Shetland Islands in January
Not the best time
January is brutal weather-wise, but if you can handle the storms, you'll have the islands mostly to yourself. Up Helly Aa makes it worth the misery for one spectacular night.
Weather
January brings fierce Atlantic storms and bone-chilling winds that can knock you sideways. Temperatures hover just above freezing, but the wind chill makes it feel much colder. Rain comes sideways most days, mixed with sleet and occasional snow.
6°C high2°C low20 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$85/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Up Helly Aa (last Tuesday)
- •Fire Festival season begins
January Tips
- •Pack serious waterproof gear - your regular rain jacket won't cut it
- •Book accommodation well ahead for Up Helly Aa week
- •Expect ferry cancellations due to rough seas
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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