ClimateForecastNovemberDecember >>

Shetland Climate by Month

Shetland has a steady cold climate throughout the year. It also has a notably wet climate with much precipitation. Now, let’s break down all the climate details for a clearer picture.

Average day and night temperature

The temperature in Shetland remains steady throughout the year, providing a consistently moderate climate. Average daytime temperatures range from a moderate 15°C in August, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 8°C during cooler months like February. At night, temperatures typically average around 5°C during these months.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

Shetland has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1165 mm of rainfall annually. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wetter season, January receives high rainfall, averaging 136 mm of precipitation, recorded across 26 rainy days. In contrast, the drier season, May brings less rainfall, with 52 mm over 17 rainy days.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Shetland. While May receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 6.1 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 0.6 hours of sunlight per day.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

The best time of year to visit Shetland in Scotland

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • Which is the warmest month in Shetland?
    August has an average maximum temperature of 15°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in Shetland?
    The coldest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 8°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in Shetland?
    January tops the wettest month list with 136 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in Shetland?
    May is the driest month with 52 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in Shetland?
    May is the sunniest month with an average of 182 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for Shetland

    Thu   Nov 21
    4°C | 0°C
    NE 25 km/h
    0.6 mm
    broken clouds and  chance of slight sleet

    broken clouds and chance of slight sleet

    Fri   Nov 22
    3°C | -2°C
    N 25 km/h
    0.4 mm
    partly cloudy and slight sleet

    partly cloudy and slight sleet

    Sat   Nov 23
    5°C | -3°C
    SE 47 km/h
    5 mm
    overcast and rain

    overcast and rain