Fall in Glasgow ushers in cooler air, shorter days, and a real shift in the city’s mood. Expect average high temperatures to fall from the low 60s °F (about 17°C) in September to the mid-40s °F (around 8°C) by late November.
Low temperatures drop along with the highs, often getting close to freezing as fall wraps up.
Rain sticks around most of autumn, but showers rarely last the whole day. The chance of wet weather climbs as the season goes on.
Clouds thicken up too, so you’ll catch fewer bright skies than in summer. Daylight shrinks fast, and that really changes how you plan your time outside.
Even with the damp and chill, fall has its own charm. Crisp mornings, parks splashed with color, and city events bring out a different side of Glasgow.
Knowing the weather patterns helps a lot—whether you’re packing for a trip or just figuring out your daily routine.
Overview of Glasgow’s Fall Climate
Glasgow’s fall climate brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and more frequent rainfall. You’ll notice a steady shift from late-summer mildness to colder, wetter, and cloudier days as fall moves along.
General Climate Characteristics
During fall, temperatures usually range from about 17°C (63°F) in early September down to 8°C (46°F) by late November. Nighttime lows often hit 2°C–7°C (35°F–45°F).
Frost barely shows up early in the season, but by November, it’s a real possibility.
Rainfall comes often, with 3–4 inches per month on average. Wet days pop up nearly every other day.
Skies stay overcast 60–70% of the time. Sunshine gets scarce, especially in November when daylight drops below 8 hours.
Winds pick up gradually, averaging 11–13 mph, usually blowing in from the west. That adds a cool, damp edge to the air, especially with all the cloud cover.
Humidity stays high, but honestly, it rarely feels muggy.
Transition from Summer to Fall
September still brings some mild afternoons, with highs near 16–18°C (60s°F). By October, temperatures fall off fast, and rainfall peaks around late October, with average 31-day totals near 4 inches.
Daylight vanishes quickly. Between early September and late November, you lose over 6 hours of daylight.
Sunsets slide from 8:00 PM to before 4:00 PM. That change really impacts daily life and outdoor plans.
Nearby seas cool off too, dropping from about 14°C (57°F) in September to 9°C (49°F) in November. That just makes late fall feel even chillier and damper.
The growing season wraps up by mid-October as overnight lows flirt with freezing.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall feels darker and wetter. Summer highs average 17–19°C (63–66°F), and the days stretch longer, but fall loses warmth and sunshine fast.
Rain picks up, making outdoor plans a bit of a gamble.
Winter gets colder, but not by a huge margin. January’s average highs sit around 6–7°C (43°F), just a few degrees below late November.
But winter days get even shorter—less than 7 hours of daylight at the solstice.
Spring, on the other hand, warms up gradually and brings more daylight, though rain still hangs around. Fall stands out for its quick shift, with weather changing way faster than in other seasons.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Glasgow
In fall, temperatures in Glasgow steadily drop from early September into late November. Days feel cool and damp, and nights turn colder, so you’ll want heavier layers by the end.
Average Daytime Temperatures
September usually brings daytime highs around 63°F (17°C). As weeks go by, those highs slide down to about 46°F (8°C) by late November.
That steady dip means early fall can still feel pretty nice, but by the end, the air is crisp and often chilly. Highs above 69°F (21°C) are rare, and daytime temps below 38°F (3°C) don’t happen much either.
Compared to summer, with highs in the mid-60s°F, fall is definitely cooler. Shorter days make afternoons seem colder than the thermometer says.
You’ll probably spend most of the day in a jacket or coat, especially as the season winds down.
Nighttime Lows
At night, temperatures fall quickly. In September, lows average around 49°F (9°C).
By late November, they drop closer to 35°F (2°C). Nights rarely fall below 25°F (-4°C), but frost pops up more often toward the end of fall.
If you’re in the city, you’ll likely notice the damp air—it makes evenings feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Light freezes can happen in November, though deep freezes are pretty rare. Most nights hover just above freezing.
That’s probably why Glasgow doesn’t see much snow during fall. Still, you’ll want warm layers for chilly evenings, especially if you’re out after dark.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From September to November, temperatures drop in a clear pattern.
- September: Highs near 63°F (17°C), lows near 49°F (9°C).
- October: Highs near 55°F (13°C), lows near 43°F (6°C).
- November: Highs near 46°F (8°C), lows near 35°F (2°C).
The cooling is gradual but you’ll feel it. October often marks the turning point, as mild days give way to colder, wetter weather.
By November, daytime temps stay cool and nights hover just above freezing—winter’s definitely on the way.
Rainfall Patterns and Rainy Days
In Glasgow during fall, you can expect steady rainfall that rarely lets up for long. The city’s climate brings frequent showers, and the totals stay high compared to much of Europe.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Glasgow during autumn stays consistent and often heavy, especially compared to other UK cities. On average, the city gets between 110–140 mm of precipitation per month in September, October, and November.
You’ll probably run into measurable rain almost every week. The rain usually comes in many smaller showers, not just one big storm.
Most of the time, rain is light to moderate, and long periods of drizzle are pretty common. Don’t expect long dry spells—Glasgow’s marine west coast climate keeps things damp.
For context, Glasgow’s annual precipitation averages around 1200–1370 mm, so fall alone brings a big chunk of that.
Frequency of Rainy Days
It’s not just the rain totals that stand out, but how often it rains. You can expect 18–22 rainy days per month in autumn.
A “rainy day” means at least 0.2 mm of precipitation.
That frequency makes Glasgow one of the UK’s wetter cities. Even during the driest fall weeks, getting a totally dry day is rare.
Rain usually comes as passing showers, not all-day soakers. But with so many wet days, you should always be ready for damp weather.
Waterproof clothes and sturdy shoes just make sense if you’ll be outside much.
Because rain spreads out over so many days, flooding isn’t as common as in places that get heavy rain all at once.
Monthly Rainfall Variation
Rainfall shifts a bit across the three autumn months. September is usually mildest, with totals around 110–120 mm.
October usually brings more, averaging about 130–140 mm—one of the wettest months of the year.
November stays wet, often close to October’s totals. As temperatures drop, rain can mix with sleet on cold days.
| Month | Average Rainfall | Typical Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~115 mm | 18–19 days |
| October | ~135 mm | 20–22 days |
| November | ~130 mm | 20–21 days |
These numbers show how steady the rain is through fall, with barely any real breaks from wet weather. If you’re in Glasgow this season, expect rain to be part of your daily routine.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In Glasgow, fall brings shorter days, less sunshine, and more cloud cover than summer. These changes cut down on natural light and can really shape your plans.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
During fall, sunshine is limited in Glasgow. In September, you’ll get close to 4–5 hours of sun each day.
By November, that drops to about 2 hours per day. The city’s northern spot and frequent clouds make a big difference here.
May is the sunniest month, with over 6 hours per day, so fall feels a lot dimmer by comparison.
October lands somewhere in the middle, with around 3 hours a day. Not super bright, but not quite winter gloom yet.
With less light, you’ll probably want to plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. If you’re visiting, expect shorter windows of clear skies and lean on indoor attractions when the clouds settle in.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight shortens fast during fall. In early September, you still get about 13 hours of daylight.
By the end of October, it’s down to 9 hours. Late November brings it lower, around 8 hours.
The earliest sunsets hit by mid to late November, with the sun going down before 4:30 p.m. Mornings grow darker too, with sunrise moving closer to 8:00 a.m.
That shift can make the season feel even shorter and colder, even when it’s not raining.
Travelers really notice the contrast with summer, when days stretch past 17 hours. In fall, you need to adjust your plans for earlier darkness, especially for sightseeing or day trips.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover builds through the season. In September, skies are partly cloudy about half the time.
By November, over 70% of days end up mostly cloudy or overcast. That cuts down direct sunlight, even during daylight hours.
The mix of short days and frequent clouds makes Glasgow’s fall season feel dim. Even if rain is light, the gray skies keep things gloomy.
If you’re visiting, don’t expect crisp, sunny afternoons. Instead, get ready for softer, diffused light—great for moody photos, maybe less so for clear views.
Clouds also make the city’s streetlights and shop windows pop in the evenings.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Glasgow’s fall comes with high relative humidity and plenty of cloud cover. You’ll notice damp air, less sunshine, and a steady sense of moisture outdoors.
Average Relative Humidity
In autumn, relative humidity in Glasgow usually sits between 85% and 90%. That’s high, even compared to other European cities, thanks to the city’s marine west coast climate.
You’ll often feel the air as cool and moist, especially during mornings and evenings. Even when temps aren’t too low, the humidity can make it feel colder than you’d expect.
Cloud cover sticks around too, with over 60% of fall days described as mostly cloudy. That blocks direct sunlight and keeps things damp.
When you add in frequent rain, the high humidity makes the air feel constantly moist.
If you’re visiting, bring layers and waterproof gear. Humidity doesn’t change much day to day, so expect steady dampness the whole season.
Humidity Fluctuations Through Fall
Humidity usually stays pretty high during the fall, but you’ll notice it shifts a bit between early and late autumn. September feels a touch less damp, with average humidity near 85%. By November, it creeps up to almost 90% as rain picks up and the air cools down.
You’ll probably spot some differences between day and night. Mornings can feel heavy with moisture, especially if fog settles in those lower spots. If the wind picks up in the afternoon, things might feel a little better, though honestly, the air almost never feels dry.
Rainfall really affects humidity too. September usually gets about 54 mm of rain, while November brings around 75 mm. More rain just adds to all that dampness, and surfaces stay wet longer.
If you’re traveling, late autumn means higher humidity and shorter days, so expect a cooler, wetter vibe than you’d get earlier in the season.
Additional Weather Factors in Fall
Autumn in Glasgow brings more than just chillier weather and lots of rain. Wind and fog both shape the season and might change your outdoor plans.
Wind Speeds and Patterns
Winds in Glasgow during fall usually blow in from the west or southwest, carrying moist air off the Atlantic. Most days, you’ll feel breezes around 9 to 11 mph, but gusts can sometimes hit 20 to 25 mph. These winds definitely make things feel colder, especially if you’re out in the open.
You don’t often get severe gales in October or November. Still, unsettled weather can bring short bursts of stronger wind. If you’re near the coast or up on higher ground, you’ll probably notice the wind even more than in the city center.
Walking through Glasgow in autumn, you’ll almost always feel a steady breeze. A light jacket or something windproof will make a big difference. With wind and frequent showers, you’ll probably find a hooded coat works better than an umbrella.
Fog and Mist Occurrence
Fog shows up pretty often in Glasgow during fall, especially if you’re out early. You’ll usually spot it in river valleys or low-lying spots, where it hangs around before sunrise.
As the sun comes up and the wind picks up, these fog patches clear out by mid-morning.
If you’re here in October, you might see 4–5 foggy mornings. November brings a bit less, but fog still happens.
It doesn’t stick around all day, but when it rolls in, it can really cut down visibility. That’s especially true on country roads—something to keep in mind if you’re driving.
Mist pops up more often than dense fog, and it gives the city this damp, chilly vibe in the mornings.
If you’re heading out early, maybe leave a little extra time in case traffic slows down or you can’t see too far ahead.
Usually, by late morning, things clear up and you’ll get brighter skies or maybe just some light clouds.