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 March
Thinking of visiting Shetland in March? Expect low temperatures reaching 8°C (46°F) during the day, dropping to 5°C (41°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Shetland in March
Typically, you can expect about 23 days of rain this month, with 102 mm (4 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 March
Expect highs of 8°C (46°F) in Shetland in March, with nights dropping to around 5°C (41°F). The days stay cool from start to finish. Layering up well will make outdoor time much more comfortable. Nights fall to 5°C (41°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Shetland in March
The area sees fewer sunny days, with a projection of about 93 hours of sunshine. This reduced sunlight makes it ideal for those who prefer overcast conditions over bright sunny 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 March
Min Temperature
5°C (41°F)
Max Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Chance of Rain
78%
Precipitation
102 mm (4 in)
Rainy days
23 days
Sunshine
93 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 March, with daily highs averaging around 8°C (46°F). Nights are cold, with lows around 3°C (37°F).
Average temperatures in March
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 March
Historical weather records for Shetland in March
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 March
Based on weather observations in Shetland between 1989 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during March.
- On March 28, 2025, temperatures climbed to 13°C (55°F), marking the warmest March day on record.
- The coldest March day was on March 1, 2018, with a maximum of -2°C (28°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -5°C (23°F) on March 14, 1992, marking the coldest March night on record.
- The wettest March day on record brought 33 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation to Shetland (March 16, 2005).
Best Places in Scotland in March
Find out more about the weather in Scotland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Scotland in March →
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 March
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Shetland in March. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.
What To Do in Shetland in March
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 March
Where to go in March - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Glasgow
10°C (50°F) Edinburgh10°C (50°F) Dundee10°C (50°F) Aberdeen9°C (48°F) Oban
9°C (48°F) Strathy East9°C (48°F) Shetland8°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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