FoulaFoula at a Glance
About Foula
Foula is a small, remote inhabited island in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, noted for its dramatic coastal cliffs and traditional crofting community. It is one of the outer islands of Shetland with a very small resident population.
The landscape is dominated by high sea cliffs, moorland and grazing areas with important seabird nesting sites; scenery and birdwatching are the principal attractions. Settlement is concentrated in a single small village with limited services and a tight-knit community.
Foula has been inhabited for centuries with a culture shaped by crofting, fishing and relative isolation; traditional croft houses and local customs remain part of island life. Population levels have varied but have stayed small due to the island’s remoteness.
The island lies off the west coast of Mainland, Shetland in northern Scotland and is reached by scheduled or chartered boat and occasional air services; it is several tens of kilometres from the main Shetland settlements.
- Remoteness and wildlife: Foula is one of the most remote inhabited islands of the British Isles and is best known for its dramatic sea cliffs and significant seabird colonies; ferry and limited air services connect it to Mainland, Shetland.
Best Time to Visit Foula
Foula is most accessible in late spring and summer when sea conditions are calmest and wildlife activity is highest.
Weather & Climate near Foula
Foula'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 4°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1245 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 135 mm | overcast | 81% | 9.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 7° | 0° | 105 mm | overcast | 81% | 9.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 123 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 76 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 54 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 17.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 12° | 10° | 58 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 62 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 79 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 120 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 8° - 12° | 6° | 136 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 10° | 3° | 153 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 8° | 2° | 144 mm | overcast | 81% | 9.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
How to Get to Foula
Foula is served sporadically by ferry and local charter boats from the Shetland mainland (commonly from Walls or the West Mainland). Contact Orkney/Shetland ferry services or local community transport for schedules and booking information.
Tips for Visiting Foula
- Check the local ferry timetable and contact the community council for landing information-services are infrequent.
- Look for the island's high cliffs and seabird colonies from a safe distance; binoculars are useful for spotting puffins and other seabirds.
- If visiting during late spring, watch for lambing activity-local farmers value privacy during agricultural operations.