Late winter · Weather & things to do
Aviemore & the Cairngorms in February
This is the coldest month in Aviemore & the Cairngorms: highs average 39°F (4°C) and lows 32°F (0°C), with about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 37/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 39°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 32°F (0°C)
- Rain
- 3.8 in (97 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 78%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 08 min
- Comfort score
- 37/100 · Tough
What February feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 39°F (4°C).
Lows average 32°F (0°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.8 in (97 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 78%.
Only about 9 h 08 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around February
February is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Comfort improves from 34/100 in January to 37/100.
- Our Edinburgh & the Cairngorms route is planned for Late Nov – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — February falls outside it.
What to pack for February
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 32°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Aviemore & the Cairngorms in February
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
The Old Bridge Inn
Long-running pub by the Spey on the edge of Aviemore, serving food beside an open fire.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Base for Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd; guided hill trips walk out to the herd on the Cairngorm slopes.
Loch an Eilein
Loch in Rothiemurchus Forest with a ruined castle on its island and a flat circuit of about 5 km.
Loch Morlich
Loch ringed by Caledonian pine with a sandy beach and a full view of the northern Cairngorms.
Nearby in February
- Inverness in February~25 mi · highs 42°F, 2.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Fort William in February~55 mi · highs 42°F, 5.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Edinburgh in February~89 mi · highs 43°F, 2.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Dublin in February~282 mi · highs 46°F, 2.8 in rain · 4°C (6°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~535 m to Aviemore & the Cairngorms's ~211 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Aviemore & the Cairngorms in February: quick answers
Is February a good time to visit Aviemore & the Cairngorms?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 37/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 39°F (4°C) and 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain.
How cold is Aviemore & the Cairngorms in February?
Average highs are 39°F (4°C) and average lows 32°F (0°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Aviemore & the Cairngorms in February?
Some: about 3.8 in (97 mm) of rain falls across February on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 54.3 in (1380 mm).
What should I pack for Aviemore & the Cairngorms in February?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 32°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Planning Aviemore & the Cairngorms in February?
Share this February plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.