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.

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Scalpay, Inner Hebrides at a Glance#

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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.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 10-16°C
Longest daylight and best weather for visiting both islands in the Outer Hebrides.
Spring/Autumn
Apr-May, Sep-Oct · 6-12°C
Fewer midges than July; dramatic light and brisk walks on the coast.

Weather & Climate near Scalpay, Inner Hebrides#

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 22 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 2° - 7° 0° 221 mm overcast 86% 6.8 m/s 0.0 low 7.1h
February Poor 2° - 7° -1° 137 mm overcast 86% 6.8 m/s 0.1 low 9.2h
March Poor 3° - 8° 1° 176 mm overcast 86% 6.6 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Acceptable 4° - 10° 4° 102 mm overcast 84% 5.5 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.1h
May Acceptable 7° - 13° 8° 90 mm overcast 84% 5.0 m/s 0.9 moderate 16.4h
June Acceptable 9° - 15° 12° 107 mm overcast 85% 5.1 m/s 1.1 high 17.6h
July Acceptable 11° - 17° 14° 115 mm overcast 86% 4.7 m/s 1.0 high 17.0h
August Acceptable 11° - 17° 14° 129 mm overcast 87% 4.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 15.0h
September Poor 9° - 15° 12° 207 mm overcast 87% 5.2 m/s 0.5 low 12.6h
October Poor 7° - 12° 6° 230 mm overcast 86% 6.0 m/s 0.2 low 10.1h
November Poor 4° - 9° 3° 243 mm overcast 86% 6.1 m/s 0.0 low 7.8h
December Poor 3° - 7° 1° 228 mm overcast 86% 6.0 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h