Northwest Highlands
Torridon Weather
Mountain forecast and current conditions · summit 1055m
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:23
- Sunset
- 21:15
- Civil dawn
- 04:34
- Civil dusk
- 22:04
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
About the weather here
Torridon holds some of Scotland's most ancient and dramatic mountain terrain — Liathach (1,055m) and Beinn Alligin (986m) rise from near sea level in Torridonian sandstone that is 750 million years old. The area receives extreme rainfall from Atlantic systems and is one of Scotland's wettest regions, but is also capable of exceptional clear spells with unmatched visibility.
What to expect
Torridon's weather is classic northwest Highland — frontal systems arriving from the Atlantic every few days, interspersed with brilliant clear periods. The dramatic topography amplifies both extremes: storms are severe, but settled days give visibility to the Outer Hebrides and beyond. The area receives around 3,000mm of annual rainfall at lower levels. The Torridonian sandstone holds water and drains slowly, meaning paths are frequently wet even in dry spells.
Wind exposure
Extreme on the ridges. Liathach's main ridge is fully exposed to Atlantic weather with no significant shelter. The Pinnacles traverse section is dangerously exposed in high winds — gusts can be literally destabilising on the narrow ridge. Even on days with light valley wind, ridges above 700m can experience severe gusting.
Winter conditions
Torridon in winter is remote and serious. SAIS Northern Highlands provides the avalanche forecast. The nearest Mountain Rescue teams are Torridon and Kinlochewe — response times in this remote area are necessarily long. Liathach's Pinnacles in winter require Grade II/III skills. The A896 approach road can be snowbound. Full self-sufficiency in equipment and navigation is required.
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 |
|---|---|
| Liathach (Spidean a' Choire Léith) | 1055m |
| Beinn Alligin (Tom na Gruagaich) | 922m |
| Beinn Eighe (Ruadh-stac Mòr) | 1010m |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the weather like in Torridon?
- Torridon has one of Scotland's most extreme weather climates — annual rainfall exceeds 3,000mm and the mountains receive the full force of Atlantic fronts. However, the clear spells that follow frontal systems give exceptional visibility — on good days you can see the Outer Hebrides from the Torridon ridges. May and September are the most reliably settled months.
- How do I get a Torridon weather forecast?
- The MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service) Skye & Torridon forecast at mwis.org.uk is the most relevant. SAIS Northern Highlands covers the avalanche risk in winter. The Met Office has a general forecast for the area but the MWIS gives mountain-specific conditions at different elevations.
- Is Torridon accessible in winter?
- The A896 approach road can be snowbound or icy in severe winter weather and is not routinely gritted. The mountains themselves are serious winter mountaineering terrain requiring full equipment. The remote location means emergency response times are long — the decision to turn back in deteriorating conditions is critical.
- When is the best time to visit Torridon for hillwalking?
- May–June gives the best combination of settled weather, long daylight (sunset after 10pm in June) and lower midge levels. September is also excellent. July–August has the most predictable weather statistically but also the most midges. Winter visits (November–March) are spectacular but require mountaineering experience.