Stornoway Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Stornoway.

Climate overview of Stornoway

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, United Kingdom, experiences moderate temperature changes through the seasons. August is the warmest month with daytime highs of 17°C (63°F), while February is the coolest at 9°C (48°F).

The city receives considerable rainfall, with around 1238 mm (49 in) annually. October is the wettest month. May is the sunniest month, averaging 6.8 hours of sunshine per day.

Stornoway Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Stornoway — and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Stornoway

In Stornoway, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Typically, average maximum daytime temperatures range from a moderate 17°C (63°F) in August to a chilly 9°C (48°F) in the coolest month, February.

Nights vary from 12°C (54°F) in August to around 4°C (39°F) during the colder months.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Stornoway

Stornoway has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1238 mm (49 in) of rainfall annually. Precipitation levels in Stornoway remain relatively steady throughout the year. October has the most rain, with 123 mm (4.8 in) over 25 days. In the driest month May, this drops slightly to 84 mm (3.3 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable. For more details, please visit our Stornoway Precipitation page.

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

Sunshine Hours in Stornoway

For those who appreciate different seasons, Stornoway serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in May with an average of 6.8 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in December, offering only 1 hour of daily sunlight.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Best Time to Visit Stornoway

During the months of July, August and September, Stornoway enjoys pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 16°C (61°F) to 17°C (63°F). These months are perfect for sightseeing and exploring.

Rainfall during this time ranges from 98 mm (3.9 in) in July to 108 mm (4.3 in) in September. This means you can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.

Planning your next adventure but unsure where to go? Our climate tool suggests perfect locations tailored to your preferred weather conditions. Discover your ideal travel destination with our weather planner.

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Stornoway

What is the best time to visit Stornoway?

May, June and July typically offer the most optimal weather in Stornoway. In contrast, January, February, March, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions.

What temperatures can I expect in Stornoway?

Daytime highs range from 9°C (48°F) in February to 17°C (63°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from 4°C (39°F) to 12°C (54°F).

How much rain does Stornoway get?

Annual rainfall is around 1238 mm (49 in). October is the wettest month with 123 mm (4.8 in), while May is the driest with 84 mm (3.3 in).

How sunny is Stornoway?

Stornoway receives around 1,238 hours of sunshine per year. May is the sunniest month with 205 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 30 hours.

Stornoway 3-Day Forecast

Stornoway 3-Day Forecast

Stornoway on the map

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