Shetland Weather in October
With daytime temperatures of 12°C (54°F) and nighttime lows of 9°C (48°F), October in Shetland brings moderate temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 121 mm (4.8 in) falls on average.
Rainfall in Shetland in October
You can typically expect 24 days of rain this month, averaging around 121 mm (4.8 in). This month brings frequent, heavy showers. Both the number of wet days and the rainfall totals are on the high side.
Temperature in Shetland in October
October in Shetland sees highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F) overnight. This creates a mild day-to-night pattern that is generally easy to manage with the right clothing. Nights fall to 9°C (48°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 October
The area sees fewer sunny days, with a projection of about 69 hours of sunshine. This reduced sunlight makes it ideal for those who prefer overcast conditions over bright sunny days.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, October may not be the ideal month to visit Shetland. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Scotland, check out our Shetland's climate page.
Shetland Temperature in October
Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Chance of Rain
79%
Precipitation
121 mm (4.8 in)
Rainy days
24 days
Sunshine
69 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Shetland typically stay consistent throughout October, with daily highs averaging around 12°C (54°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 9°C (48°F).
Average temperatures in October
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 October
Historical weather for Shetland in October
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 October
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Shetland from 1976 through 2025.
- On October 11, 1995, temperatures climbed to 22°C (72°F), marking the warmest October day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in October was 3°C (37°F), recorded on October 14, 1993.
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in October was -1°C (30°F) (October 28, 2008).
- The wettest day in October Shetland was on October 26, 2006 with 36 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation.
Best Places in Scotland in October
Find out more about the weather in Scotland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Scotland in October →
perfect weather
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Shetland in October
Pack for changing conditions in Shetland in October. 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. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.What To Do in Shetland in October
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Scotland, check out our Shetland's climate page.
See the full Shetland climate overview or explore weather in Scotland.
