Cairngorms Midges in November — Risk, Peak Times, Kit
Effectively no midges. Plan freely. Subarctic plateau and dry continental climate keep the high tops nearly midge-free even in peak season. The wooded glens and Spey valley are a different story — sheltered, damp, and as bad as anywhere east of the watershed.
Current risk
Cairngorms in November: None. Effectively no midges. Plan freely.
When they bite
Out of season — no significant biting activity in Cairngorms this month. First widespread snow on the plateau and routine frosts at all elevations. The midge season is fully over across the region.
What to wear
No specific kit needed for midges in Cairngorms this month. Build the kit list around weather, daylight and route choice.
Tactical notes
November is winter in the Cairngorms. Snow lying on the plateau most years from mid-November, hard frosts in the glens, daytime highs that struggle into mid single digits. The midge population is back in its winter dormancy (eggs and larvae overwintering in damp ground) and there is zero adult activity anywhere in the region.
Nothing to plan around. Cairngorms trips this month are about cold, wind, daylight (less than 9 hours), avalanche risk on the corries, and route choice in changing snow conditions. The bothies are open and quiet. The wild camping season for the dedicated continues but with full winter kit. No need for any insect-related planning.
For reference: the first half of November in a very mild autumn can in theory still hold a few stray midges in sheltered Spey valley woodland, but this is academic — nobody walking, camping or running through Cairngorms terrain in November is going to encounter biting numbers. Treat the region as midge-free for all practical purposes from late October to mid-May.