The best time to visit the Shetland Islands
Vacation in Scotland's far north
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The best time to visit the Shetland Islands is between April and September. The weather is mild compared to the other months, with the most sunshine and particularly long days thanks to the northern location.
Marvin Luczynski
Travel expert for Scotland
Updated on 11/24/2025
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The Shetland Islands have an oceanic climate with mild temperatures and frequent rainfall. Winters stay relatively mild, while summers are cool. Spring runs from March through May, bringing gradually longer days. In summer, from June to August, temperatures rarely rise above 59°F (15°C), but daylight lasts well into the evening. From September to November, the weather turns cooler and daylight hours shorten. Winter offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights, although conditions can be unpredictable throughout the year.
Shetland Islands in high season
The main travel season in Shetland is usually from around June to August, the summer months when the weather is at its mildest and the days are longest. This is the best time to make the most of the days on Shetland to explore the island on road trips and hikes. In the summer months, however, it is advisable to book a little longer in advance, as accommodation and ferries can get booked up quickly.
Shetland Islands in the shoulder season
The shoulder season in Shetland is in spring and fall. During these months the weather is less predictable than in summer, but the days are longer than in winter. The spring months are ideal for birdwatching, as many migratory birds breed on the islands, and the northern lights season slowly begins in the fall. Seals can also be observed now. In the low season, there are fewer tourists on the island and prices for accommodation and ferries can be significantly lower than in the high season.
Shetland Islands in the low season
The low season in Shetland is usually from November to March. Winter is when the weather is at its coldest and windiest, and there are fewer daylight hours. The weather is not ideal for outdoor activities. But there is another reason that attracts visitors to Shetland in winter: the Northern Lights. In the low season, accommodation and ferries are generally cheaper and less busy than in the high season. Weatherproof clothing should definitely be part of your luggage.
“Muckle Flugga is the most northerly lighthouse in the UK and is located on a small island called Out Stack. The best time to visit is in summer, when the days are mild and long and the lighthouse is open.”
Marvin Luczynski
Travel expert for Scotland
Hiking
The best time to go hiking in Shetland is from May to September - especially June, July and August, when the weather is mildest and the days are longest. In July and August, however, it can get a little crowded on the island due to the summer vacations. As a general rule, the weather can change quickly on the Shetland Islands, even in summer. It is advisable to keep an eye on the forecast and bring a rain jacket.
Northern Lights
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Shetland is during the winter months, especially from October to March. During these months, the nights are at their darkest and there is a higher chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis in the sky. However, it is important to note that the weather on the island can be unpredictable. To see the Northern Lights, the sky must be clear and there must be as little light pollution as possible in the area.
Whale watching
The best time for whale watching in Shetland is from late spring to fall, around May or into September. At this time, humpback whales, minke whales and even orcas are out and about in the waters around the islands in search of food. It is important to always keep an eye on the weather conditions, as the weather can be unpredictable even in summer.
