Sgòr Gaoith

Mountain High Scottish peak popular with experienced hikers

Rising in the Cairngorms, Sgòr Gaoith is a Munro frequented by hikers and ski‑tourers from Aviemore. Trails reward with views over the Spey valley and nearby corries.

Main image
Sgòr Gaoith
57.0686, -3.8109

How to Get to Sgòr Gaoith #

Common access routes are from car parks along the A93 and local glens; the Cairngorms National Park infrastructure is the nearest reference point for services and maps.

Tips for Visiting Sgòr Gaoith #

  • The mountain's ridge traverses can be exposed; check weather forecasts and avoid strong-wind days.
  • Access often begins from Glen Esk or nearby parking spots - local maps will show the best paths.
  • Wear layers; the summit is often several degrees colder than valley starts and windchill can be significant.

Best Time to Visit Sgòr Gaoith #

June-September offers the most reliable walking conditions; shoulder seasons can be rewarding but need care.

Summer
June-August · 8-16°C (46-61°F)
Most comfortable for hillwalking and ridge scrambles with long daylight.
Spring and autumn
April-May, September-October · 0-12°C (32-54°F)
Quieter on the hills but increasingly unstable weather; bring navigation skills.

Weather & Climate near Sgòr Gaoith #

Climate

Sgòr Gaoith's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Heavy rainfall (2230 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (278 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

19 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

278 mm
Rainfall
12.8 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (186 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

186 mm
Rainfall
12.6 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (212 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

212 mm
Rainfall
11.9 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
10.0 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.1h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.4h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
8.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
17.6h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
13°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
17.0h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

194 mm
Rainfall
9.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (240 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

240 mm
Rainfall
11.3 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (239 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

239 mm
Rainfall
11.9 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (241 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

241 mm
Rainfall
11.4 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

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