Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Fort William in January
This is the coldest month in Fort William: highs average 42°F (6°C) and lows 36°F (2°C), with about 7.5 in (191 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 27/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 42°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 36°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 7.5 in (191 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 83%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 08 min
- Comfort score
- 27/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 42°F (6°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Lows average 36°F (2°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 7.5 in (191 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 83%.
Only about 7 h 08 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort slips from 31/100 in December to 27/100.
- Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 42°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Fort William in January
With 7.5 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Ben Nevis Inn
Converted stone barn at the Achintee start of the Ben Nevis path, with real ales, hearty food and glen views.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 7.5 in of rain.
Ben Nevis Distillery
Distillery at the foot of Ben Nevis with tours and tastings.
Why now Easy to slot in when January's rain moves in.
Crannog Seafood Restaurant
Pier-end seafood restaurant overlooking Loch Linnhe.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter January days.
Glenfinnan Monument
Tower where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, on Loch Shiel.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Curved 21-arch railway viaduct above Loch Shiel.
Nearby in January
- Aviemore & the Cairngorms in January~55 mi · highs 39°F, 4.7 in rain · 1°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
- Inverness in January~56 mi · highs 42°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Edinburgh in January~95 mi · highs 42°F, 2.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Dublin in January~244 mi · highs 46°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, 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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Fort William?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 27/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 42°F (6°C) and 7.5 in (191 mm) of rain. Our Scotland’s Highland Rail Line route recommends May – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Fort William in January?
Average highs are 42°F (6°C) and average lows 36°F (2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Fort William in January?
Yes: about 7.5 in (191 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 71.5 in (1815 mm).
What should I pack for Fort William in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 42°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Fort William
Planning Fort William in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.