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Robbie CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Papa, Shetland

Island

Offshore island in Shetland, north of Mainland Scotland; reached by small boat and visited for remote coastal walks, rocky shorelines and place names that reflect Norse history.

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In this guide

Papa, Shetland essentials

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

Papa, Shetland at a Glance

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Papa, Shetland

Summer months offer the safest and most pleasant conditions for visiting the small islands called 'Papa' in Shetland, when sea conditions are calmest and birds are most active.

Summer (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 8-14°C
Longest daylight, best sea conditions for small-boat visits, and the peak season for seabird activity.
Shoulder seasons (May, September)
May, Sep · 6-12°C
Fewer midges than in midsummer and reasonable weather windows for day trips by private boat.

Weather & Climate near Papa, Shetland

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1161 mm/year), wettest in November.

Air Quality: AQI 19 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 3° - 7° -1° 128 mm overcast 81% 9.2 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h
February Poor 2° - 6° -1° 101 mm overcast 81% 8.8 m/s 0.0 low 8.8h
March Poor 3° - 7° 0° 113 mm overcast 82% 8.5 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Poor 4° - 8° 2° 69 mm overcast 84% 7.2 m/s 0.5 moderate 14.4h
May Acceptable 6° - 10° 5° 50 mm overcast 85% 6.3 m/s 0.9 moderate 17.0h
June Acceptable 8° - 12° 7° 54 mm overcast 87% 5.9 m/s 1.1 high 18.5h
July Acceptable 10° - 14° 12° 55 mm overcast 89% 5.6 m/s 1.0 high 17.8h
August Acceptable 10° - 14° 12° 74 mm overcast 88% 5.7 m/s 0.7 moderate 15.4h
September Poor 9° - 13° 11° 110 mm overcast 86% 7.1 m/s 0.4 low 12.7h
October Poor 7° - 11° 5° 126 mm overcast 84% 8.1 m/s 0.1 low 9.9h
November Poor 5° - 9° 2° 143 mm overcast 82% 8.4 m/s 0.0 low 7.2h
December Poor 4° - 8° 1° 138 mm overcast 81% 8.5 m/s 0.0 low 5.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Papa, Shetland

There is no regular public ferry-visits require booking with a local boat operator from Lerwick or nearby harbors. Approach conditions depend on tides and swell; experienced local skippers know where to land or whether to stay offshore and view the island from a distance.

Tips for Visiting Papa, Shetland

  • Arrange a small boat with an experienced local skipper if landing is needed-many of the Papa isles are tidal and treacherous to approach.
  • Wear layers-the North Atlantic wind can change from mild to biting in minutes.
  • Respect wildlife; these islands are nesting sites for seabirds and some have archaeological remains tied to early monastic visitors (the 'papar').