Shetland Islands in December
Not the best time
December is beautiful in its own harsh way, but only for those who appreciate winter at its most dramatic. The storms are spectacular from inside a warm pub.
Weather
December brings the shortest days and some of the year's most vicious storms. Temperatures stay just above freezing, but horizontal rain and 50mph winds make it feel arctic. You get barely 5 hours of daylight by the solstice.
7°C high3°C low19 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$80/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Christmas celebrations
- •Winter solstice
- •New Year preparations
December Tips
- •Book a cozy B&B and plan to spend most time indoors
- •Ferry cancellations are common - have flexible plans
- •Some local pubs offer the best storm-watching with a pint
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
BUILD YOUR SHETLAND ISLANDS PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.