Weather in Stornoway

Find out what the weather is like right now in Stornoway to better plan your time. Below, you will find up-to-date data, detailed charts, and a forecast for the upcoming period.

The climate of Stornoway can be described as temperate maritime, strongly influenced by the Atlantic. There is neither sweltering heat nor severe frost here, which ensures a relatively even temperature background throughout the year. The air here is always fresh and humid, which is typical for the island part of the United Kingdom.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations are quite mild. Summer here is cool: in the warmest months, July and August, the air warms up on average only to 14–16°C. Winters pass without severe cold, with temperatures rarely dropping below 3°C. This makes the climate stable, but travellers should be prepared for the absence of heat even at the height of the summer season.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Stornoway is the high probability of precipitation and variable cloudiness. The number of rainy days remains high all year round, varying from 16 to 22 days per month. Overcast skies and frequent rains are a common occurrence, so a high-quality raincoat and waterproof shoes will become your main companions on the trip.

The climate in Stornoway is distinguished by its mildness and lack of extreme temperature changes, which is characteristic of the island part of the UK. The annual temperature range here is quite narrow. The coldest months are traditionally January and February, when the average air temperature holds at around +5°C. Winters here are cool but not severe: the thermometer rarely drops below +3°C even at night, and daytime figures stably hold around +7°C.

Summer in this region can be described as fresh and moderately warm, ideal for outdoor activities without exhausting heat. The warmest month of the year is July with an average temperature of about +13.8°C, while maximum values during the day reach a comfortable +16.2°C. Even at the height of summer, pleasant coolness reigns here rather than heat. By September, the air begins to gradually cool down but still maintains average figures above +12°C.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Stornoway is the surprising stability of temperature throughout the day. The difference between daily maximums and nightly minimums is small and, as a rule, varies within 3–6 degrees depending on the season. For example, in May the average minimum is +7.6°C, and the maximum is +13.0°C. This means that tourists will not have to worry about a sharp cooling with the onset of the evening, and the weather remains predictable throughout the day.

For Stornoway, located in the Outer Hebrides, a maritime climate with high humidity and frequent precipitation throughout the year is characteristic. It is difficult to distinguish a clearly pronounced dry season or rainy season here: the weather remains changeable and wet almost constantly. Travellers should be prepared for the fact that cloudy days are an integral part of the local atmosphere.

Analyzing the statistics, it is notable that the number of rainy days remains consistently high. The peak frequency of precipitation falls on late summer and early autumn: the "wettest" month by the number of days with precipitation is August (about 22 days), followed by October and December (21 days each). Even in relatively drier months, such as April and June, it rains on average 16 days, so a reliable raincoat will be necessary at any time of the year.

The nature of precipitation usually consists of prolonged drizzling rains or short-term showers, typical for the UK. In winter, when the temperature drops to 3–4°C, sleet is possible; however, due to the influence of the ocean, a stable snow cover rarely forms. In summer, precipitation often alternates with clearings, but completely dry weeks for this region are a rarity.

Stornoway's climate dictates the main rule for any traveller: dress in layers. Even in the warmest summer months, such as July and August, the average temperature rarely exceeds 14–16°C, so light t-shirts should definitely be supplemented with warm jumpers, fleece jackets, and thick trousers. The weather in the Hebrides is known for its variability: a sunny morning can suddenly be replaced by a cool wind and drizzle, so the principle of layering will allow you to easily adapt to any whims of nature.

Given the high probability of precipitation at any time of the year (on average 16–22 rainy days per month), reliable protection against moisture is simply necessary. A regular umbrella may turn out to be useless due to strong gusts of wind characteristic of this region of the United Kingdom. It is much more practical to take a high-quality waterproof windbreaker with a hood or a raincoat. Also critically important is comfortable, broken-in, and preferably waterproof walking shoes to comfortably explore the city and its surroundings.

If you plan a trip in winter or the off-season, when the temperature stays around 5–7°C, be sure to take a hat, scarf, and gloves, as high humidity enhances the sensation of cold. In summer, do not neglect sunscreen and sunglasses: even with cloudy weather and a cool wind, UV rays can be active. A small backpack with a rain cover will be a great addition to your luggage, allowing you to keep personal items dry during long walks.