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September and October weather in the West of Scotland and Scottish highlands. The area includes Glencoe, Fort William and Oban
Your guide to September and October weather in Glencoe, and the areas of Fort William and Oban on the West Coast, Scotland
The West of Scotland holds surprises in its September and October months for weather
The West of Scotland gets more settled weather in September and October than in the summer months. It is much warmer compared to the rest of the country particularly in the East. What gives the Scottish highlands their mild and gentle climate is the North Atlantic Drift. This gentle movement of warm water flows out of the Gulf Stream at the point where the Gulf Stream turns South. It weaves around the West Coast of Ireland and Scotland, moving warm water in and out of Loch Linnhe producing warm weather. If it didn’t we would be covered in an ice sheet. After leaving us, it gives in to the Arctic cold, the water gets dense and heavy. Then the current sinks and turns underwater into a cold Southerly current. But we are not going to pretend that it does not rain.
The West of Scotland, includuing Glencoe, Fort William and Oban have long days even in September and October. The curvature of the earth flattening out at the poles causes the effect. Actually, in July for example, it never gets truly dark with a clear sky for the full 24 hours. We have taken pictures outdoors at midnight in July near the cottage.
Most of the visitor attractions are open during September and October, yet visitors are still relatively thin on the ground. Roads are clear, bliss for driving.
The West Coast of Scotland is a truly magical place. At any time of year
|
September |
Temps in C |
|
Frost |
Sun |
Rain |
|
Daylight |
|
weather |
max |
min |
days |
hours |
mm |
days |
hrs+mins |
|
|
13.9 |
7.2 |
0.5 |
115 |
92 |
13.3 |
17.29 |
|
October |
Temps in C |
|
Frost |
Sun |
Rain |
|
Daylight |
|
weather |
max |
min |
days |
hours |
mm |
days |
hrs+mins |
|
|
10.8 |
4.9 |
2.3 |
80 |
162.6 |
17.7 |
11.32 |
These are averages for Scotland. The temperatures in the West of Scotland are much warmer but wetter. Our area of Kentallen has its own micro climate. Glencoe, over the hill, can be very wet, yet we have sunshine.
