VisitShetland

Climate

Shetland lies in the track of the Atlantic depressions and is bathed by the relatively warm waters of the Slope Current, flowing north along the edge of the Continental Shelf, so the climate is classed as temperate maritime.

Summers in Shetland are usually showery, bright and cool, winters dark and wild, but also mild. The climate's slightly warmer than the Gulf of Alaska, which lies on the same 60th parallel of latitude.

A sunset over Trondra

On the fine days, which can occur at any time of year, the islands appear idyllic; in winter hurricanes they're awe-inspiring. But, having said that, when the weather's good you can have a beach all to yourself.

Sunshine

Settled spells of weather are unusual at any season, but the sunniest months are April to August.

Because we're so far north, from mid-May to mid-July Shetland enjoys the 'simmer dim' (summer twilight) when the sun only dips below the northern horizon for a few hours. In fine weather this can bring the islands almost 19 hours of sunshine a day (we pay for these Scandinavian 'white nights' in midwinter when, by contrast, there are fewer than six hours of daylight).

Rain

Rainfall averages 1,037 mm (41") a year, only half the total for Fort William on the west coast of Scotland. Fortunately for our visitors, almost three quarters of the rain falls in winter, with the driest weather usually between April and August.

Wind

Wind speed averages around Force 4 (15mph, or 24kph) over the entire year. Shetland is a very windy place but because of the shape of the islands you can usually find a sheltered spot for a picnic.

Fog

Fog occurs mainly in summer but is usually confined to the east coast of the islands while the west side bathes in sunshine.

Snow

Although Shetland's as far north as Greenland's Cape Farewell, snow rarely lies long. Gales of rain, squalls of sleet and occasional 'days between weathers' characterise the long winter, but frosts are rarely severe or prolonged.

The Dore Holm

Temperatures

Air temperature: August is the warmest month, with a daily average maximum of 14°C (57.2°F), and February the coldest, with 4.9°C (40.8°F). The average daily temperature range over the whole year is only 4.2°C (39.5°F).

Sea temperature range from around 6°C (42.8°F) in January to 13°C (55.4°F) in August.

The weather can be boisterous but never dull because it's rarely the same for two days running. Not surprisingly, the study of meteorology is an abiding passion with many islanders. The old weather lore is still in daily use by fishermen and crofters.

Weather forecasts are available online from Fair Isle meteorologist Dave Wheeler's website.

Climatic averages (figures from Shetland In Statistics)

Temperature: January min. 2.4°C; August max. 10.1°C.
Rainfall: 1,371mm p.a. (41.5").
Mean wind speed: 15mph; 49 days of gales.
Air frost: 33 days.
Snow falling: 60 days, lying on 10 days.
Rain or showers: 285 days.

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