You’ve seen the photos. Craggy cliffs, turquoise water that looks suspiciously like the Caribbean, and those tiny ponies with manes blowing in the wind. But let’s be real for a second. If you’re checking the weather for Shetland Islands because you’re planning a trip, you need to understand one thing: the forecast is basically just a polite suggestion.
Honestly, the weather here is a living, breathing thing. It’s 60 degrees north. That’s the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska, or St. Petersburg, Russia. Yet, thanks to a massive current of warm water called the North Atlantic Drift (often confused with the Gulf Stream), Shetland doesn’t actually freeze that often. While Alaska is shivering at $-20^{\circ}\text{C}$, a typical winter day in Lerwick sits around $4^{\circ}\text{C}$ or $5^{\circ}\text{C}$.
But don't let those "mild" numbers fool you.
✨ Don't miss: Current Time in Madrid Spain: Why the City is Always Out of Sync
The "Four Seasons in an Hour" Rule
Shetlanders have a saying: "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." They aren't kidding. You can start a hike in blazing sunshine, get hit by horizontal sleet ten minutes later, and be back to wearing sunglasses before you’ve even reached the next headland.
Right now, in mid-January 2026, the islands are caught in a classic winter cycle. We’re seeing temperatures hovering around 42°F (5.5°C), with a "feels like" closer to 36°F (2°C) because the wind is kicking up at 8 mph from the south. The humidity is sitting at a thick 89%. Basically, it’s a damp, grey blanket, but it’s far from the frozen tundra most people expect.
🔗 Read more: Conway New Hampshire is Way More Than Just a Gateway to the Whites
What the Forecast Doesn't Tell You
Most weather apps give you a little icon—a cloud, a sun, maybe a raindrop. In Shetland, that icon is a lie. The geography of the islands is so fragmented that it might be pouring rain in Scalloway while the sun is cracking the stones in Unst.
- Wind Chill is the Boss: A 45°F day sounds fine until you add a 30 mph gust. Suddenly, your face is numb.
- The Simmer Dim: In late June, the sun barely sets. It’s a twilight that lasts all night. The weather feels different when it’s 11 PM and still light enough to read a book outside.
- Sea Fog (The Haar): You’ll be enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon and then, out of nowhere, a wall of white rolls in from the Atlantic. It’s eerie, beautiful, and can drop the temperature by ten degrees in minutes.
Why 2026 is Looking Different
We’ve been watching the North Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) pretty closely. Scientists like those at the Lerwick Observatory have noted that while the islands remain mild, the "storminess" is shifting. This winter, we’re seeing more frequent "blatterings"—that’s the local word for those short, sharp bursts of rain or snow—rather than the prolonged weeks-long gales of the 90s.
But the wind still has teeth. Just last year, Storm Amy brought gusts that reminded everyone who is really in charge. While Norway saw 139 mph, Shetland took a heavy battering that disrupted ferries and flights for days. If you’re traveling here, you have to be okay with your plans being written in pencil. The weather decides when the boat sails.
How to Actually Dress (Local Advice)
If you turn up with an umbrella, the locals will enjoy a quiet laugh at your expense. An umbrella in a Shetland gale is just a very expensive way to carry a broken piece of metal and fabric.
You need layers. Start with a thermal base—merino wool is the gold standard here. Put a light fleece over that, and then a high-quality windproof and waterproof shell. Notice I said windproof. If the wind can get through your jacket, the insulation underneath doesn't matter.
💡 You might also like: Tai Mo Shan: Why Hong Kong’s Highest Peak Is More Than Just a Hike
"I've seen tourists arrive in heavy Arctic parkas and sweat through them because the air isn't actually that cold—it’s just moving very, very fast." — Local guide tip.
Footwear Matters
Forget the fashionable trainers. The ground here is "peaty," which is a fancy way of saying it’s a giant, water-logged sponge. Even on a day when the weather for Shetland Islands looks dry, the ground will be soaking. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are the only way to go if you want to see the puffins at Sumburgh Head or the cliffs at Eshaness.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check the Rain Radar, Not the Forecast: Use the Met Office rain radar maps. They show you where the clouds are actually moving in real-time. It’s much more reliable than a 7-day outlook.
- Download the "AuroraWatch" App: Winter weather often brings clear gaps in the clouds. If the "Mirrie Dancers" (the Northern Lights) are out, you want to know the second the sky clears.
- Plan Indoor "Storm Backups": Always have a list of museums, like the Shetland Museum in Lerwick or the Hoswick Visitor Centre, for those days when the wind is just too much.
- Embrace the "Day Atween Wadders": This is the local term for those rare, perfectly still, crystal-clear days between storms. When one happens, drop everything and head for the coast. It’s the most beautiful place on Earth.
Basically, don't let a bad forecast ruin your mood. The drama of the weather is why the landscape looks the way it does. Without the wind and the rain, you wouldn't have the jagged sea stacks or the vivid green hills. Pack your woollens, leave your umbrella at home, and just go with the flow.
Next steps for your Shetland planning:
- Check the inter-island ferry status at the NorthLink or Shetland Islands Council website before heading out each morning.
- Pick up a real Shetland wool headband in Lerwick; it’ll keep your ears warm without your hat blowing into the North Sea.