In short
- Gusts matter more than average wind on ridges and summits.
- It's colder higher up: roughly 1°C cooler for every 150 metres you climb, before wind chill.
- Plan your return around sunset, especially in autumn and winter.
- For high mountains, also check a dedicated mountain forecast.
Wind and gusts
Wind is often the biggest factor on a walk. It's usually stronger on hilltops, ridges and coasts than in the valley where the forecast is centred, and gusts can be far stronger than the average speed. Strong gusts on exposed ground can knock you off balance and make narrow paths dangerous. WeatherIQ shows hourly wind speed, gusts and direction, so you can see when the wind is due to strengthen or ease.
Temperature, height and feels like
Air gets colder as you climb, typically by around 1°C for every 150 metres. A mild 12°C in town can mean close to freezing on a high summit, and wind makes it feel colder still. WeatherIQ shows a "feels like" temperature for every hour, which takes wind chill and humidity into account. Pack an extra layer, a hat and gloves for any walk with real height, even in summer.
Rain, cloud and visibility
Rain makes rock, grass and paths slippery and swells streams that you may need to cross. Low cloud and fog can cut visibility to a few metres on high ground, which makes navigation much harder. WeatherIQ's rain chart shows the chance of rain for each hour and when a dry spell is likely, and each hour lists visibility and cloud cover.
Daylight
Running out of light is one of the most common reasons walkers get into difficulty. WeatherIQ shows sunrise, sunset and total daylight for every day, so you can plan to be back well before dark. In winter, daylight in the UK can be under eight hours.
Hills and mountains
WeatherIQ forecasts for a point, and conditions on high ground can be very different. Before a mountain day, also check a specialist mountain forecast, such as the Met Office mountain forecast or the Mountain Weather Information Service. Tell someone your route, and in an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the police, then Mountain Rescue.
Questions walkers ask
- What wind speed is too strong for hillwalking?
- It depends on the route and your experience, but strong gusts on exposed ridges make walking difficult and can be dangerous. If gusts are forecast to be strong, choose a lower or more sheltered route.
- How much colder is it at the top of a hill?
- As a rough guide, around 1°C colder for every 150 metres of height, before wind chill. A 900-metre climb can mean about 6°C colder at the top.
- Is the forecast for a town the same as on the hills?
- No. Hills and mountains are usually colder, windier and wetter, and can be in cloud when the valley is clear. Use a dedicated mountain forecast for high ground.