Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye Weather
Mountain forecast and current conditions · summit 992m
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:27
- Sunset
- 21:16
- Civil dawn
- 04:38
- Civil dusk
- 22:05
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
About the weather here
The Isle of Skye has the most unpredictable weather in Scotland — its position as the first landmass catching Atlantic systems from the south-west means rapid changes, extreme rainfall (up to 3,500mm annually in the Cuillin) and persistent low cloud on the ridges. The Black Cuillin ridge (992m at Sgùrr Alasdair) is cloud-covered on approximately 300 days per year.
What to expect
Skye weather is characterised by its volatility. A morning of sunshine can deteriorate into driving rain and mist within an hour. The Cuillin ridges generate their own weather patterns — cloud builds rapidly over the gabbro peaks. However, Skye also has a remarkable capacity for exceptional settled periods, particularly in May and early June. The microclimate varies significantly across the island — the Trotternish peninsula in the north is often clearer than the Cuillin in the south.
Wind exposure
Very high in exposed locations. The Cuillin ridge is fully exposed to Atlantic weather with no significant land mass to the south-west for thousands of miles. The narrow gabbro ridge sections require careful movement in strong wind. The Fairy Pools valley and coastal areas are more sheltered but still experience strong gusts during frontal passages.
Winter conditions
The Cuillin in winter is a serious mountaineering environment requiring alpine skills. The combination of complex terrain, route-finding on gabbro in icing conditions, and rapid weather changes makes the winter Cuillin extremely committing. The lower-level Skye walks (Fairy Pools, Trotternish, Old Man of Storr) are accessible year-round in normal winter conditions but paths become slippery in 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 |
|---|---|
| Sgùrr Alasdair | 992m |
| Bruach na Frìthe | 958m |
| Sgùrr nan Gillean | 964m |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the weather like on Skye in summer?
- Highly variable. May–June is typically the most settled period. July and August can bring sunny spells but also prolonged rain. The Cuillin ridges are in cloud for most of summer — 5–7 clear days per month is considered good. The Trotternish peninsula and lower coastal areas are often clearer than the Cuillin.
- Is there a best time of year for clear weather on Skye?
- May is widely considered the best month for combining settled weather with long daylight hours and lower visitor numbers. March and April can also give exceptional clear spells. Autumn (October) has good light quality. Midges are absent before late May and after September, which is a significant practical advantage.
- How unpredictable is Skye weather?
- Very. Forecasts more than 48 hours ahead are unreliable for the Cuillin area. A 4-day fine window (sometimes called a 'Skye window') occurs a few times each year and is when the most committed ridge traverses are attempted. The Atlantic position means fronts arrive faster and are less predictable than for mainland hills.
- Are the Fairy Pools safe to visit in bad weather?
- The Fairy Pools walk itself is generally accessible in most weather — the path is clear and the terrain low-level. However, the pools can be fast-flowing and dangerous in flood conditions after heavy rain, and the Glen Brittle road (narrow, ungritted) can be icy in winter. Check Met Office forecasts before visiting.