Inverness Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Inverness, Scotland, UK)

Despite its location on the coast of northern Scotland, Inverness has one of the coldest winter climates in the United Kingdom. Temperatures regularly drop down to around -10°C / 50°F and may even hit as low as -17°C / 63°F, but it is not all as bad as it sounds. In fact, when the mercury doesn't plunge into the Arctic realm, the winter weather around the city can be somewhat mild. Factors like the wind chill certainly exacerbate the cold, but if conditions are right, you can get away with a sweatshirt on milder days.

It is this unpredictability of the weather in northern Scotland that makes it essential to bring a complete range of outdoor clothing. The climate is fickle in Inverness, with rain appearing suddenly and lasting for hours after a fine sunny morning. You'll certainly need to bring a good raincoat and umbrella, as well as several layers of warm outerwear if you are visiting in the winter.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

The winter may sound like all gloom and doom, but there are distinct advantages to visiting Inverness between November and March. This is the city's low season, so it is common to find cheap airfares from around the UK and Europe, as well as big discounts on hotel rates. Of course, the Christmas period gets quite busy, so if you avoid this time you can experience a more authentic Scottish side to the city, devoid of the rush of tourism.

Thanks to its northerly latitude, Inverness enjoys the longest summer days of any major city in the UK. Daytime temperatures are pleasant and warm between April and September, with occasional bursts of more than 25°C / 77°F at the peak of summer. July and August are very busy due to the traditional holiday season, so you will have to deal with crowds and high room rates. Spring and autumn are excellent times for a visit, with the climate being mild to warm. The countryside explodes into a fury of green and bright skies in springtime, while autumn boasts colourful hillsides and crisp air.

Inverness Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	4°C / 39°F	-2°C / 28°F
February	5°C / 41°F	-1°C / 30°F
March	7°C / 45°F	1°C / 34°F
April	10°C / 50°F	2°C / 36°F
May	13°C / 55°F	5°C / 41°F
June	16°C / 61°F	8°C / 46°F
July	17°C / 63°F	10°C / 50°F
August	17°C / 63°F	10°C / 50°F
September	15°C / 59°F	8°C / 46°F
October	12°C / 54°F	5°C / 41°F
November	7°C / 45°F	2°C / 36°F
December	6°C / 43°F	0°C / 32°F