Weather in Isles of Scilly

Planning a trip to the Isles of Scilly? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts to help you better prepare for your journey.

The Isles of Scilly are renowned for their exceptionally mild and temperate maritime climate, considered one of the warmest and most favourable in the entire United Kingdom. Due to the strong influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream current, extreme temperatures are practically non-existent here: winter frosts are rare, and summer lacks exhausting heat. This makes the archipelago an attractive destination for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing holiday at any time of year.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations here are minimal. Summer is usually warm and comfortable, with averages around 17°C in July and August, which is ideal for long walks along the coast. Winter, although the wettest period with frequent rains (up to 20 rainy days in December), remains surprisingly warm: temperatures hold steady around 9-10°C. Spring and early summer, especially May and June, are characterised by the lowest rainfall and pleasant warming.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the high stability of the temperature regime. The difference between the coldest and warmest months is only a few degrees. However, tourists should be prepared for the variability of maritime weather: even in the warm months, brief showers and fresh winds are possible. Therefore, layered clothing is an excellent choice for travelling around these picturesque islands.

The climate of the Isles of Scilly can be described as one of the mildest and most stable in the UK. Thanks to the strong influence of the Atlantic Ocean, sharp seasonal contrasts are virtually absent here. The annual temperature range is surprisingly narrow: annual averages change smoothly from +9°C in the coolest months to +17°C at the height of summer, creating unique conditions for flora and comfortable recreation for tourists.

Summer on the archipelago offers pleasant freshness rather than exhausting heat. The warmest month is usually July, with an average temperature of about +17.1°C. Winter here is phenomenally mild for these latitudes: even in February and March, considered the coolest period, the air warms up to an average of +9°C. Frosts are an exceptional occurrence here, allowing visitors to enjoy seaside walks all year round.

A specific feature of the local temperature regime is the minimal difference between day and night readings. Daily fluctuations often amount to less than one or two degrees (for example, in January, the gap between the minimum and maximum does not exceed 2°C). Such stability makes the weather predictable and comfortable, sparing travellers the need to pack a wardrobe for sudden temperature changes throughout the day.

Precipitation on the Isles of Scilly is distributed unevenly throughout the year, forming distinct wet and drier periods. Thanks to the mild oceanic climate, severe frosts are practically unheard of here, so precipitation falls mainly as rain. Snow on the archipelago is an extremely rare phenomenon and uncharacteristic of this region.

The rainiest season is the period from late autumn to early spring. The "wettest" months in terms of precipitation frequency are December and November, when about 19–20 rainy days per month are recorded. January and February are also notable for high humidity (about 17 days with precipitation), so travellers at this time of year should be prepared for frequent, though often short-lived, rains.

The driest and most favourable period for visiting begins in late spring. The absolute leader for the number of clear days is May, when it rains on average only 6 days a month. Summer also pleases with relatively stable weather: in July, the number of rainy days is about 9, making this season an excellent time for walking and exploring the natural beauty of the archipelago.

The climate on the Isles of Scilly is surprisingly mild thanks to the influence of the ocean, so extreme cold is rare here, but the weather can be changeable and windy. The main principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Even in the warmest summer months (July and August), when temperatures rise to a comfortable 17°C, a cool breeze may blow from the sea, so a light jumper or fleece jacket will be useful over a t-shirt. In winter, when the thermometer stays around 9–10°C, heavy down jackets won't be needed, but high-quality windproof clothing will be indispensable for protection against dampness.

Given the rainfall statistics, especially in the autumn-winter period (up to 20 rainy days in December), waterproof gear is mandatory year-round. Instead of an umbrella, which can break from strong gusts of wind, it is better to take a reliable raincoat or a membrane jacket with a hood. In summer, especially in May, there is significantly less rain, but the weather on the islands is unpredictable, so a light windbreaker will still not go amiss. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen: the sun here can be active even during variable cloudiness.

Since the best way to explore the archipelago is by walking, pay special attention to footwear. You will need comfortable trekking boots or sturdy trainers with non-slip soles for walking on rocky paths and the coast. If you are travelling during the wetter season (from October to January), ensure your footwear is waterproof. It is also useful to bring a small backpack to carry water and removed layers of clothing during long excursions around picturesque spots.