Portree, on the Isle of Skye, features a cool, wet, and windy maritime climate with mild summers and long, damp winters. The town is known for its abundant rainfall, frequent cloud cover, and brisk breezes year-round. With dramatic coastal scenery and lush landscapes, Portree is a captivating destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Portree’s climate is shaped by its exposed coastal location, resulting in four distinct seasons, moderate temperature swings, and significant rainfall. Summers (June–August) are cool and breezy, with average highs of 16–17°C and lows of 10–11°C. July and August are the warmest months, but heatwaves are rare. Rain is frequent, with July seeing 107 mm over 16–17 rainy days, and cloud cover is common. Sunshine is modest, with May being the sunniest month (196 hours), and daylight stretches up to 18 hours in midsummer. Gentle to strong winds, often from the west, are typical, making even summer days feel fresh.
Winters (December–February) are long, very wet, and extremely windy, with highs of 7–9°C and lows of 1–4°C. January is the wettest month, with up to 223 mm of rain and over 20 rainy days. Snow is rare and short-lived, while fog and drizzle are common. Sunshine is scarce, with just over 1 hour per day in December, and daylight lasts only 6–7 hours. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, with cool to mild temperatures (8–14°C), frequent showers, and rapidly changing weather. May is the driest and sunniest month, while October and November see rainfall increase again. Annual precipitation exceeds 1,800–2,000 mm, and Portree is among the wettest places in the UK. Winds average 25–40 km/h and can be much higher during storms, especially in winter and early spring. The climate supports lush greenery, dramatic skies, and ever-changing light, making Portree a haven for photographers and hikers.
| Average climate data for Portree, United Kingdom | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 12 |
The best time to visit Portree is from late May to early September, when temperatures are mildest (13–17°C), days are longest, and the landscape is lush and vibrant. These months offer the best conditions for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the dramatic scenery, though rain and wind are still common – pack accordingly.
The least favourable time to visit Portree is from November to February, when rainfall and winds are highest, days are shortest, and frequent storms can limit outdoor activities. While winters are mild for Scotland, persistent rain, drizzle, and darkness may restrict hiking and sightseeing, though the town remains atmospheric and peaceful.
Portree has a cool, wet, and windy maritime climate with mild summers and long, damp winters. Rain falls year-round, with the heaviest amounts in winter. Cloud cover is frequent, and the area is known for its lush green scenery.
The best time to visit Portree is from late May to early September, when temperatures are mild, days are long, and the landscape is vibrant. May is the driest and sunniest month, ideal for hiking and photography.
Yes, Portree is among the wettest places in the UK, with annual rainfall exceeding 1,800–2,000 mm. Rain falls throughout the year, with January being the wettest month and May the driest.
Portree is frequently windy, with average speeds of 25–40 km/h and stronger gusts during storms. Winds are strongest in winter and early spring, making the weather feel cooler and more dramatic.
Summer highs in Portree typically reach 16–17°C, with July and August being the warmest months. Heatwaves are rare, and evenings remain cool and breezy, even in midsummer.
Snow is rare in Portree due to its coastal location and mild winter temperatures. When it does occur, it is usually light and melts quickly. Most winter precipitation falls as rain or drizzle.
Pack waterproof clothing, layers, sturdy shoes, and wind protection. Even in summer, bring a jumper or jacket for cool, breezy evenings. Always be prepared for rain and rapidly changing weather conditions.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (13.3 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is March (7.4 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 10.3 °C.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 17.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 6.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
