Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ben Nevis, United Kingdom

Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, has a climate classified under the Köppen system as Cfc, or a marine west coast climate with cool summers. The region endures a generally cool climate throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures typically fall between -6.3°C (20.7°F) and 7.1°C (44.8°F), quite fitting for this towering mountain.

Precipitation is vital for this climate view, with no month receiving less than 191mm (7.52"). Heavy rainfall dominates the trends, reaching a peak in December at 484mm (19.06"), indicating a considerable amount of precipitation all year round. A noticeable shift towards drier conditions appears from April to June, with rainfall levels falling to 215mm (8.46"), 201mm (7.91"), and 191mm (7.52") consecutively.

Daylight hours range from a low 6.9 hours in December to a high 17.7 hours in June, offering a significant variation throughout the year. Bright and prolonged daylight characterizes the summer months while shorter days mark the winter months.

A distinctive feature of this high-altitude climate is the relatively narrow temperature range, with the warmest month, July, seeing a high of 7.1°C (44.8°F) and the coldest month, January and February, dropping down to -2.8°C (27°F) and -2.5°C (27.5°F) respectively.

June is a favorable month to visit for those seeking more daylight hours, as it enjoys an average of 17.7 hours. Furthermore, June experiences the least monthly rainfall of 191mm (7.52"), which could mean relatively dry conditions for trekkers. Along with warmer conditions, with the maximum temperature reaching 6.5°C (43.7°F) and a low of 2.2°C (36°F), these parameters make June the most welcoming month for visitors.

For those not fond of colder temperatures or extensive rainfall, December may be the least inviting. With the shortest daylight duration of 6.9 hours and the heaviest rainfall at 484mm (19.06"), the overall conditions might be quite challenging. Also, with a high temperature of -2°C (28.4°F) and a notably low temperature falling to -5.5°C (22.1°F), outdoor activities may be significantly limited.

Spring in Ben Nevis, running from March to May, presents transition weather. It starts with a high temperature of -2.6°C (27.3°F) in March, gradually rising to 2.6°C (36.7°F) by May, while the lows improve from -6.3°C (20.7°F) to -1.6°C (29.1°F) over the same period. The rainfall, though substantial, follows a declining trend from 386mm (15.2") in March to 201mm (7.91") in May. There's also a significant increase in daylight hours, particularly noticeable from 11.9 hours in March to 16.5 hours by May's end.

Though the terrain might not be as warm as typical summers elsewhere, June to August in Ben Nevis provides the area's best weather. Daylight is abundant, reaching up to 17.7 hours in June and still getting a substantial 15.1 hours by August. Rainfall also sees its lowest, especially in June with 191mm (7.52"), although it increases slightly to 274mm (10.79") by the end of summer. Average high temperatures remain between 6.5°C (43.7°F) and 7.1°C (44.8°F), while the low stays above 2.2°C (36°F).

From September to November in Ben Nevis, temperatures begin to decline, with highs dropping from 5.3°C (41.5°F) to 0.1°C (32.2°F), and lows fall from 1.4°C (34.5°F) to -3.5°C (25.7°F). Rainfall sees an increase in this season, from 400mm (15.75") to a high of 390mm (15.35"). On the positive side, daylight hours remain above 8.1 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities during the early autumn months.

Ben Nevis winter, from December to February, is characterized by its lowest temperatures, maximum falling to -2°C (28.4°F) and minimum dropping to -6.4°C (20.5°F), making it the coldest period of the year. As expected the rainfall is also the heaviest, with December and January receiving 484mm (19.06") and 465mm (18.31") respectively. The shorter daylight hours of this season, falling to a minimum of 6.9 hours in December, contribute to the overall chilly ambience of Ben Nevis in winter.

The opening month of the year in Ben Nevis, United Kingdom showcases a chill in the air. This subtle harshness of the winter season is typical, with low temperatures descending to -6.3°C (20.7°F), an attribute of January that also sets the chilled baseline for the months to come. Weather in January »

Transitioning from January to February, the weather exhibits slight variations. Often, temperatures continue to hover around a minimal degree of warmness, the lowest descending insignificantly to -6.4°C (20.5°F). Although the temperature profile remains fairly consistent, February marks a slight increase in daylight hours signaling the approach of spring. Weather in February »

March in Ben Nevis displays a slight deviation from the lingering cold temperatures of February. The weather starts to show initial signs of spring, affecting changes in various weather parameters. Increasing daylight hours point towards an impending transition, while stable precipitation levels indicate a fading winter. Weather in March »

April epitomizes the gradual change to spring conditions, taking forward the transition emphasized in March. Mild temperament of the weather becomes more pronounced and distinct from the icy winds of winters. Noticeable changes in daylight hours give residents more time to bask in the sun, and rainfall becomes less frequent. Weather in April »

An epitome of spring, May has a dramatic shift in the overall climate in Ben Nevis. A significant warmer inclination is observed as the residual winter chills become a distant memory. Increased daylight hours bring more vibrancy into the city. Weather in May »

June brings the peak of daylight hours for Ben Nevis with 17.7 hours of sunlight. Usually mild and temperate, the weather shifts to a more pleasant phase, signalling the onset of the summer season. Slight showers soften the sunny days, while evening temperatures keep the nights comfortably cool. Weather in June »

Ben Nevis in July reflects the full bloom of summer. The most significant rise is evident with temperatures reaching up to 7.1°C (44.8°F). Longer periods of sunlight persist and the rainfall shows a slightly upward trend. Yet, the weather remains comfortable, ensuring that the summertime paves the way for joyful moments and a string of sunny days. Temperature readings in Ben Nevis reach their annual highs in July, averaging 7.1°C (44.8°F) and a minimum average of 3.1°C (37.6°F). Weather in July »

August carries forward the summer ambiance inherited from July. The warmth prevails during daytime with ample hours of sunlight contributing to outdoor pursuits. However, rainfalls reach a high, adding an unexpected twist to the otherwise pleasant weather. Weather in August »

Transition from August to September brings a slight dip in temperatures, signifying the incoming autumn chill. The daylight hours start to decrease, and rainfall is frequently experienced. The tail-end of summer leaves its mark on these early autumn days, merging warmth and chill at the cusp of changing seasons. September's presence in Ben Nevis marks an average high-temperature of an icy 5.3°C (41.5°F), subtly varied from August's 6.4°C (43.5°F). Weather in September »

October perfectly represents autumn in Ben Nevis. The daylight hours shrink, and temperatures dip to cooler averages. The rainfall remains relatively high, painting a vivid picture of harsh winds and scattered showers. Autumn welcomes its prime phase in October, curating a mixture of sunny and rainy days. October brings a slight decrease in temperature, down from 5.3°C (41.5°F) in September to a still icy 1.4°C (34.5°F). Weather in October »

November weather in Ben Nevis unveils the onset of winter. A significant dip in temperature is observed, with the mercury plummeting to as low as -3.5°C (25.7°F). Daylight hours continue to decrease, leaving more room for cold evening winds. Weather in November »

The year concludes with December exhibiting the peak of the cold winter season in Ben Nevis. With shorter daylight hours and excessive rainfall reaching 484mm (19.06"), the city is mostly caught under spellbinding winter chills. Weather in December »