Lerwick

Planning your day in Lerwick? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and charts to help you prepare for any conditions.

The climate in Lerwick can be described as temperate maritime, featuring cool weather and high humidity throughout the year. Thanks to the oceanic influence, there are no extreme temperature swings: winters are remarkably mild for such a northern latitude, while summers are fresh and invigorating. The thermometer rarely drops below freezing or rises above +15°C, creating a very stable temperature background.

Seasons are defined less by temperature and more by the number of rainy days. Winter months, while maintaining temperatures around +5…+7°C, are characterized by frequent precipitation: rain or drizzle can occur almost daily. Summer, especially July and August, is considered the most pleasant time to visit, when the air warms up to +12…+13°C and the number of overcast days decreases slightly, allowing you to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Shetland Islands.

Tourists should keep in mind that the weather in this region is quite changeable and windy. Even during the "driest" spring months, such as April and May, rain occurs regularly. Therefore, when planning a trip to Lerwick, it is important to bring waterproof clothing and be prepared for clear skies to quickly turn cloudy in any season.

The climate in Lerwick has a pronounced maritime character with a remarkably small temperature range throughout the year. Thanks to the oceanic influence, there is no extreme heat or severe frost here. According to statistics, the coldest month is February with an average of about +5.7°C, while it is warmest in August, when the air warms up to an average of +12.7°C.

Summer in this region of the United Kingdom can be described as cool and fresh. Even in July and August, daytime highs rarely exceed +13°C, creating comfortable conditions for long walks if you don't like the heat. Winters here are mild for northern latitudes: temperatures stay in the range of +4.7°C to +7.7°C. However, keep in mind that due to high humidity and winds, the weather can subjectively feel colder than the instruments show.

An interesting feature of Lerwick's temperature regime is the minimal difference between daytime and nighttime figures. Fluctuations are often only 1–1.5 degrees: for example, in June, the average minimum is +9.9°C and the maximum is +11.4°C. This stability means that the weather remains consistent throughout the day, so warm and windproof clothing will be relevant both during the day and in the evening.

The climate of Lerwick is characterized by high humidity and frequent precipitation throughout the year, which is typical for the Shetland Islands. It is difficult to identify a distinct dry season here, but there are periods of lower rain intensity. The "wettest" time of year is winter: in December and January, the number of days with precipitation peaks at 24 to 25 days per month. Given average temperatures ranging from 5–7°C, precipitation most often falls as rain or drizzle, although sleet is also possible.

Spring and early summer bring a relative lull. The period from April to June can be called the driest time of year, when the number of rainy days drops to 12–13 per month. This is the best time for walks, though an umbrella or raincoat should still be kept handy. In summer, during July and August, the frequency of precipitation increases slightly (up to 14–15 days), but the air temperature becomes more comfortable, averaging 12°C.

In autumn, the weather in Lerwick becomes more overcast again. By October and November, the number of days with precipitation jumps to 23 per month. Judging by the low volume of moisture despite the high frequency of rainy days, the precipitation more often resembles a prolonged light mist or fog than heavy downpours. Travelers are advised to always have waterproof clothing with them, regardless of the month chosen for the trip.

The weather in Lerwick is cool and changeable year-round, so the main principle when packing is layering. Even in the warmest months, July and August, the average temperature stays around +12°C, so light T-shirts should definitely be complemented by warm sweaters, fleece jackets, and a reliable windbreaker. Given the high humidity and frequent precipitation (from 12 to 25 rainy days per month depending on the season), a high-quality hooded shell jacket will be your most important wardrobe item.

For a trip in the autumn-winter period, be sure to pack thermal underwear, wool socks, a thick hat, scarf, and gloves. Although winter temperatures rarely drop below +4°C, the piercing winds typical of this region of the United Kingdom can make the perceived temperature significantly lower. In summer, the weather is milder, but evenings remain fresh, so warm clothes won't go amiss even in July.

Special attention should be paid to footwear: it should be comfortable, waterproof, and have a non-slip sole; broken-in trekking boots are ideal for long walks. Umbrellas are often useless in Lerwick due to strong gusts of wind, so it's better to rely on a good raincoat. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen, as the wind and variable cloud cover can be deceptive.