Climate - Inverness (Scotland)

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The climate of Inverness is oceanic, with cold, rainy winters and cool, cloudy summers. The wind often blows, and can sometimes be stormy, especially in the colder half of the year.
The city is located on the north-eastern coast of Scotland, in the Beauly Firth, the bay that receives the waters of the Beauly and Ness rivers. The latter is the Loch Ness emissary.

Winter, from December to February, is quite cold: temperatures are not so low, but wind and humidity can increase the sensation of cold. The sky is often cloudy, and rainfall is frequent. Sometimes, intense Atlantic depressions can cause wind storms.
Snowfalls are quite rare, and generally not abundant. However, the season in which snow can fall is long, and runs from November to April.
From time to time, there can be cold spells, but generally they don't last long. On the coldest nights of the year, the temperature typically drops to -7/-8 °C (18/19 °F), but can sometimes drop even lower. At the airport, the temperature dropped to -17 °C (1.5 °F) in December 1995.

In spring, from March to May, the temperature slowly rises, and Atlantic fronts become a bit less frequent. In May, it is often still quite cold.

Summer, from June to August, is cool, with quite frequent rains.
However, quite rarely, there may be periods, usually short-lived, with sunny weather and pleasantly warm temperatures. On the warmest days of the year, the temperature typically reaches 25/26 °C (77/79 °F), though it can sometimes reach higher values. The temperature reached 30 °C (86 °F) in July 2018 and in July 2019.

Autumn, from September to November, is gray, cloudy and rainy, and with each passing week, it gets progressively colder. In November, the wind is often moderate or strong.



Given the latitude of Inverness (57°29'N), the length of the days varies greatly between the different months of the year.
On the shortest day of the year, December 21st, the sun rises at 8:57 am and sets at 3:33 pm. A month later, on January 20, it rises at 8:40 am and sets at 4:15 pm. In mid-February, it rises at 7:47 am and sets at 5:15 pm.
In spring, the days become longer: already in April, the sun sets after 8 pm, and approximately from May 23 to July 20, the "white nights" occur, that is, it never becomes completely dark. On June 21, the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 4:18 am and sets at 10:19 pm.
In autumn, the days rapidly shorten: the sun sets at about 7:30 pm in mid-September, at about 6:05 pm in mid-October, and at about 4 pm in mid-November.

Best Time

The best time to visit Inverness is the summer, from June to August, since it is the mildest season. However, there are often cloudy skies, wind, rain and a bit of cold at night.

Inverness - Climate data

The average temperature of the coldest month (December) is of 3.3 °C (38.0 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 14.7 °C (58.4 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Precipitation amounts to 755 millimeters (29.7 inches) per year: so, it is at an intermediate level. It ranges from 40 mm (1.6 in) in the driest month (April) to 80 mm (3.1 in) in the wettest one (October). Here is the average precipitation.
The sea temperature ranges from 7.5 °C (46 °F) in February, March to 14 °C (57 °F) in August. Here are the average sea temperatures.
On average, there are around 1250 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

Inverness - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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In January, the weather in Inverness is usually cold. The average temperature is of 3.4 °C (38 °F), with a minimum of 0.8 °C (33.4 °F) and a maximum of 6 °C (42.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6.5 °C (20.5 °F). However, it dropped to -13 °C (8.6 °F) in January 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 11.5 °C (52.5 °F). However, it reached 14 °C (57.2 °F) in January 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 7 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 1.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 18% of the time.
The average humidity is 83%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 8.5 °C (47 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In February, the weather in Inverness is usually cold. The average temperature is of 3.9 °C (39 °F), with a minimum of 0.8 °C (33.4 °F) and a maximum of 7 °C (44.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -6 °C (21 °F). However, it dropped to -11 °C (12.2 °F) in February 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 12 °C (53.5 °F). However, it reached 16 °C (60.8 °F) in February 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 2.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 28% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 7.5 °C (45.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Inverness is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 5.3 °C (42 °F), with a minimum of 1.7 °C (35.1 °F) and a maximum of 9 °C (48.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -5.5 °C (22.5 °F). However, it dropped to -12 °C (10.4 °F) in March 2018.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 14.5 °C (58 °F). However, it reached 22 °C (71.6 °F) in March 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 30% of the time.
The average humidity is 77%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 7.5 °C (45.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Inverness is usually quite mild. The average temperature is of 7.4 °C (45 °F), with a minimum of 3.2 °C (37.8 °F) and a maximum of 11.6 °C (52.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2.5 °C (27.5 °F). However, it dropped to -8 °C (17.6 °F) in April 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17.5 °C (63.5 °F). However, it reached 23 °C (73.4 °F) in April 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 10 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 33% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 8 °C (46 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Inverness is usually mild. The average temperature is of 9.9 °C (50 °F), with a minimum of 5.6 °C (42.2 °F) and a maximum of 14.1 °C (57.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -0.5 °C (31 °F). However, it dropped to -3 °C (26.6 °F) in May 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). However, it reached 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) in May 1992.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 16 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 6 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 36% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 9.5 °C (49 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Inverness is usually mild. The average temperature is of 12.8 °C (55 °F), with a minimum of 9 °C (48.2 °F) and a maximum of 16.5 °C (61.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in June 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23 °C (73.5 °F). However, it reached 29 °C (84.2 °F) in June 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 17 hours and 55 minutes. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 27% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 11.5 °C (52.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In July, the warmest month of the year, the weather in Inverness is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 14.7 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 10.7 °C (51.3 °F) and a maximum of 18.6 °C (65.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6 °C (42.5 °F). However, it dropped to 2 °C (35.6 °F) in July 2019.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (77 °F). However, it reached 30 °C (86 °F) in July 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 17 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 26% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13 °C (55.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In August, the weather in Inverness is usually mild. The average temperature is of 14.2 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 10.2 °C (50.3 °F) and a maximum of 18.3 °C (64.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39.5 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in August 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23.5 °C (74.5 °F). However, it reached 28 °C (82.4 °F) in August 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 29% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14 °C (57 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In September, the weather in Inverness is usually mild. The average temperature is of 12.1 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 8.1 °C (46.6 °F) and a maximum of 16.2 °C (61.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1.5 °C (34.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2 °C (28.4 °F) in September 2020.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22 °C (72 °F). However, it reached 26 °C (78.8 °F) in September 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 4 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 31% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13 °C (56 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In October, the weather in Inverness is usually mild. The average temperature is of 8.7 °C (48 °F), with a minimum of 5.1 °C (41.2 °F) and a maximum of 12.2 °C (54 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1 °C (30 °F). However, it dropped to -6 °C (21.2 °F) in October 2018.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17.5 °C (63 °F). However, it reached 22 °C (71.6 °F) in October 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 2.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 26% of the time.
The average humidity is 82%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12.5 °C (54 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In November, the weather in Inverness is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 5.6 °C (42 °F), with a minimum of 2.6 °C (36.7 °F) and a maximum of 8.6 °C (47.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -4.5 °C (24 °F). However, it dropped to -14 °C (6.8 °F) in November 2010.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 14.5 °C (58 °F). However, it reached 17 °C (62.6 °F) in November 1997.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 8 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 1.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 22% of the time.
The average humidity is 84%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 11 °C (52 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In December, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Inverness is usually cold. The average temperature is of 3.3 °C (38 °F), with a minimum of 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) and a maximum of 6.1 °C (43 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -7.5 °C (18.5 °F). However, it dropped to -17 °C (1.4 °F) in December 1995.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). However, it reached 15 °C (59 °F) in December 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 6 hours and 40 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 1 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 13% of the time.
The average humidity is 86%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 9.5 °C (49.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.