFeels like-14 to -10°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate35%Cloud base through day500-2,000 mFreezing level500-800 mDaylightSunrise 07:55 · Sunset 16:12 · 8.3 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Ben Nevis, with snow on the tops and a bitter wind chill.
Snow and navigation
Snow is forecast on the tops in the afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 700 to 1000 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. The forecast model suggests less than 1 cm of fresh snowfall at around 1300 m between 08:00 and 17:00 (local time). The amount settling is uncertain and will vary with melting and drifting. Blowing snow may quickly cover paths and footprints and make navigation difficult. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.
Wind
On the summit expect a westerly wind of 15–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 30–40 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.
Cloud and visibility
The tops start clear, but the cloud comes down onto them in the early afternoon. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m mid-afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
Snow arrives mid-afternoon. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -6 to -2°C, feeling like -14 to -10°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 600–900 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:10pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still three days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 7.6 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground.
75
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
29
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 40 mph and about 4 mm of rain). Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Friday 13 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 40 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Expect about 4 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A cold night, down to about 1°C around 900 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
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: 13 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 14 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m53 · mixed
Wind / gust
20 mph / 28 mph
Typical / low
3.4°C / 3.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 34 mph
Typical / low
3.1°C / 2.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
67% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
29 mph / 40 mph
Typical / low
0.9°C / 0.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
100% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°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.
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross granite, which has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust30-40 mphRain1.3 mm
Main factorsgusts of 30–40 mphwet rock likelySnow may fall on high ground. Deposits could make summer scrambling conditions inappropriate
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
5 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation856–1,343 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.
BGS record →
Route sample
LeucomicrogranodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Inner Granite)511–1,020 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
Porphyritic granodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Outer Granite)393–535 m samplesSeen on Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
LamprophyreBen Nevis Dyke SwarmAround 174 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Lamprophyre is a dark rock that usually forms thin dykes. It grips reasonably when dry and is poor when wet. It weathers easily and is often crumbly and loose, so treat it with suspicion.
BGS record →
Route sample
MicrogabbroNorth Britain Palaeogene Dyke SuiteAround 354 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-13. All times are UK local time.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 13 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 13 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 14 Nov, 05:45 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
13 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
13 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
13 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 14 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:45 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 20% illuminated.
Moonset around 13 Nov, 18:10 GMT.
Full darkness: 13 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 14 Nov, 05:45 GMT.
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.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 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 483 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.
Terrain at this viewpoint
Approximate terrain horizon at Ben Nevis. Trees, buildings and nearby obstacles are not included.
Approximate bare-earth horizon, not surveyed sightlines. Narrow ridges may fall between samples. Trees, buildings and very close obstacles are not resolved. Valid only at the named summit coordinate, not on its slopes or at a lower campsite.
Mapzen Terrain Tiles. Europe terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers. UK terrain: Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. Global terrain: USGS and NOAA.
Contains Welsh Government public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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 Ben Nevis on Friday 13 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A poor day on the tops of Ben Nevis, with snow on the tops and the summit in cloud for most of the day.
Snow and navigation
Snow is forecast on the tops during the morning and afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 1000 to 1200 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. The forecast model suggests around 2 cm of fresh snowfall at around 1300 m between 08:00 and 17:00 (local time). The amount settling is uncertain and will vary with melting and drifting. There is a risk of blizzard conditions in the afternoon, when snow and strong winds coincide. Paths and footprints can quickly disappear beneath falling and blowing snow. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of 25–35 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 35–45 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m mid-morning. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Any sunshine is more likely on lower ground than on the summit. Where snow covers the ground, the sky and hillside can merge into a featureless white view, making it difficult to judge slope or direction. Do not rely on following a visible path. Avoid exposed routes if you cannot navigate safely in these conditions, and turn back before visibility deteriorates.
Rain and ground
Snow for much of the day. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -4 to 0°C, feeling like -12 to -8°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 1000–1300 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:10pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
The forecast models disagree on how strong the wind will be, so it could be noticeably stronger than this. It's still four days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 3.9 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period.
9
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
2
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill: gusts of about 55 mph and around 16 mm of rain.9Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Saturday 14 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Not a night to camp on the open hill. Gusts reach about 55 mph around 900 m and nearer 40 mph around 300 m, strong enough to flatten or tear a tent. Don't count on finding shelter once you're up there. Choose another night or a low, sheltered spot. Expect a wet night, around 16 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Up around 900 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
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: 14 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 15 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
27 mph / 40 mph
Typical / low
6.4°C / 3.9°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
33 mph / 48 mph
Typical / low
5.4°C / 3.3°C · several hours
In cloud
20% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
38 mph / 56 mph
Typical / low
3.6°C / 1.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
100% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°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.
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 35–45 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross granite, which has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust35-45 mphRain3.8 mm
Main factorsgusts of 35–45 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
5 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation856–1,343 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.
BGS record →
Route sample
LeucomicrogranodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Inner Granite)511–1,020 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
Porphyritic granodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Outer Granite)393–535 m samplesSeen on Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
LamprophyreBen Nevis Dyke SwarmAround 174 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Lamprophyre is a dark rock that usually forms thin dykes. It grips reasonably when dry and is poor when wet. It weathers easily and is often crumbly and loose, so treat it with suspicion.
BGS record →
Route sample
MicrogabbroNorth Britain Palaeogene Dyke SuiteAround 354 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-14. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
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: 14 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 14 Nov, 19:25 GMT to 15 Nov, 05:45 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
14 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 15 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:45 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 28% illuminated.
Moonset around 14 Nov, 19:25 GMT.
Full darkness: 14 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 15 Nov, 05:45 GMT.
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.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 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 483 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.
Terrain at this viewpoint
Approximate terrain horizon at Ben Nevis. Trees, buildings and nearby obstacles are not included.
Approximate bare-earth horizon, not surveyed sightlines. Narrow ridges may fall between samples. Trees, buildings and very close obstacles are not resolved. Valid only at the named summit coordinate, not on its slopes or at a lower campsite.
Mapzen Terrain Tiles. Europe terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers. UK terrain: Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. Global terrain: USGS and NOAA.
Contains Welsh Government public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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 Ben Nevis on Saturday 14 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A poor day on the tops of Ben Nevis, with sleet or snow on the tops and strong, gusty winds.
Snow and navigation
Sleet or snow is possible on the tops during the morning and afternoon, with small temperature changes affecting the mix. The air freezing level is roughly 1200 to 1500 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. There is a risk of blizzard conditions in the afternoon, when snow and strong winds coincide. Paths and footprints can quickly disappear beneath falling and blowing snow. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.
Things to watch
Burns could rise quickly from the afternoon into the night. Timings are rough. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of 20–40 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 40–50 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 85–95 mph. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 50–60 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.
Cloud and visibility
The tops start clear, but the cloud comes down onto them early in the morning. The cloud base could be as low as 1000–1300 m mid-afternoon. A few forecast models bring it lower still, to around 600–900 m. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Visibility may drop briefly in showers. Where snow covers the ground, the sky and hillside can merge into a featureless white view, making it difficult to judge slope or direction. Do not rely on following a visible path. Avoid exposed routes if you cannot navigate safely in these conditions, and turn back before visibility deteriorates.
Rain and ground
Sleet and snow for much of the day, becoming heavier later. Expect 5–10 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:10pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still five days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 30-40 mph early in the morning, easing to 20-30 mph later. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later. Rain is forecast during this period.
17
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorMore rain is expected. Summit winds around 20-30 mph in the early afternoon, strengthening to 25-35 mph later. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Some forecast models bring rain during the afternoon, while others keep it mostly dry.
7
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill: gusts of about 60 mph and around 14 mm of rain.9Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Sunday 15 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Not a night to camp on the open hill. Gusts reach about 60 mph around 900 m and nearer 40 mph around 300 m, strong enough to flatten or tear a tent. Don't count on finding shelter once you're up there. Choose another night or a low, sheltered spot. The wind swings from southwesterly to northwesterly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Expect a wet night, around 14 mm of rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Up around 900 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A frost at every height we checked (300-900 m), down to about -2°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 15 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 16 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
22 mph / 39 mph
Typical / low
7.8°C / 0.0°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
27 mph / 49 mph
Typical / low
4.0°C / 0.0°C · several hours
In cloud
20% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
32 mph / 58 mph
Typical / low
4.6°C / -2.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
53% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 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.
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 40–50 mph are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross granite, which has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust40-50 mphRain11.9 mm
Main factorsgusts of 40–50 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
5 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation856–1,343 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.
BGS record →
Route sample
LeucomicrogranodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Inner Granite)511–1,020 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
Porphyritic granodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Outer Granite)393–535 m samplesSeen on Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
LamprophyreBen Nevis Dyke SwarmAround 174 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Lamprophyre is a dark rock that usually forms thin dykes. It grips reasonably when dry and is poor when wet. It weathers easily and is often crumbly and loose, so treat it with suspicion.
BGS record →
Route sample
MicrogabbroNorth Britain Palaeogene Dyke SuiteAround 354 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-15. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.
Stargazing
Good sky conditions during the best available spell: 16 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:45 GMT.
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.
Moon-free dark sky: 15 Nov, 20:50 GMT to 16 Nov, 05:45 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
15 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 16 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
16 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:45 GMT
Good sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.
Limited model coverage.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 36% illuminated.
Moonset around 15 Nov, 20:50 GMT.
Full darkness: 15 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 16 Nov, 05:45 GMT.
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.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 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 483 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.
Terrain at this viewpoint
Approximate terrain horizon at Ben Nevis. Trees, buildings and nearby obstacles are not included.
Approximate bare-earth horizon, not surveyed sightlines. Narrow ridges may fall between samples. Trees, buildings and very close obstacles are not resolved. Valid only at the named summit coordinate, not on its slopes or at a lower campsite.
Mapzen Terrain Tiles. Europe terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers. UK terrain: Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. Global terrain: USGS and NOAA.
Contains Welsh Government public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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 Ben Nevis on Sunday 15 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph westerlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mphFeels like-16 to -12°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate50%Cloud base through day1,200-1,500 mFreezing level500-800 mDaylightSunrise 08:01 · Sunset 16:06 · 8.1 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A poor day on the tops of Ben Nevis, with snow on the tops and a bitter wind chill.
Snow and navigation
Snow is forecast on the tops in the afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 600 to 700 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain.
Wind
On the summit expect a westerly wind of 20–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 50–60 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Clear spells are possible, but cloud could cover the tops for part of the day. Forecast models differ on how much summit cloud develops. A few forecast models bring the cloud base down to around 600–900 m at times. The cloud base sits close to summit height, so the top could go in and out of cloud at short notice. Patchy mist is possible in sheltered valleys early on.
Rain and ground
A band of snow moves in during the early afternoon. Expect up to 2 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. The ground is very wet after recent rain, so expect boggy paths.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -6 to -2°C, feeling like -16 to -12°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 600–900 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:05pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still six days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 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.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
41
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later. Rain is forecast during this period.
14
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA poor night to camp on open ground: gusts of about 35 mph and a frost, down to -2°C.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 16 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 35 mph around 900 m and nearer 25 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Look for shelter from the west. The wind swings from westerly to southerly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Dry to pitch, then some light rain by morning, so you'll likely pack up in the wet. A frost at every height we checked (300-900 m), down to about -2°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold. The ground will be sodden after recent rain, so pick a firm, well-drained pitch.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 16 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 17 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
13 mph / 25 mph
Typical / low
0.0°C / -0.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
16 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low
-0.1°C / -0.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
900 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
18 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low
-1.9°C / -2.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
13% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 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.
The ground is likely to be very wet after recent rain. Expect boggy approaches and choose a durable pitch carefully.
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly andesite, a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. On the usual routes up you may also cross granite, which has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust30-40 mphRain0.6 mm
Main factorsgusts of 30–40 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
volcanic rock, granite, gneiss or gabbro
Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation
5 rock types appear in the mapped samples
Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.
Summit-area sample
Hornblende-andesite lavaBen Nevis Volcanic Formation856–1,343 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.
BGS record →
Route sample
LeucomicrogranodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Inner Granite)511–1,020 m samplesSeen on Ben Nevis, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
Porphyritic granodioriteBen Nevis Complex (Outer Granite)393–535 m samplesSeen on Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis
Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.
BGS record →
Route sample
LamprophyreBen Nevis Dyke SwarmAround 174 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Lamprophyre is a dark rock that usually forms thin dykes. It grips reasonably when dry and is poor when wet. It weathers easily and is often crumbly and loose, so treat it with suspicion.
BGS record →
Route sample
MicrogabbroNorth Britain Palaeogene Dyke SuiteAround 354 mSeen on Ben Nevis
Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.
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Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-16. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
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: 16 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 16 Nov, 22:15 GMT to 17 Nov, 05:50 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
16 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 17 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:50 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Around half moon, about 46% illuminated.
Moonset around 16 Nov, 22:15 GMT.
Full darkness: 16 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 17 Nov, 05:50 GMT.
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.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 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 483 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.
Terrain at this viewpoint
Approximate terrain horizon at Ben Nevis. Trees, buildings and nearby obstacles are not included.
Approximate bare-earth horizon, not surveyed sightlines. Narrow ridges may fall between samples. Trees, buildings and very close obstacles are not resolved. Valid only at the named summit coordinate, not on its slopes or at a lower campsite.
Mapzen Terrain Tiles. Europe terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers. UK terrain: Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2015. Global terrain: USGS and NOAA.
Contains Welsh Government public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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 Ben Nevis on Monday 16 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Ben Nevis is one of Scotland’s 282 Munros. Munro Planner compares all 282 by forecast, summit views and drive time, with walking routes, times and OS map references for each hill.
