Shetland Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Shetland, Scotland, enjoys a steady climate throughout the year, with daytime temperatures typically around 11°C (52°F). August is the warmest month at 15°C (59°F), while February is the coolest at 8°C (46°F).
Rainfall is high, totalling around 1165 mm (46 in) per year. January is the wettest month and May the driest. The sunniest month is May, with 6.1 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Monthly Temperature in Shetland
The temperature in Shetland remains steady throughout the year, providing a consistently moderate climate. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a moderate 15°C (59°F) in August, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 8°C (46°F) during cooler months like February.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in August to around 5°C (41°F) during February.Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Shetland
Shetland has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1165 mm (46 in) of rainfall annually. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. In the wettest month, January it receives high rainfall, averaging 136 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation, recorded across 26 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month May brings less rainfall, with 52 mm (2 in) over 17 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Shetland Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Shetland
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.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Shetland 3-Day Forecast
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
Best Time to Visit Shetland
Shetland experiences varied weather conditions throughout the year. The weather offers different seasonal patterns that provide unique experiences for visitors at different times. If we needed to point out one month as best to visit, it would be May, the driest month with 52 mm (2 in) of rainfall.Check the specific monthly conditions to plan your visit according to your weather preferences and planned activities. Need help choosing your next travel destination? We offer a specialized tool that matches you with locations based on your weather preferences. Explore destinations that suit your climate preferences.
