Today in West Highlands
7Very LowAcross the region, today's forecast ranges from 0 to 12. 0% of the region is forecast High or worse at some point today.
Midge map Today
- Very Low0–19
- Low20–39
- Moderate40–59
- High60–79
- Very High80–100
Midge kit
Midge protection essentials
Midge levels look low around West Highlands this week, but a still, damp evening changes everything. These live in our rucksack from May to September.
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7-day midge forecast for around Fort William
| Day | Midge level | Worst hour | Best time outdoors | Dusk | Temp | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today8 Oct | 9Very Low | 16:00 | 07:00–21:00 | 11 18:37 | 2–9°C | 1–4 mph | 6.9 mm |
| Tomorrow9 Oct | 7Very Low | 09:00 | 07:00–21:00 | 4 18:34 | 9–12°C | 5–15 mph | 22.1 mm |
| Saturday10 Oct | 3Very Low | 17:00 | 07:00–21:00 | 3 18:32 | 7–10°C | 4–12 mph | 24.1 mm |
| Sunday11 Oct | 10Very Low | 19:00 | 07:00–21:00 | 11 18:29 | 5–10°C | 3–4 mph | 0 mm |
| Monday12 Oct | 19Very Low | 17:00 | 07:00–21:00 | 19 18:26 | 8–12°C | 1–4 mph | 8.5 mm |
| Tuesday13 Oct | 0Very Low | 04:00 | 07:00–21:00 | 0 18:24 | 10–14°C | 16–26 mph | 13.6 mm |
| Wednesday14 Oct | 1Very Low | 16:00 | 07:00–21:00 | 1 18:21 | 8–11°C | 10–17 mph | 25.2 mm |
Places in West Highlands
Midges in West Highlands
Lochaber is the heart of midge country. High rainfall, sheltered glens, bog and birch woodland make Glen Coe, Glen Nevis and the lochsides around Fort William some of the midgiest places in Scotland from June to August, especially on still, damp evenings.
Midge hotspots
- Glen Nevis and its campsite at dusk
- Glen Coe floor, Clachaig and the lochside campsites
- Glen Etive on still evenings
- Kinlochleven and the West Highland Way
- Glenfinnan and the Road to the Isles lochsides
Where to escape them
- Open summits and ridges when there is a breeze
- The white-sand beaches at Arisaig and Morar, where sea breezes help
- Fort William town and harbour front in the daytime
When are midges worst in West Highlands?
The typical midge level week by week, from our model run over 2023, 2024, 2025 weather at Fort William.
Midgiest weeks: w/c 13 Jul, w/c 27 Jul, w/c 6 Jul.
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West Highlands midge FAQ
Are the midges bad in West Highlands right now?
Today's forecast for West Highlands is Very Low (7/100). Best time outdoors: 07:00–21:00. The forecast updates every three hours.
When is midge season in West Highlands?
As across most of Scotland, midges in West Highlands are usually active from late May until September, peaking in July and August. Calm, damp, overcast evenings are the worst.
Where can I avoid midges in West Highlands?
Head for breezy, open ground. Local options include: Open summits and ridges when there is a breeze; The white-sand beaches at Arisaig and Morar, where sea breezes help. Midges struggle to fly in more than a light breeze.