Lochaber
Glencoe Weather
Mountain forecast and current conditions · summit 1150m
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:25
- Sunset
- 21:09
- Civil dawn
- 04:38
- Civil dusk
- 21:56
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
About the weather here
Glencoe sits in a dramatic glaciated valley on the western Highland edge, receiving the full force of Atlantic weather systems. Bidean nam Bian (1,150m) is Argyll's highest peak; the Aonach Eagach (967m) is Scotland's most technical mainland ridge. The valley itself channels strong winds even when surrounding areas are calm.
What to expect
Glencoe has one of the highest rainfall totals in Scotland — the mountains wring moisture from Atlantic fronts with extraordinary efficiency. Cloud base frequently sits at 400–600m, obscuring the upper slopes while the valley floor remains visible. The A82 through the glen is sheltered relative to the ridge terrain above, which can give a false impression of conditions on the high ground. Summer sees the most settled weather but prolonged dry spells are rare.
Wind exposure
High. The Aonach Eagach ridge and the summit of Bidean are fully exposed to south-westerly Atlantic systems. The ridge narrows to Grade 2–3 scrambling terrain in places — wind is a genuine hazard on exposed sections. The valley floor is more sheltered but the gap effect accelerates wind through the Study (An Stuibhal) section of the glen.
Winter conditions
The Glencoe mountains — particularly Aonach Eagach and Bidean — are serious winter mountaineering terrain. SAIS Glencoe provides the avalanche forecast. The Aonach Eagach in full winter conditions is a technical mountaineering route involving Grade II/III ice and mixed climbing. Bidean's corries (Coire Gabhail, Lost Valley) collect significant snow and are avalanche terrain. The A82 through Glencoe occasionally closes in extreme snow events.
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 |
|---|---|
| Bidean nam Bian | 1150m |
| Buachaille Etive Mòr | 1022m |
| Aonach Eagach (Am Bodach) | 943m |
Frequently asked questions
- Why does Glencoe get so much rain?
- Glencoe sits in a natural funnel for Atlantic weather systems — moist air from the south-west is forced upwards by the mountains, cooling and releasing precipitation. The surrounding peaks (Bidean, Buachaille) exceed 1,000m and intercept frontal systems before they reach the central Highlands. Annual rainfall in the valley exceeds 3,000mm in some locations.
- Is the A82 through Glencoe safe in winter?
- The A82 is a trunk road and is gritted and treated during winter weather. It occasionally closes briefly after heavy snowfall or during avalanche risk assessment — check Traffic Scotland (trafficscotland.org) before travelling in severe conditions. The road through the glen itself is rarely impassable for extended periods.
- What is the weather like in Glencoe in summer?
- June and July are typically the most settled months, but prolonged dry weather is unusual. Expect a mix of sunshine and showers, with high cloud frequently obscuring the upper slopes. Summer temperatures in the valley reach 15–18°C on good days, dropping to 5–8°C on the higher ridges.
- When is the best time to walk the Aonach Eagach?
- May–June and September offer the best conditions — settled weather, good visibility, and lower midge levels than July–August. The ridge should not be attempted in winter without winter mountaineering equipment and experience. Wet rock on the scrambling sections is significantly more hazardous than dry.