Weather in Shetland

Check the latest weather forecast for the Shetland Islands to better plan your day. In this section, you will find up-to-date information on temperature, precipitation, and weather changes for the near future.

The climate of Shetland can be described as maritime and moderately cool. Due to the strong influence of the ocean, there is neither extreme heat nor severe frost here. Temperatures remain surprisingly stable throughout the year: the difference between the averages of the coldest and warmest months is small, creating mild but rather damp conditions.

Summer here is cool and fresh: even in July and August, the air warms up on average to only 12–13°C. Winter, on the other hand, is mild for these latitudes, with average temperatures around 6°C, although the feeling of cold can be intensified by winds. There are practically no distinct seasons with sharp temperature fluctuations here.

Tourists should be prepared for a high probability of precipitation at any time of the year. Even in the "driest" months, May and June, it rains for about 12 days, and during the winter period, especially in December and January, the number of rainy days reaches 24–26 per month. The weather on the islands is changeable, so waterproof clothing and layering will be essential all year round.

The temperature regime on Shetland is distinguished by remarkable stability and the absence of sharp fluctuations throughout the year. Thanks to the strong influence of the Atlantic, a mild maritime climate prevails here. The coldest period is traditionally the winter months, especially February and March, when the average temperature is about +5.6°C — +5.7°C. The peak of warmth occurs in August, when the air warms up on average to +12.6°C, making the annual temperature amplitude quite insignificant.

Summer on the archipelago cannot be called hot; rather, it is cool and refreshing. In July and August, the thermometer usually stays in a comfortable range from +11°C to +13°C. Such weather is ideal for active walks, but not for a beach holiday in the traditional sense. Winters here are quite mild for such northern latitudes: the temperature rarely drops to extreme values, staying within +4°C...+7°C from December to March.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the minimal difference between day and night temperatures. According to statistics, fluctuations during the day often amount to just 1–2 degrees. For example, in August, the average minimum (+11.9°C) hardly differs from the maximum (+13.3°C), and in January this gap is just over two degrees. This means the weather remains predictably steady around the clock, and tourists need not expect a sharp cooling of the air at night.

The climate on Shetland is typical for the northern part of the United Kingdom: high humidity prevails here, and precipitation falls quite regularly throughout the year. The wettest and gloomiest period is winter. December and January break records for the frequency of bad weather: on average, 24 to 26 days with precipitation are recorded here per month. Given the cool temperatures, in winter you can often encounter prolonged rains turning into sleet, and piercing dampness.

However, the archipelago also has a relatively "dry" season, which falls in late spring and early summer. May and June are considered the most favourable months to visit: the number of rainy days drops to 12 per month. This is the best time for long walks and exploring the rugged but beautiful nature of the islands, when the sun appears in the sky most often.

In autumn, the weather begins to deteriorate again, and by October the number of days with precipitation increases to 23. It is worth noting an interesting feature of the local weather: although it rains often, the total volume of falling moisture (in millimetres) remains relatively small and stable throughout the year. This suggests that light drizzle or short showers are more characteristic of Shetland than heavy downpours, although strong winds can intensify the feeling of bad weather.

A trip to Shetland requires careful wardrobe preparation, as the weather here is known for its changeable and windy character at any time of the year. The main principle to follow when packing is layering. Even in the warmest summer months, such as July and August, the temperature rarely exceeds 13°C, so be sure to bring a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket with a hood. A standard umbrella often proves useless here due to strong gusts of wind, so a reliable raincoat or membrane clothing will be your best protection against the frequent drizzle.

For walking along the picturesque cliffs and heather moors, you will need comfortable, broken-in, and preferably waterproof footwear. Trekking boots with good tread are an ideal choice, keeping your feet dry even on rainy days, of which there can be up to 26 a month in winter. Don't forget to pack warm clothes: fleece jackets, thick woollen sweaters, and a set of thermal underwear will come in handy even in summer. In the colder period, from November to March, a hat, scarf, and gloves are mandatory gear for protection against the piercing maritime cold.

Despite the harsh climate, do not neglect sunglasses and sunscreen: the wind and light reflection from the water can be deceptive even in cloudy weather. We also recommend bringing a small backpack, which is convenient for storing removed layers of clothing if the sun suddenly comes out. Since humidity is high here all year round, having a spare pair of warm shoes and plenty of socks will make your stay on the islands much more comfortable.