Weather in Isle of Skye

About Isle of Skye

Skye's landscape defies reality—jagged Cuillin peaks spike dramatic skies, waterfalls tumble from cliffs, misty glens hold secrets. The island's isolation creates magic; fairy pools glow ethereal blue. Every turn reveals vistas that feel both ancient and alien.

Country

United Kingdom

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

GBP

Language

English

Things to do in Isle of Skye

Hike to Fairy Pools' turquoise waters Climb the Cuillin Mountains (scrambling) Visit Old Man of Storr for panoramic views Explore Trotternish Ridge's geological drama Tour Dunvegan Castle Walk to Neist Point Lighthouse across moorland

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

February

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

March

Cold, with regular rainfall.

April

10C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

May

12C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

June

15C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

July

15C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

August

15C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

September

14C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

October

11C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

November

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

December

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

Skye is Scotland's most theatrical island — jagged Cuillin peaks, the otherworldly rock formations of the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr, and waterfalls that tumble straight into the sea at Kilt Rock. The weather changes by the hour, but that's part of the appeal: one minute you're in driving rain, the next a shaft of light turns the whole landscape gold.

Best areas to stay in Isle of Skye

Portree

Skye's colourful harbour-front capital, the best base for restaurants, shops and onward day trips.

Trotternish Peninsula

Home to the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and Kilt Rock waterfall — Skye's most photographed landscapes.

Dunvegan & Neist Point

Dunvegan Castle and the dramatic lighthouse walk at Neist Point on the island's western tip.

Glenbrittle & the Fairy Pools

Crystal-clear waterfall pools beneath the Cuillin mountains, popular for a (cold) wild swim.

Getting to Isle of Skye

✈

Flights

Inverness Airport is the nearest, around 2-2.5 hours by car to Portree.

⏱

From London

~3 hours by car from Inverness, or ~6.5 hours by train and bus from Glasgow/Edinburgh via Mallaig or Kyle of Lochalsh.

🚕

Getting around

A car is essential — the island's main sights are spread out with minimal public transport between them.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Skye?

May, June and September offer the best chance of clear weather and fewer midges and crowds than July-August, which is peak season for both tourists and biting insects.

Do I need a car on Skye?

Yes — public transport is limited and the major sights (Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, Fairy Pools) are spread across the island with no other practical way between them.

How do I get to Skye?

The Skye Bridge connects the island to the mainland near Kyle of Lochalsh by car, with no toll; ferries also run from Mallaig to Armadale for a scenic alternative.

What are the must-see sights?

The Old Man of Storr and Quiraing for dramatic ridge walks, the Fairy Pools for waterfall swimming, Neist Point for a lighthouse and sunset views, and Portree as a base with harbour-front restaurants.

Is Skye good for hiking?

Very much so, from gentle waterfall walks to serious Cuillin ridge scrambles for experienced hikers — but weather and visibility can change quickly, so check forecasts and come prepared.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The Quiraing walk was one of the most dramatic landscapes I've ever seen, and we got lucky with two days of clear weather out of four — bring layers regardless.

Fiona R. · May 2024

★★★★★

Hired a car from Inverness and did a loop of the island over three days. Fairy Pools were freezing but worth it, and Neist Point at sunset was magical.

Pieter V. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Beautiful but very busy in July — single-track roads with passing places can mean slow going. Still, the Old Man of Storr at sunrise made up for the queues later.

Aimee S. · July 2024