Shetland Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Shetland, Scotland. The numbers reflect climate data gathered over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Shetland experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1165 mm (46 in) of precipitation annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Shetland can be quite wet during January, receiving approximately 136 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation over 26 rainy days.
In contrast May, experiences much drier conditions, with 52 mm (2 in) of rainfall, spread across 17 rainy days.
January, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 9°C (48°F). The city receives 29 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month May you can expect a temperature of 10°C (50°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Shetland Temperature page.
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 July
Explore Shetland's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Shetland spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in Scotland: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Scotland. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Shetland vs World: Rainfall Compared
Shetland's average annual precipitation is 1165 mm (46 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm (20 in) of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Tropical Rainforests: In tropical regions, rainfall is generally abundant year-round. Areas near the equator, like the Amazon rainforest, can receive up to 3000 mm (118 in) of rain annually.
Desert Regions: Deserts such as the Sahara and Arabian deserts typically see less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rainfall annually. Rainfall tends to be infrequent, but when it does occur, it is often intense.
Temperate Zones: In temperate regions, precipitation tends to be more evenly distributed, though areas closer to the ocean may see more rain in the winter months, and areas further inland experience drier summers.
Polar Regions: Precipitation in polar regions, like Antarctica, is extremely low, often falling as snow. Average annual precipitation in Antarctica is less than 200 mm (7.9 in), with some areas receiving as little as 50 mm (2 in) annually.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Shetland's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Shetland Climate page.
