Weather in Barra

Stay updated on current weather conditions when setting off for Barra. In this section, you will find the latest data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts that will help you wisely plan your journey.

The climate of the island of Barra can be described as temperate maritime, distinguished by remarkable mildness and a lack of sharp temperature fluctuations. Thanks to the strong influence of the Atlantic Ocean, there are no severe frosts in winter or scorching heat in summer. The temperature regime remains very stable throughout the year: the thermometer rarely drops below +6°C in winter and usually hovers around +13…+14°C during the warmest summer months.

Precipitation is an integral part of the local weather. Rains fall here frequently and regularly, regardless of the season. In winter and late autumn, the number of days with precipitation can reach 22–26 per month, making this period quite humid. Spring and early summer are considered relatively drier seasons; however, even during this time, tourists should be prepared for rain on approximately half the days of the month.

Overall, the weather on Barra is conducive to active outdoor leisure for those who do not fear the cool air and fresh wind. The absence of extreme temperatures makes the island accessible for visits year-round, but when planning a trip, it is absolutely essential to bring high-quality waterproof clothing and footwear, as clear skies here can quickly be replaced by rain clouds.

The temperature regime on the island of Barra is notable for its surprising mildness and stability, typical of the maritime climate in this part of the country. Sharp seasonal contrasts are practically non-existent here: winter flows smoothly into summer without extreme spikes. The coldest months are usually February and March, when the average air temperature drops to +6…+7°C. Due to the influence of the Atlantic, strong frosts are a rarity here, and winter feels more like a prolonged, cool autumn.

The summer period on Barra can be described as restrained and refreshing. The warmest days fall in July and August, when the air warms up on average to +13…+14°C. There is no exhausting heat here, so the weather is ideal for active recreation and walking, though not for classic beach sunbathing. Pleasant warmth remains in early autumn as well: in September, average indicators still hold around +13°C.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the minimal difference between day and night temperatures — daily fluctuations are insignificant and usually remain within 1–2 degrees. This creates a sense of weather consistency throughout the day. Overall, the annual temperature range is very narrow: the difference between the coldest and warmest month is only about 7–8 degrees, making the island's climate predictable and free of thermal stress.

When planning a trip to the island of Barra, it is worth being prepared for the fact that precipitation here is a frequent and familiar phenomenon. The climate is characterised by high humidity throughout the year, although there is no clearly defined season of torrential downpours: rains are more often moderate but regular in nature. Late autumn and winter are traditionally considered the wettest and cloudiest periods.

The greatest number of rainy days occurs during the cold season. In December and January, precipitation can fall up to 25–26 days a month, and October is not far behind with a figure of 24 days. During this period, the maximum volume of precipitation is also recorded (about 5–6 mm), so waterproof clothing and reliable footwear will be mandatory wardrobe elements for any tourist.

If you are looking for a drier time to visit, it is best to choose spring. April and May are the most favourable months: the number of days with precipitation decreases to 12, and their intensity drops to the annual minimum. In summer, especially in August, the rains return, and the number of wet days rises again to 21, so an umbrella or raincoat will be useful in Barra even during the warmest season.

When preparing for a journey to the island of Barra, it is important to remember the changeable maritime climate. It is rarely too hot or extremely cold here, so the main principle for your wardrobe is layering. Even in summer, the air temperature usually stays around +13...+14°C, so be sure to bring t-shirts, light jumpers, and a warm fleece jacket. This will allow you to quickly adapt to the weather, which can change several times a day.

Given the high humidity and frequent precipitation (up to 26 rainy days in winter months), a high-quality waterproof jacket with a hood will become your best friend. A standard umbrella often proves useless here due to the strong winds characteristic of the Hebrides, so it is better to opt for a reliable raincoat or windbreaker. For walks along the picturesque beaches and hills, comfortable and, preferably, waterproof footwear, such as trekking boots, is necessary.

If your trip is planned for the period from October to March, do not forget a thick hat, scarf, and gloves, as the sea breeze intensifies the feeling of coolness. In the summer months, despite the likely absence of heat, the sun can be deceptive, so it is worth packing sunglasses and cream in your suitcase — they will protect your eyes from the glare on the water and your skin from windburn.