Lochaber
Fort William Weather
Mountain forecast and current conditions · summit 1345m
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:25
- Sunset
- 21:10
- Civil dawn
- 04:37
- Civil dusk
- 21:57
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
About the weather here
Fort William sits at the head of Loch Linnhe and the foot of Glen Nevis — the wettest town in Scotland with annual rainfall exceeding 2,000mm. The mountains surrounding the town (Ben Nevis, Aonach Mòr, the Mamores) are among the highest in the UK and generate intense local weather patterns. Despite the rainfall, the town is an excellent base for mountain activities.
What to expect
Fort William's weather is dominated by Atlantic frontal systems funnelled into the Great Glen. The town is wetter than anywhere else in Scotland at low level — rain falls on approximately 200 days per year. However, Ben Nevis creates a rain shadow to the east that occasionally gives the town brief clear periods even during frontal weather. Summer temperatures are moderate (15–18°C on good days) but prolonged dry spells are rare.
Wind exposure
Moderate in the town (sheltered by surrounding hills); severe on Ben Nevis and the ridges above. The Great Glen can funnel strong south-westerly winds through the town. Glen Nevis road is sheltered but the upper mountain is fully exposed.
Winter conditions
Fort William in winter offers access to Ben Nevis (full winter mountaineering), Aonach Mòr (gondola skiing at Nevis Range), and the Grey Corries. SAIS West Highlands covers the area. The town itself rarely closes due to snow — the low elevation and maritime influence keep temperatures above freezing most of the time. The Glen Nevis road may ice in hard frost.
Official forecasts
Always check an official mountain forecast before setting out. Current conditions displayed above are from the Open-Meteo API and are indicative only.
Hills in this area
| Hill | Height |
|---|---|
| Ben Nevis | 1345m |
| Aonach Mòr | 1221m |
| Carn Mòr Dearg | 1220m |
Frequently asked questions
- Is Fort William the wettest place in Scotland?
- Fort William town has annual rainfall exceeding 2,000mm — among the highest in Scotland for a low-level town. The Ben Nevis summit exceeds 4,000mm annually. However, some west coast locations (including parts of Knoydart) record even higher totals. Inverness, by contrast, receives around 650mm — less than London.
- What is the weather like in Fort William in summer?
- Expect a mix of sunshine and showers throughout the summer months. July is statistically the warmest month (average 15°C) but prolonged dry spells are rare. The surrounding mountains are frequently cloud-capped even when the town sees some sun. Pack waterproofs for any mountain day regardless of the morning forecast.
- Does Fort William get snow in winter?
- The town itself receives occasional snow but rarely experiences significant accumulation — its low elevation and maritime location keep temperatures above freezing most of the time. Ben Nevis (visible above the town) has reliable snow cover from November to April. The ski area at Nevis Range (9km north) typically opens December–March.
- What is the best weather period for visiting Fort William?
- May–June gives the best combination of longer daylight, lower rainfall statistics than July–August, and before the main tourist season. September is also good with clearer, more settled air. July–August is warmest but also busiest and wettest statistically.