Average Monthly Sunshine in Shetland

The graphs on this page shows the average number of hours per month and per day that Shetland receives direct sunlight. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average.

Monthly hours of sunshine

If you're visiting Shetland, timing is key. In May, you can enjoy up to 182 hours of sunshine, while the shorter days of December provide just 18 hours. The total annual amount of sun is 1111 hours.

Daily hours of sunshine

In Shetland, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 6.1 hours in May. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. December sees a soft sun for only 0.6 hours per day.

Shetland’s total hours of sunshine compared to other major cities

Shetland enjoys an average of 1111 hours of sunshine annually. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, enjoys 2769 hours of sunshine each year, making it one of the sunniest destinations in the Mediterranean region.

In contrast, Brussels, Belgium, receives only about 1590 hours of sunshine per year, known for its frequently overcast and rainy skies.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 2010 hours of sunshine annually, with bright, sunny weather in spring and autumn.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual sunshine is 1930 hours, with sunny periods between rainy seasons.

Other climate information

January, Shetland’s wettest month, receives 81 mm of rainfall and has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C. During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 10°C.

For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, check out our Temperature page. To explore more about precipitation patterns, visit our Shetland Precipitation page.