Scotland’s West Coast - A Sailor’s Paradise
Whether you are looking to sail to an island to enjoy empty white sandy beaches or a rocky mountainous walk there is always a choice. Sailing is by far the best way to explore this area.
Shetland Weather in April
April in Shetland averages 9°C (48°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night. Quite a bit of rainfall is typical this month, with around 67 mm (2.6 in) on average. An umbrella is a good idea.
Rainfall in Shetland in April
Typically, you can expect about 19 days of rain this month, with 67 mm (2.6 in) on average. Rain falls on many days this month, but usually in relatively small amounts. A light waterproof is more useful than a heavy umbrella.
Temperature in Shetland in April
If you're visiting Shetland in April, expect highs of 9°C (48°F) and overnight lows around 6°C (43°F). Even at the warmest part of the day, temperatures stay low. Dressing warmly from the start is the sensible approach. With overnight lows of 6°C (43°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Shetland in April
The area enjoys a moderate level of sunlight, with around 130 hours. It's a good balance between sunny and cloudy days.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. July, August and September typically offer the best weather for Shetland.
Shetland Temperature in April
Min Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Max Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Chance of Rain
63%
Precipitation
67 mm (2.6 in)
Rainy days
19 days
Sunshine
130 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Shetland Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Shetland - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Shetland typically stay consistent throughout April, with daily highs averaging around 9°C (48°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 4°C (39°F).
Average temperatures in April
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in April
Historical weather records for Shetland in April
Browse day-by-day weather records for Shetland spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Shetland historical weather extremes in April
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Shetland from 1976 through 2026.
- On April 18, 2003, temperatures climbed to 15°C (59°F), marking the warmest April day on record.
- The coldest April day was on April 10, 1978, with a maximum of 1°C (34°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -4°C (25°F) on April 10, 1978, marking the coldest April night on record.
- The wettest April day on record brought 22 mm (0.9 in) of precipitation to Shetland (April 3, 2019).
Best Places in Scotland in April
Find out more about the weather in Scotland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Scotland in April →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Shetland in April
Cold weather calls for smart layering in April. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.
What To Do in Shetland in April
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming5/10 -
Cycling4/10 -
Walking4/10 -
Camping4/10 -
Outdoor sports4/10
Shetland 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Shetland
See the full Shetland climate overview or explore weather in Scotland.
Popular in April
Where to go in April - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Glasgow
12°C (54°F) Edinburgh
12°C (54°F) Dundee12°C (54°F) Oban11°C (52°F) Aberdeen11°C (52°F) Strathy East10°C (50°F) Shetland9°C (48°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Scotland’s West Coast - A Sailor’s Paradise
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