Fetlar

Island Small Shetland island noted for seabird colonies

In Shetland, Fetlar offers cliff-top seabird colonies, sandy bays and a nature reserve noted for orchids; visitors arrive by small ferry to walk quiet lanes, watch birds and meet crofting communities.

Main image

Fetlar is one of the Shetland Islands in northern Scotland, a small inhabited island known for its agricultural plots, coastal cliffs and birdlife. It has a long history of crofting and small-scale farming and is noted for its scenic coastal features and seabird colonies.

The island supports a small resident community and a mix of moorland, fields and shoreline; visitor attractions include coastal walks, wildlife watching and the small local museum. Ferry connections link Fetlar to the Shetland Mainland and neighbouring islands, and road routes provide access around the island.

Historically Fetlar has been inhabited for centuries with evidence of Norse and earlier settlement; contemporary life combines traditional land use with tourism and conservation of natural habitats.

Fetlar lies off the east coast of the Shetland Mainland in Scotland and is reached by a short ferry crossing from the northern isles.

  • Access: Accessible by local car ferry from the Shetland Mainland, the island is small and services are limited outside the main settlement; bring provisions when visiting.
  • Wildlife and landscape: Known locally as the 'Garden of Shetland' for its relatively fertile soils and cultivated areas, the island also supports seabird colonies and varied coastal cliffs.
Fetlar
60.6167, -0.8667

Tips for Visiting Fetlar #

  • Fetlar is reached by a vehicle ferry from the Shetland Mainland-check the Shetland Islands Council ferry timetable in advance, as sailings are limited and weather-dependent.
  • Late spring and early summer are best for wildlife and wildflowers (seabirds and nesting season); plan to visit outside peak holiday weekends if you prefer quieter walking and birdwatching.
  • Much of the island is crofting land; stick to public rights of way and gates (close them behind you) and be aware services (fuel, shops) are very limited-stock essentials on the Mainland or at Lerwick before crossing.

Best Time to Visit Fetlar #

Best visited in summer (June-August) for the mildest weather, long daylight and easier sea access.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 8-15°C
Cool, long daylight and the warmest period - best for outdoor walks and wildlife watching but still chilly compared with mainland Britain.
Shoulder seasons (Spring/Autumn)
Apr-May, Sep-Oct · 3-10°C
Unpredictable weather with fewer visitors; good for birding and quieter coastal scenery.
Winter
Nov-Mar · 0-6°C
Cold, windy and often wet with short daylight hours - not ideal for extended outdoor activities.

Weather & Climate near Fetlar #

Climate

Fetlar's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1293 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

148 mm
Rainfall
10.2 m/s
Wind
Windy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
9.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
9.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
14.4h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
17.0h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
12°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
18.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
10° 14°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
17.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
10° 14°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
15.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
12°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.7h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (161 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
9.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

153 mm
Rainfall
9.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.5h daylight

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