Little Colonsay

Island Small uninhabited Scottish island in Inner Hebrides

Small, largely uninhabited island in the Inner Hebrides reachable by private boat; visitors and birdwatchers come for rugged coastline, seabird colonies and quiet sea‑kayaking routes.

Main image

Little Colonsay is a small, uninhabited island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland located near the larger island of Colonsay. It is characterized by coastal cliffs, rocky shores and maritime habitats rather than built features.

The island has no permanent settlement and is typically of interest for its natural environment and coastal scenery, including seabird habitats and shoreline geology. Access is by private boat from nearby islands when conditions permit.

Little Colonsay lies off the west coast of Scotland within the archipelago of the Inner Hebrides, part of the broader coastal island landscape.

Little Colonsay
Little Colonsay, Inner Hebrides, Scotland (approach from Colonsay)
56.4512, -6.2593
Free (landing often by private arrangement)

How to Get to Little Colonsay #

There are no scheduled public services to Little Colonsay. Access is by private boat or charter from Colonsay (which itself has ferry links to Oban). Landing is at the pleasure - and permission - of the island’s owner; visitors should arrange access in advance through Colonsay harbour operators or local boatmen.

Tips for Visiting Little Colonsay #

  • Little Colonsay is not serviced by public ferries - arrange a local charter from Colonsay or Oban and clarify landing permissions with the island owner or estate.
  • Respect nesting seabirds and seals; keep dogs off shorelines during breeding season.
  • Bring binoculars: the island rewards quiet observation rather than exploration.

Best Time to Visit Little Colonsay #

Best visited in summer when sea conditions are calmer and wildlife is most active.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · 10-18°C (50-64°F)
Calmer seas and nesting seabirds; the only realistic season for visiting by private boat.
Spring (Apr-May)
Apr-May · 6-12°C (43-54°F)
Migration brings more birdlife but weather is still changeable.

Weather & Climate near Little Colonsay #

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1767 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (215 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

215 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
14.0h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
10° 14°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
17.3h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
12° 16°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
16.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
12° 16°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
14.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
11° 15°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

178 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
12.6h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

197 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (203 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

203 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

194 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

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