SamphreySamphrey at a Glance
Things to Do
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Samphrey
Best visited late spring through early autumn when sea conditions are most forgiving; landing depends on local skipper availability and tides.
Summer
Jun-Aug · 8-15°C
Longest daylight and calmest seas; best for landing and birdwatching.
Shoulder seasons
May, Sep · 6-12°C
Fewer midges and quieter mooring windows, though weather turns quickly.
Weather & Climate near Samphrey
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 (1196 mm/year), wettest in November.
Air Quality:
AQI 19
Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
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° | 0° | 134 mm | overcast | 81% | 9.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 99 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 120 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 71 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.3 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 49 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 17.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 12° | 7° | 57 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 56 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 17.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 76 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 113 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 5° | 130 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 9° | 2° | 149 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 7° | 1° | 142 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
Getting There & Around
How to Get to Samphrey
Access requires a private boat arranged from the Shetland mainland (most visitors launch from Scalloway or nearby harbours). Landing depends on calm seas and local skipper knowledge; there are no formal piers. Confirm tidal times and weather before attempting a landing.
Tips for Visiting Samphrey
- There is no regular ferry; contact local Shetland boat operators in Scalloway for private landings
- Avoid low tide if planning to land - tidal flats can be deceptively soft
- Bring binoculars: seals and seabirds are the island's main attractions