Inverness Tide Times

About Inverness Tide Times

Inverness commands the Moray Firth where the River Ness meets the sea, creating a tidal landscape of mudflats and channels that shift dramatically between high and low water. The town's iconic castle overlooks a coastline of shingle beaches and rocky outcrops, while the Beauly and Ness rivers converge to create some of Scotland's most complex tidal flows. History runs deep here—from Culloden's aftermath to Victorian tourism—and modern Inverness balances heritage with its role as the Highlands' gateway. Birdwatchers and seal spotters know these waters well, and the surrounding glens offer dramatic contrast to the firth's moody waters.. The tide predictions shown above cover 7 days of high and low tide times, updated daily using professional-grade harmonic tidal analysis. Tide heights are displayed in metres above Chart Datum (CD), the standard reference level used in marine navigation charts.

Tidal patterns at Inverness are driven by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun acting on the local ocean. The timing and height of each tide depends on the shape of the local coastline, water depth, and the position of celestial bodies relative to Earth. Like all coastal locations, Inverness experiences a full tidal cycle approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes.

Spring tides — which occur at new moon and full moon — produce the largest tidal ranges at Inverness, with higher high tides and lower low tides than average. Neap tides, at the quarter moons, produce the smallest ranges. This fortnightly cycle is an important consideration for anyone planning coastal activities in the area.

What to Do at Inverness

Inverness is located in Highland, Scotland North.

Who Uses Tide Predictions for Inverness?

How to Read the Inverness Tide Chart

The tide chart above plots predicted water height (in metres) against time for Inverness. The curved line rises to peaks (high tide) and falls to troughs (low tide). The height shown is measured above Chart Datum — a reference level set near the lowest predicted astronomical tide level for the area.

• HWHigh Water — the peak of the tide. This is when the sea is at its highest level. The exact time and height changes each day.
• LWLow Water — the trough of the tide. The sea is at its lowest level, often exposing rocks, sand, and mudflats.
• ↑Flood tide — the period when the tide is rising from low water to high water. Currents flow onshore or up estuaries during this phase.
• ↓Ebb tide — the period when the tide is falling from high water to low water. Currents flow offshore or down estuaries during this phase.

All times shown are in the local timezone for Inverness (Europe/London). Remember that tide times advance by roughly 50 minutes each day, so always check the chart for your specific visit date.

Frequently Asked Questions — Inverness Tides