Scotland’s diverse climate is showcased through the North Coast 500 (NC 500) route, offering a microcosm of the country’s varied weather patterns.
The climate in Scotland differs greatly depending on the region, with factors such as latitude, elevation, and wind exposure playing a significant role. This report provides a comparison of the annual average rainfall and temperature for five locations in northern Scotland: Inverness, Applecross, Durness, Dornoch, and Altnaharra. While most of these locations are situated along the NC500 route, Altnaharra serves as a reference point for conditions midway between Scotland’s coastlines.
The NC500 route highlights the unique microclimates of these regions, shaped by their local geography. By examining these locations, we gain insight into Scotland’s broader climatic landscape and the factors that influence it.
Summary Table – Inverness, Applecross, Durness, Dornoch & Altnaharra
The tables below summarizes the key climate statistics for each location, they are taken from an in-house created report, available here in PDF format.
Sources: The data above are based on long-term climate averages (typically 1981–2010 or similar 30-year normals) from the Met Office and other climate databases. They illustrate the classic pattern of Scotland’s climate: wet and cool in the west, drier and milder in the east, with inland areas experiencing the most extreme temperatures.
Climate Comparison Applecross – Aberdeen – Scotland (as a whole)
Scotland’s temperate oceanic climate is characterized by significant regional variations, as exemplified by Applecross and Aberdeen. Download the full presentation (PDF) here to delve deeper into these climatic differences.
Atlantic Influence on Climate
The Gulf Stream has a profound impact on Applecross, located on the west coast, resulting in milder temperatures and higher rainfall. Conversely, Aberdeen, situated on the east coast, experiences cooler and drier conditions due to the rain shadow effect created by the western Highlands. Notably, the west coast enjoys milder winters and cooler summers compared to the national average.
Rainfall Patterns
A striking contrast in rainfall patterns emerges between the western and eastern regions. The western Highlands receive a substantial 4,577 mm of rainfall annually, while eastern areas like Aberdeen receive less than 870 mm. This disparity highlights the dramatic variations in climate across Scotland.
Scotland’s Diverse Climate
It’s essential to recognize that Scotland’s weather is not a uniform entity; instead, it’s a dynamic and diverse system where conditions can fluctuate significantly over short distances. By looking beyond national averages, a complex tapestry of local climates comes into view, shaped by geography and oceanic influences. The climates of Applecross and Aberdeen serve as prime examples of these regional variations, with the west coast experiencing milder, wetter conditions and the east coast being cooler and drier as the following extract from our report shows.
