Main image

Ruth Sharville CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Papa Little

Island

A small Scottish island off the northern mainland, Papa Little attracts birdwatchers and coastal walkers. Visitors go for rocky shores, seabird colonies and short day trips from nearby ports.

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In this guide

Papa Little essentials

Country: United Kingdom
Driest months: May-Jul
Pay in: Pound (£)
Language: English

Papa Little at a Glance

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Papa Little

Summer gives the best chance of a safe landing and comfortable exploration.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 8-14°C (46-57°F)
Calmer seas and long daylight make the short crossing most feasible.
Late Spring
May · 6-10°C (43-50°F)
Birdlife is busy but weather can still be rough.

Weather & Climate near Papa Little

Climate

Papa Little's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1207 mm/year), wettest in November.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 3° - 7° -1° 133 mm overcast 81% 8.9 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h
February Poor 2° - 6° -1° 103 mm overcast 81% 8.6 m/s 0.0 low 8.8h
March Poor 3° - 7° 0° 120 mm overcast 81% 8.3 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Poor 4° - 8° 2° 72 mm overcast 83% 7.0 m/s 0.5 moderate 14.4h
May Acceptable 6° - 11° 5° 53 mm overcast 84% 6.2 m/s 0.9 moderate 17.0h
June Acceptable 8° - 13° 10° 56 mm overcast 86% 5.8 m/s 1.1 high 18.5h
July Acceptable 10° - 14° 12° 57 mm overcast 88% 5.5 m/s 1.0 high 17.8h
August Acceptable 10° - 15° 13° 76 mm overcast 87% 5.6 m/s 0.7 moderate 15.4h
September Poor 9° - 13° 11° 114 mm overcast 86% 6.9 m/s 0.4 low 12.7h
October Poor 7° - 11° 5° 131 mm overcast 84% 7.9 m/s 0.1 low 9.9h
November Poor 5° - 9° 2° 150 mm overcast 82% 8.1 m/s 0.0 low 7.2h
December Poor 3° - 7° 0° 142 mm overcast 81% 8.2 m/s 0.0 low 5.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Papa Little

Papa Little is accessed by private boat from Shetland harbours; there is no regular public ferry. Weather and sea state govern when landings are possible; local skippers provide the safest access.

Tips for Visiting Papa Little

  • There are no services on Papa Little - come prepared and leave no trace.
  • Respect bird-nesting seasons; many small Shetland isles host important seabird colonies.
  • Plan boat transport from local Shetland harbours and check tide tables carefully for landing windows.