Shetland Islands in April
Good time to visit
April marks the real start of visiting season. The weather's still unpredictable, but you get enough good days to make island-hopping worthwhile.
Weather
April delivers proper spring weather about half the time, with genuinely pleasant days mixed with traditional Shetland storms. Rain becomes more showery than constant, and the wind occasionally drops to a reasonable level. Daylight stretches past 7pm.
9°C high4°C low14 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Easter celebrations
- •Puffin season begins at cliffs
April Tips
- •Book puffin tours early - they fill up fast once word gets out
- •Weather changes rapidly - check forecasts hourly
- •Many seasonal attractions reopen this month
All Months
May through August offers the warmest weather and longest days. In June, the sun sets after 11 PM and rises before 4 AM - locals call this endless twilight the 'simmer dim.' Temperatures reach a heady 15°C on good days.
But here's the thing about Shetland weather: it changes hourly. Pack for four seasons regardless of when you visit. The islands sit in the path of Atlantic storms, and wind speeds regularly hit 40 mph.
Winter brings the Northern Lights and Up Helly Aa, Europe's largest fire festival. January temperatures hover around 3°C, but the Gulf Stream keeps it milder than you'd expect this far north. Just expect only 6 hours of daylight.
Bird watchers should time visits around migration seasons - May for arrivals, August for departures. Puffins nest from May to July on cliffs around Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle.
Shetland Islands Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
6/10
Families
5/10
Adventure
7/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
4/10
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