Skye mountain weather forecast.

Wed 18 Nov on the hillsA good day in Skye, though expect a bitter wind chill. See wind, cloud base and timings

Choose your hills and day.

Each regional brief uses a high-ground level that suits the terrain, from 500 m on Dartmoor and in the Peak District to 900 m in the highest ranges.

Mountain Weather brief

Skye

Wednesday 18 November 2026 · The Cuillin and Skye's higher hills

Confidence: Medium Why?

Uncertainty over sky cloud cover and sunshine.

What matters most

A good day in Skye, though expect a bitter wind chill.

High-ground wind · 900 m20-30 mph northeasterly Gusts · 900 m25-35 mph Feels like · 900 m-12 to -8°C

Regional median

Sunshine and sky

Less sunshine later. Sunshine is indicated less often later in the day.

Modelled sunshine6.6 h83% of daylight

EarlyLess than 1 hour sunshine

Midday4 h sunshine

Later0 h sunshine

These are direct modelled sunshine hours during daylight, not the probability of sunshine. Cloud cover and summit cloud are assessed separately in the forecast above. The regional median prevents one unusually bright or dull summit cell defining the whole area.

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00GoodSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Some early summit cloud is possible.

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00GoodSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.

Conservative regional grades across representative summits, so one sheltered hill does not overstate the wider area.

High-ground wind (900 m)

At around 900 m, expect a north-easterly wind of 20–30 mph, gusting 25–35 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.

Walking impact

Gusts of 25–35 mph will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.

Rain and showers

It should stay dry.

Cloud-free summits

Clear-summit estimate: about 60% early, about 65% around midday and about 70% later.

Cloud and visibility

The tops should stay mostly clear of cloud. Good spells of sunshine are likely. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views whenever the tops come out of the cloud.

Temperature and wind chill

At around 900 m it will be -4 to 0°C, feeling like -12 to -8°C in the wind. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops.

Freezing level

The freezing level is around 600–900 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops.

Daylight

Sunrise 08:12, Sunset 16:06, about 7.9 hours daylight.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaAcross these hills, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind: a frost, down to -3°C. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Regional night beginning Wednesday 18 November 2026

Full regional overnight outlook

Across these hills, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 30 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the northeast. It should stay dry. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -3°C.

Overnight rain0.0 mmOpen ground · 600 m18 mph · gusts 26 mphMorning pack-upNo wet signal

Moon overnight

Waxing gibbous moon

Illuminated disc: 65%
Moonrise: Outside this window
Moonset: 01:03 next morning GMT

Cloud and terrain vary across the area. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 18 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 19 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Representative location: 57.207, -6.224. Times vary across the area.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 15 mph / 21 mph
Coldest: 2.3°C
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

600 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 18 mph / 26 mph
Coldest: 1.0°C
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

900 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 21 mph / 30 mph
Coldest: -3.4°C
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

Open-hillside guidance across representative hills. Local shelter, ridges, tent design and the exact pitch can change conditions substantially. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaSnow is likely to be lying on some high ground. Scrambling may require winter mountaineering skills and equipment. Gusts near 30 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. 32Poor · Poor View detailsHide details

Regional rock conditions · sampled mountain terrain

Regional climbing & scrambling outlook

A broad guide to dampness and exposed rock across the area, not a forecast for every crag. Lower, sheltered crags and individual rock types may behave differently.

Conditions for exposed scrambling across the area look poor (32/100). Rock is likely to be mostly dry, though local seepage and shaded holds remain unresolved. Gusts may reach about 30 mph on exposed ground, making crosswinds an important route consideration. Mapped summit-point geology across the representative hills includes granite, gneiss or gabbro. Rock can therefore respond differently to moisture between crags and routes.

Rock surfaceProbably dryExposed gust30 mphRain0.0 mm

Mapped rock across sampled summits1 broad familySummit samples, not a survey of every crag

granite, gneiss or gabbro 100% 8 representative summitsGenerally grippy when dry and often still positive when damp, but wet slabs, lichen, polish and drainage lines can remain slippery.

Representative summit-point samples across the region; individual crags and routes may differ.

Generic exposed hands-on-rock terrain across representative summits; mapped summit-point geology is a broad regional sample, not a named-route survey. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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 Skye on Wednesday 18 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

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

Updated 14 November 2026 at 16:37 UTC. See typical weekly and monthly conditions for Skye.

Winter conditions outlook

Snow on the hills from Tuesday

Skye & the Cuillin. All winter outlooks

TodayLittle or no lying snow expected on the hills.

Little or no snow lying yet. More snow to come: 20 to 30 cm on Tuesday.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Frozen turf, Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Expect little or no lying snow. Old patches may survive in sheltered gullies.

Frozen turf

Turf is not expected to be frozen, so frozen-turf scrambles and winter routes will not be in condition.

Snow to come

On Tuesday: 20 to 30 cm of snow expected on the tops, drifting onto north-west and north-facing slopes.

TomorrowLittle or no lying snow expected on the hills.

Little or no snow lying yet. More snow to come: 20 to 30 cm on Tuesday.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Frozen turf, Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Expect little or no lying snow. Old patches may survive in sheltered gullies.

Frozen turf

Turf is not expected to be frozen, so frozen-turf scrambles and winter routes will not be in condition.

Snow to come

On Tuesday: 20 to 30 cm of snow expected on the tops, drifting onto north-west and north-facing slopes. On Wednesday: a few centimetres of snow expected on the tops, drifting onto west through north-west to north-facing slopes.

Mon 16 NovLittle or no lying snow expected on the hills.

Little or no snow lying yet. Turf frozen to about 4 cm at 850 m. More snow to come: 20 to 30 cm on Tuesday.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Frozen turf, Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Expect little or no lying snow. Old patches may survive in sheltered gullies.

Frozen turf

Turf is forecast to be frozen to about 4 cm at 850 m; not frozen at 550 m. Early in the winter the ground still holds summer warmth, so turf can stay soft for longer than the air suggests. Check before relying on it.

Snow to come

Tue 17 NovFresh snow and drifting on Tuesday, deepest on north-west and north-facing slopes.

Snow lying above about 500 m. 10 to 20 cm of new snow on Tuesday. Loose, soft snow underfoot. More snow to come: a few centimetres on Wednesday.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, Where the wind will put the snow, Spindrift, Cornices, Underfoot, Frozen turf, Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Expect snow lying above about 500 m. Drifts will be deepest on west through north-west to north-east-facing slopes, where soft snow may be knee-deep or more in hollows and gully tops.

Fresh snow

10 to 20 cm of new snow is forecast at around 850 m on Tuesday. Expect it to be soft and deep in places, and slow going. New snow takes a day or two to settle.

Where the wind will put the snow

Expect strong southerly winds, around 28 mph on the tops, to blow the snow about. It will pile into drifts on north-west and north-facing ground, especially below ridges, crags and corrie rims, and in gullies and hollows. Slopes facing into the wind will be scoured, with thinner snow and more rock and ice showing.

Spindrift

Spindrift is likely all day: loose snow lifted by the wind and blown towards the north. Heading southwards, into it, will be hard work, and visibility can drop sharply in gusts. Goggles make a big difference, keeping the snow out of your eyes so you can still see where you are going. Expect it to stream over crag tops and down north-west and north-facing gullies.

Cornices

Cornices are likely to grow above north-west and north-facing slopes because there will be plenty of new snow to move; a 28 mph wind is strong enough to carry loose snow; and that wind will blow across the ridges from the south. A cornice is an overhanging lip of snow built out over the drop by the wind. It can break well back from the edge, so keep well away from it, especially in poor visibility, and do not linger below one, particularly as it warms.

Underfoot

Expect new, loose snow on top, with hard going in deeper drifts.

Frozen turf

Snow to come

On Wednesday: a few centimetres of snow expected on the tops, drifting onto west through north-west to north-facing slopes.

Avalanches

As a general rule, most avalanches happen during heavy snowfall or in the day or two after it, while the new snow is still settling. Wind-drifted snow on steep slopes is the most common cause of avalanches in British hills, and it can stay unstable for a day or two after the wind drops. See the note below for where to find an avalanche forecast.

Wed 18 NovWind-drifted snow expected on west through north-west to north-facing slopes.

Snow lying above about 600 m. A few centimetres of new snow on Wednesday. Frozen early, softening through the day.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, Where the wind will put the snow, Spindrift, Cornices, Underfoot, Frozen turf

Snow on the hills

Expect snow lying above about 600 m. Drifts will be deepest on west through north-west to north-facing slopes, where soft snow may be knee-deep or more in hollows and gully tops.

Fresh snow

A few centimetres of new snow is forecast on Wednesday. It will be deeper where the wind piles it into drifts.

Where the wind will put the snow

Expect strong south-easterly winds, around 28 mph on the tops, to blow the snow about. It will pile into drifts on west through north-west to north-facing ground, especially below ridges, crags and corrie rims, and in gullies and hollows. Slopes facing into the wind will be scoured, with thinner snow and more rock and ice showing. Older drifts from earlier winds are also likely on south-west-facing slopes.

Spindrift

Spindrift is likely all day: loose snow lifted by the wind and blown towards the north-west. Heading south-eastwards, into it, will be hard work, and visibility can drop sharply in gusts. Goggles make a big difference, keeping the snow out of your eyes so you can still see where you are going. Expect it to stream over crag tops and down west through north-west to north-facing gullies.

Cornices

Cornices are likely to grow above west through north-west to north-facing slopes because there will be plenty of new snow to move; a 28 mph wind is strong enough to carry loose snow; and that wind will blow across the ridges from the south-east. A cornice is an overhanging lip of snow built out over the drop by the wind. It can break well back from the edge, so keep well away from it, especially in poor visibility, and do not linger below one, particularly as it warms.

Underfoot

Expect a frozen crust early, softening through the day into heavier, wetter snow. Conditions will change through the day: thawing 10:00-16:00, refreezing by evening.

Frozen turf

Turf is forecast to be frozen to about 3 cm at 850 m; not frozen at 550 m. Early in the winter the ground still holds summer warmth, so turf can stay soft for longer than the air suggests. Check before relying on it.

Avalanches

Wind-drifted snow on steep slopes is the most common cause of avalanches in British hills, and it can stay unstable for a day or two after the wind drops. See the note below for where to find an avalanche forecast.

Thu 19 NovWind-drifted snow expected on west through north-west to north-facing slopes.

Snow lying above about 700 m. 10 to 20 cm of new snow over the three days to Thursday. A frozen crust over softer snow underfoot.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, Where the wind will put the snow, Cornices, Underfoot, Frozen turf

Snow on the hills

Expect snow lying above about 700 m. Drifts will be deepest on north-west and north-facing slopes, where soft snow may be knee-deep or more in hollows and gully tops.

Fresh snow

10 to 20 cm of new snow is forecast over the three days to Thursday. It will be deeper where the wind piles it into drifts.

Where the wind will put the snow

Cornices

Underfoot

Expect a frozen crust over softer snow. It may hold early and break as the day warms, which is tiring and can twist ankles. Conditions will change through the day: thawing 12:00-15:00 after a frozen night, refreezing by evening.

Frozen turf

Avalanches

Written from a computer model of the weather and snow, not from reports on the hill. Conditions on the ground can differ, so look and judge for yourself.

Winter conditions outlook: Mountain Conditions by Spatial Terrain Ltd, used with permission. Issued 14 November 2026 at 14:00 UTC.

More context for your hill day

Check the approach as well as the tops

Compare midge conditions by day and height, or look for a possible cloud inversion. For Snowdon and Tryfan, camera-derived cloud-base observations add a view of conditions already seen on the slopes.

Skye midge forecast Cloud inversion forecast Snowdon and Tryfan cloud observations

Choosing a Munro in Scotland

Compare all 282 Munros in Munro Planner

Munro Planner compares every Munro by forecast, summit views and drive time, so you can see which hills look best before you choose. Each Munro has walking routes, times and OS map references.

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Forecasts built around recognisable hill country.

Twenty distinct regions replace inherited service boundaries. Each uses a representative height suited to its terrain; named summits retain their exact height and exposure.

Skye mountain weather forecast.

Skye

High-ground wind (900 m)

Walking impact

Rain and showers

Cloud-free summits

Cloud and visibility

Temperature and wind chill

Freezing level

Daylight

Full regional overnight outlook

Moon overnight

Elevation reference (open ground)

Regional climbing & scrambling outlook

Snow on the hills from Tuesday

Snow on the hills

Frozen turf

Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Frozen turf

Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Frozen turf

Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Where the wind will put the snow

Spindrift

Cornices

Underfoot

Frozen turf

Snow to come

Avalanches

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Where the wind will put the snow

Spindrift

Cornices

Underfoot

Frozen turf

Avalanches

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Where the wind will put the snow

Cornices

Underfoot

Frozen turf

Avalanches

Check the approach as well as the tops

Compare all 282 Munros in Munro Planner

Forecasts built around recognisable hill country.

Scotland

Wales

England