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 December
December in Shetland sees daytime temperatures around 9°C (48°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F) at night. With around 131 mm (5.2 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.
Rainfall in Shetland in December
Based on our climate data of the past 30 years, about 27 days of rain are anticipated, with 131 mm (5.2 in) on average. This is a wet month with frequent and often heavy showers. Both the number of rain days and the total rainfall are high.
Temperature in Shetland in December
If you're visiting Shetland in December, expect highs of 9°C (48°F) and overnight lows around 6°C (43°F). Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. 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 December
This month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with about 18 hours of sunshine. It's great for those who appreciate cooler, less sunny days.December in Shetland has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Shetland Temperature in December
Min Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Max Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Chance of Rain
88%
Precipitation
131 mm (5.2 in)
Rainy days
27 days
Sunshine
18 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 December, with daily highs averaging around 9°C (48°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 5°C (41°F).
Average temperatures in December
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 December
Historical weather records for Shetland in December
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 December
According to our 49 years of weather records for Shetland, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2025.
- Shetland recorded its highest December temperature of 12°C (54°F) on December 7, 2016.
- On December 31, 1978, Shetland saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at -3°C (27°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -6°C (21°F) on December 21, 2010, marking the coldest December night on record.
- Peak precipitation in December occurred on December 8, 1994, when 58 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation was measured.
Best Places in Scotland in December
Find out more about the weather in Scotland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Scotland in December →
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 December
Cold weather calls for smart layering in December. A thermal base layer makes a huge difference in staying warm. Add a wool sweater or fleece, then a wind-resistant outer jacket. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.
What To Do in Shetland in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
-
Swimming4/10 -
Cycling4/10 -
Walking4/10 -
Camping3/10 -
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 December
Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Shetland
9°C (48°F) Strathy East9°C (48°F) Oban8°C (46°F) Aberdeen8°C (46°F) Glasgow8°C (46°F) Dundee8°C (46°F) Edinburgh8°C (46°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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