Late summer · Weather & things to do
Fort William in August
Little changes in Fort William from July: highs stay near 63°F (17°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), and about 6.5 in (166 mm) of rain falls.
At 65/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 63°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 6.5 in (166 mm)
- Humidity
- 90%
- Cloud cover
- 82%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 56 min
- Comfort score
- 65/100 · Good
What August feels like
Highs near 63°F (17°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Nights cool to an average low of 52°F (11°C).
Expect regular rain: about 6.5 in (166 mm) falls in the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 82%.
Plan around August
August is one of Fort William's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by September, the score drops to 61/100.
- Comfort slips from 69/100 in July to 65/100.
- August sits inside the May – Sep window our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends.
What to pack for August
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 52°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.5 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Fort William in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Jacobite Steam Train
Steam train on the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig over Glenfinnan.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Apr–Oct.
Ben Nevis Mountain Path
The main route up Britain's highest peak, 7–9 hours round trip.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Jun–Sep.
Steall Falls
Gorge walk to a 120-m waterfall with a wire bridge across the river.
Why now August scores 65/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Neptune's Staircase
Eight-lock flight on the Caledonian Canal with views of Ben Nevis.
Crannog Seafood Restaurant
Pier-end seafood restaurant overlooking Loch Linnhe.
Nearby in August
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in August~55 mi · highs 61°F, 5.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Inverness in August~56 mi · highs 64°F, 4.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Edinburgh in August~95 mi · highs 64°F, 3.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Dublin in August~244 mi · highs 64°F, 3.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~382 m to Fort William's ~9 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.
Fort William in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Fort William?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 65/100. Expect highs of 63°F (17°C) and 6.5 in (166 mm) of rain. August is inside the May – Sep window our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends.
How cold is Fort William in August?
Average highs are 63°F (17°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Fort William in August?
Yes: about 6.5 in (166 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 71.5 in (1815 mm).
What should I pack for Fort William in August?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 52°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.5 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Fort William
Routes in season in August
- Scotland’s Highland Rail Line May – Sep
Planning Fort William in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.