Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Loch Lomond Weather
Mountain forecast and current conditions · summit 974m
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:26
- Sunset
- 21:04
- Civil dawn
- 04:40
- Civil dusk
- 21:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
About the weather here
Loch Lomond sits at the Highland Boundary Fault — a geological transition zone between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands. Weather changes rapidly across this boundary: the southern end of the loch (near Balloch) can be in sunshine while Ben Lomond to the north is cloud-capped. The loch itself moderates local temperatures and creates distinctive local wind patterns.
What to expect
Loch Lomond's weather reflects its transitional position. The southern end is more sheltered and lowland in character; the northern end (Ardlui, Inverarnan) is genuinely Highland. South-westerly systems arrive from the Firth of Clyde and are amplified by the loch and surrounding hills. The loch surface can generate significant waves in sustained wind — boat trips and kayaking can be disrupted. Ben Lomond on the eastern shore is cloud-capped for approximately 250 days per year.
Wind exposure
Moderate at loch level; high on the surrounding hills. The southern loch is exposed to south-westerly winds sweeping up from the Clyde estuary. Strong onshore winds at Balloch and Luss can create choppy loch conditions. Ben Lomond's summit ridge is fully exposed.
Winter conditions
Loch Lomond rarely freezes (the volume of water prevents it) but the surrounding hills accumulate snow from November to March. Ben Lomond in winter requires hillwalking experience and appropriate gear. The B837 Rowardennan road is not gritted and can be impassable after snow. The southern loch is accessible year-round but bank holiday weekends in any season can cause extreme visitor pressure.
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 Lomond | 974m |
| Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) | 943m |
| Beinn Narnain | 926m |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the weather like at Loch Lomond?
- Loch Lomond's weather is variable — its position at the Highland Boundary Fault means it catches weather from both lowland Scotland and the Highlands. Expect mild temperatures (summer average 16–18°C), regular rainfall throughout the year, and rapid changes in conditions. Ben Lomond above is frequently in cloud even when the loch shore is clear.
- When is the best time to visit Loch Lomond?
- May–June gives the best conditions: warm enough for outdoor activities, lower visitor numbers than July–August, and reasonable settled weather. September is good with clearer air and autumn colour beginning in October. Avoid July–August bank holiday weekends — the southern loch (Balloch, Luss) becomes severely congested.
- Is Loch Lomond good for swimming?
- Wild swimming is popular at Loch Lomond but water temperatures rarely exceed 15°C even in summer (typically 12–14°C in July). The southern beaches near Balloch are most popular. Water quality is generally good but can be affected after heavy rainfall. Weil's disease (from rat urine in water) is a theoretical risk — cover cuts and avoid swallowing water.
- Does Loch Lomond flood?
- Yes — Loch Lomond's water level rises significantly after prolonged heavy rain. The floodplain around Balloch and the lower River Leven is designated flood risk area. Roads at the loch's southern end (particularly around Balloch and Duck Bay) occasionally flood in extreme events. The loch level is monitored and forecasts published by SEPA.