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 May
May in Shetland brings low temperatures, with highs of 10°C (50°F) and nights dropping to 7°C (45°F). It's also the driest month of the year, ideal for those who want to avoid rain.
Rainfall in Shetland in May
Clear skies and little rain are the norm this month, even if it's not the warmest time of year. Still a good time to spend time outdoors. You can typically expect 17 days of rain this month, averaging around 52 mm (2 in). 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 May
In May, Shetland sees low temperatures, with highs of 10°C (50°F). Nights drop to around 7°C (45°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 7°C (45°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Shetland in May
The city usually sees around 182 hours of sunlight, indicating a moderately sunny period.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 May
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Chance of Rain
55%
Precipitation
52 mm (2 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Sunshine
182 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 May, with daily highs averaging around 10°C (50°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in May
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 May
Historical weather records for Shetland in May
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 May
According to our 50 years of weather records for Shetland, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2026.
- Shetland recorded its highest May temperature of 21°C (70°F) on May 30, 1992.
- On May 3, 1979, Shetland saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 3°C (37°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -1°C (30°F) on May 1, 1979, marking the coldest May night on record.
- The wettest May day on record brought 15 mm (0.6 in) of precipitation to Shetland (May 2, 2016).
Best Places in Scotland in May
Find out more about the weather in Scotland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Scotland in May →
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 May
Pack for changing conditions in Shetland in May. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. 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 May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming5/10 -
Cycling6/10 -
Walking6/10 -
Camping4/10 -
Outdoor sports6/10
Shetland 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Shetland
See the full Shetland climate overview or explore weather in Scotland.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
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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