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Loch Ness

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Loch Ness Weather and climate

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-09

Loch Ness year round climate
  • Spring (March–May): Average 5.3–11.7°C, cool and humid climate with occasional showers. Vegetation begins to sprout in some areas between March and May. Common activities: Hiking, sightseeing around Loch Ness, exploring the Highlands. Recommended clothing: Waterproof jacket, warm clothing, comfortable hiking shoes.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 13.7–14.6°C, mild climate, but with more rainfall, especially in July. Common activities: Boating on Loch Ness, admiring Highland scenery, visiting nearby castles and historical sites. Recommended clothing: Lightweight waterproof jacket, comfortable and breathable clothing.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 9.8–6.1°C, the climate turns cooler, with more rainfall, especially in October and November. Common activities: Admiring autumn colors, visiting Highland villages, indoor leisure activities. Recommended clothing: Waterproof jacket, warm clothing, comfortable shoes.
  • Winter (December–February): Average 4.0–5.2°C, cold and humid climate with heavier rainfall and frequent overcast days. Common activities: Indoor activities, such as visiting museums or enjoying local pubs. Recommended clothing: Waterproof and warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and warm underwear.
Loch Ness climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 9.1°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 1049 mm / Summer humidity: 70%–80% / Rainiest month: July

Loch Ness monthly average temperature and precipitation
Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
4.5°C
81.7
February
5.2°C
76.7
March
5.3°C
85.3
April
7.5°C
86
May
11.7°C
70.8
June
13.7°C
74.5
July
14.5°C
121.7
August
14.6°C
81.6
September
12.6°C
78.2
October
9.8°C
109
November
6.1°C
74.7
December
4°C
109
Loch Ness weather for the next seven days
11/6
Thursday
Patchy rain nearby
12.2°C/8.9°C
11/7
Friday
Partly Cloudy
11.6°C/6.5°C
11/8
Saturday
Patchy rain nearby
12°C/6.2°C
11/9
Sunday
Patchy rain nearby
9.8°C/7.2°C
11/10
Monday
Patchy rain nearby
9.1°C/5.4°C
11/11
Tuesday
Patchy rain nearby
7.2°C/3.6°C
11/12
Wednesday
Patchy rain nearby
10.5°C/8.4°C

Loch Ness FAQ

Can you swim in Loch Ness?
You can swim in Loch Ness, but it is a dangerous activity due to the extremely cold water temperatures, even in summer, and strong undercurrents, which can quickly lead to hypothermia and drowning. While some brave swimmers undertake expeditions, most visitors should prioritize safety by wearing wetsuits, using tow floats, and swimming with experienced individuals or in designated areas like those found with local wild swimming guides. The water temperature of Loch Ness is persistently around 5°C (41°F), even in the summer months, making hypothermia a severe risk. Undercurrents can be powerful and draw swimmers to deeper, colder water, which can quickly become dangerous. The loch is very deep (over 750 feet) and the water is murky due to peat runoff, reducing visibility and creating a disorienting environment.
What is the Loch Ness tragedy?
The "Loch Ness Tragedy" refers to the fatal water speed record attempt by racing driver John Cobb on September 29, 1952, in his jet-propelled boat, the Crusader. While attempting to set a new world record, the boat encountered an unexplained disturbance on the water's surface, causing it to lose stability, disintegrate, and kill Cobb instantly. His body was recovered, and a memorial was later erected on the shore of Loch Ness. John Cobb, already a holder of land speed records, was attempting to become the fastest man on water. The Crusader was a specially designed, jet-powered hydroplane built for this purpose. Loch Ness in Scotland was chosen for its long, straight, and typically calm waters, ideal for a high-speed record attempt.
How big is the Loch Ness Monster?
The Loch Ness Monster's size is not known, as its existence is unproven, but based on sightings, descriptions vary from about 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) to potentially much larger, as the creature has never been definitively measured. While some theories suggest it's a giant eel or large fish, another theory is a plesiosaur, which could reach lengths of up to 49 feet (15 meters). This is the most common length described in more than 1,000 analyzed sightings. Some descriptions are much larger, with one in 1933 estimating the creature as being 25 feet (7.6 meters) long. Other sightings are smaller, with descriptions ranging from the size of a dog to 6 feet (1.8 meters).
Is Loch Ness the deepest lake in Britain?
Loch Morar is the deepest of the UK's lakes and Loch Awe the longest. Murray and Pullar (1910) note that the mean depth of Loch Ness is 57.4% of the maximum depth – higher than in any other large deep loch in Scotland.
What are the best ways to explore Loch Ness?
Exploring Loch Ness offers several fantastic options for visitors. Boat tours are a popular choice, providing excellent vantage points to scan the water for any sign of Nessie and to admire the surrounding Highland scenery. Many tours depart from Clansman Harbour and Fort Augustus. For a more immersive experience, consider a kayak or canoe adventure to get closer to the water's surface. Driving along the A82 offers scenic views and stops at various viewpoints. Visiting Urquhart Castle, situated on the banks of Loch Ness, is a must-do to delve into the history of the area and enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the loch.