Weather in Inverness

Planning your day or a trip to Inverness? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on the current weather, detailed forecasts, and useful charts for a comfortable journey.

The climate of Inverness can be described as temperate maritime, typical for the northern part of Great Britain. Thanks to the influence of the Atlantic, there are no extreme temperature fluctuations here: winters are quite mild, and summers are cool and fresh. The weather in this region is famous for its changeability, so tourists should be prepared for clear skies to quickly be replaced by cloudiness.

The warmest period falls in July and August, when the air warms up to an average of +13...+14°C. This creates comfortable conditions for active walks and sightseeing without sweltering heat. In winter, the thermometer usually stays around +2...+3°C, and although nights can be cold, severe frosts rarely happen here.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the high probability of precipitation at any time of the year. The number of rainy days remains consistently high (from 14 to 20 days per month) regardless of the season, although the rains themselves are often short-lived or drizzly. Travellers are recommended to always have an umbrella or a waterproof windbreaker with them so that the whims of the Scottish weather do not interfere with enjoying the atmospheric landscapes of the Highlands.

The temperature regime in Inverness is characterised by moderation and a lack of sharp fluctuations: there is no exhausting heat here, but extreme frosts also happen infrequently. The annual range of average temperatures is quite narrow, varying from a minimum of 2.5°C in January to a maximum of 13.9°C in July. Such a climate is typical for the northern part of Great Britain, where the proximity of the sea smooths out seasonal differences, making the weather relatively even and predictable.

Summer in the capital of the Highlands can be described as cool and very fresh. Even in the warmest months, July and August, the average daytime temperature reaches only a comfortable 16–17°C, and at night the air cools down to 10°C. This time of year is ideal for travellers avoiding the heat, however, for evening walks, even in summer, it is worth having warm clothes with you.

The winter period passes under the sign of coolness, but without the severity typical of a continental climate. From December to February, daytime figures hold at the level of 4–5°C, and night temperatures drop to 0.4–1.2°C, balancing on the brink of freezing. Notably, daily temperature fluctuations in Inverness are insignificant: the difference between the daytime maximum and the nighttime minimum rarely exceeds 4–6 degrees at any time of the year.

Inverness is a city where the weather loves to demonstrate its changeable Scottish character. Precipitation falls here quite evenly throughout the year, so an umbrella or a waterproof raincoat will become your faithful companions in any season. Thanks to such constant humidity, this region of the United Kingdom is famous for its rich, emerald-green landscapes.

Analysing the statistics, one can notice that there is no clearly defined dry season here, however, spring brings a small respite. April is considered the "driest" month: the number of days with precipitation decreases to 14, and their intensity is minimal. Conversely, in autumn the sky frowns most often — October leads in the frequency of bad weather, when rain can fall for about 20 days a month.

The character of precipitation changes depending on the time of year. In summer, for example in July, despite the comfortable temperature, rains occur frequently (about 18 days), but these are usually short-lived showers or light drizzle. In winter, from December to February, when night temperatures drop almost to zero, rains are often replaced by snowfalls, creating picturesque winter views of the Highlands.

When packing for Inverness, it is important to remember that the weather in this region of Scotland can be unpredictable and change several times a day. The main secret to a comfortable trip here is the principle of layering. Since even at the height of summer (July and August) the average temperature rarely exceeds 14–17°C, you will definitely need items that can be easily put on or taken off: t-shirts, fleece jackets, jumpers, and light jackets. A windbreaker or a high-quality waterproof raincoat with a hood is an absolute must-have at any time of the year, as rains occur here quite often, about 16–18 days a month.

If you are planning a trip in the winter period or early spring, when the temperature fluctuates from 0°C to 7°C, it is worth paying attention to keeping warm. Be sure to put a warm hat, scarf, gloves, and thermal underwear in your suitcase to protect against the piercing wind. Footwear should be not only comfortable for long walks on cobblestones and nature trails but also waterproof. Light trainers are better left at home or used only indoors; boots with thick soles are ideal for the outdoors.

Despite the fact that the United Kingdom is associated with rains, do not forget about sun protection — on clear days it can be quite active, so sunglasses and cream will not be superfluous. A compact but sturdy umbrella will be useful for walking around the city, however, for trips to nature, it is better to rely on water-repellent clothing, as the wind can render an umbrella useless. And, of course, do not forget an adapter for British sockets to always stay connected.