Scalpay, Inner Hebrides
Island Small Scottish island with crofting and rugged coastline
Scalpay in the Inner Hebrides draws walkers and birdwatchers to its rocky coastline, crofting landscapes and quiet harbors - a place for coastal hikes and small-boat fishing trips.
How to Get to Scalpay, Inner Hebrides #
Scalpay is reached via a short vehicle ferry from Tarbert on Harris; the crossing takes about 5-10 minutes. From Stornoway, drive south on the A859 and then take A866 to Tarbert (approx. 1-1.5 hours by car and ferry).
Tips for Visiting Scalpay, Inner Hebrides #
- Hire a local boat to circumnavigate the island - the view from water shows the narrow cleft separating Scalpay from Harris.
- Visit at low tide to inspect the shorelines and see where seaweed harvesting has marked the rocks.
- Bring binoculars: otters and guillemots are often visible from the headlands.
Best Time to Visit Scalpay, Inner Hebrides #
Best in late spring through summer for accessibility and fairer weather; ferry schedules are seasonal.
Weather & Climate near Scalpay, Inner Hebrides #
Scalpay, Inner Hebrides's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1985 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (221 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Heavy rain (207 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (230 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (243 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (228 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
