Late autumn · Weather & things to do
Aviemore & the Cairngorms in November
Aviemore & the Cairngorms cools off: highs slip to 44°F (7°C), from 51°F in October, with lows of 38°F (3°C) and about 4.8 in (123 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 41/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 44°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 4.8 in (123 mm)
- Humidity
- 97%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 39 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What November feels like
Cool days top out near 44°F (7°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Lows average 38°F (3°C).
Expect regular rain: about 4.8 in (123 mm) falls in the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 39 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around November
November sits mid-table; the best months are June – September.
- Comfort slips from 50/100 in October to 41/100.
- Our Edinburgh & the Cairngorms route is planned for Late Nov – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — November is part of it.
What to pack for November
- Insulated jackethighs only 44°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes4.8 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Aviemore & the Cairngorms in November
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Strathspey Railway
Heritage steam line from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill, with seasonal Christmas services.
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 44°F.
CairnGorm Mountain
Ski area on the northern slopes of Cairn Gorm, served by Britain's highest funicular railway.
Glenmore Forest Park
Pine forest around Loch Morlich with waymarked trails, including the walk up to An Lochan Uaine.
Nearby in November
- Inverness in November~25 mi · highs 46°F, 3.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, drier
- Fort William in November~55 mi · highs 47°F, 6.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Edinburgh in November~89 mi · highs 47°F, 3.1 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Dublin in November~282 mi · highs 51°F, 4.2 in rain · 3°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 November: quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Aviemore & the Cairngorms?
It's middling, scoring 41/100. The best months are June – September, at up to 68. Expect highs of 44°F (7°C) and 4.8 in (123 mm) of rain.
How cold is Aviemore & the Cairngorms in November?
Average highs are 44°F (7°C) and average lows 38°F (3°C), making it the 5th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Aviemore & the Cairngorms in November?
Yes: about 4.8 in (123 mm) of rain falls across November on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 54.3 in (1380 mm).
What should I pack for Aviemore & the Cairngorms in November?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 44°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (4.8 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Routes in season in November
- Edinburgh & the Cairngorms Late Nov – early Jan
Planning Aviemore & the Cairngorms in November?
Share this November plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.