Best Time of Year to Climb Ben Nevis: Seasonal Guide
At 1,345 metres, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the UK and one of its most iconic mountain challenges. Hikers from across the British Isles and around the world travel vast distances to scale its spectacular slopes and enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit. It features tough terrain and relatively long walking routes while being an achievable challenge for those with a good fitness level and some mountain experience.
However, seasonal variations in conditions significantly impact how hard it is to climb, how much you enjoy the experience and whether you stay safe. With this in mind, we wanted to create a comprehensive guide to the best times to climb Ben Nevis and what you can expect at any given point of the year.
A disclaimer – never take the weather for granted
The weather in most mountainous environments is notoriously unpredictable and changeable. Just because it’s warm and sunny at the base of a mountain does not mean you will get the same conditions on the summit. Similarly, just because the weather’s good in the morning does not mean it will remain so in the afternoon. Ben Nevis is no exception.
While we can recommend certain seasons because the conditions are likely to be better, there is no guarantee they will be. All walkers should check the weather before starting to climb – we typically utilise the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) and Windy – and ensure they are prepared for every eventuality.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a deceiving time in the Scottish Mountains. The days are getting longer, the weather is improving (however slightly), and many hikers start emerging from their winter hibernation and heading back outside. It can feel like a good time to pull on your hiking boots and make a beeline for Ben Nevis.
However, as you climb, you soon realise that winter still lingers on the mountain’s upper slopes. Temperatures drop rapidly, cold winds blow and conditions are highly changeable. Most importantly, the summit is usually snowbound throughout April and often into May. Reaching the summit in these conditions requires full winter gear, crampons and ice axes – specialist equipment that you should have experience using. It is certainly not for beginners.
While the weather starts to improve in May, and there will be bright, sunny days, planning a trip during this period is a bit of a gamble. Most hikers are better off waiting until summer arrives before attempting the summit.
Summer (June to August)
Summer brings the best possible conditions for climbing Ben Nevis and is your best bet if you are relatively new to mountain walking. The days are long, ensuring you do not have to tackle any of the route in the dark, you are more likely to get a warm, dry day, and most, if not all, of the snow will have cleared from the summit. The Highlands are also incredibly beautiful at this time of year. In good conditions, the views over the surrounding area are unforgettable.
However, summer is also the busiest time of year on Ben Nevis. The vast majority of the 130,000 people who climb the mountain every year will do so during this period, so you can expect to see a fair few visitors on the trail. If you want to avoid the crowds as best as you can, we recommend planning your climb outside of the school summer holidays and, if possible, opting for a weekday.
Though the summer months provide the optimal climbing window, you still need to prepare for less-than-perfect conditions. Waterproofs, warm layers, water and snacks are all essential, even if it doesn’t feel like you will need them when you first set off.
Autumn (September to November)
September can be a fantastic time to climb Ben Nevis. As long as you get a good day. There are fewer visitors than in July or August, and the autumnal colours are simply spectacular. While the weather is generally more stable than in the spring, things are starting to change and a sudden cold snap can mean you run into tricky and treacherous conditions.
Moving beyond September, the winter weather starts to roll in and the snow, ice and cold temperatures reassert themselves, making the summit inaccessible to those without winter equipment and mountain experience. The days are also getting shorter, giving you less of a daylight window to play with. If things don’t go quite to plan, there is a danger you might have to complete the walk in the dark. For those without appropriate lighting equipment or the necessary experience, this is a daunting and dangerous prospect.
Winter (December to February)
Climbing Ben Nevis in the winter should only be attempted by those with winter mountain equipment and skills. While the snow-covered summit looks very appealing from a distance, it is anything but if you are unprepared or inexperienced.
That doesn’t mean it will always be inaccessible, though. If you dream of one day scaling Ben Nevis’s snowy peak, we recommend getting plenty of walking practice on smaller mountains, tackling Ben Nevis during the summer on one of our guided walks, and then taking a look at our Winter Mountain Skills course. It equips you with all the knowledge and skills you need to enjoy winter mountain excursions while building your confidence and ensuring you know how to stay safe and make smart decisions.
Climb Ben Nevis with us
Climbing Ben Nevis is an enormously rewarding challenge and perfectly achievable for most people in good conditions. However, the mountain demands respect. It is never a good idea to put yourself in potential danger by heading to the summit when conditions aren’t right. For those with little mountain experience, the best window to climb runs from June to September.
At Climb Ben Nevis, we offer guided group and private walks to people who want to experience the beauty and grandeur of the mountain accompanied by a qualified guide. Our guides know the area and the mountain intimately and are equipped with the training and experience to keep you safe. They take the pressure off, allowing you to enjoy the walk knowing you are in good hands. They understand the weather and know how to react no matter the conditions, so you are never out of your depth. And they help you get the most from your experience.
If you have any questions regarding our events or activities, please feel free to reach out to our expert team. We are more than happy to talk you through the available options. Learn more about our Guided Walks »