South Harris

Area Southern part of Harris island in Outer Hebrides

The southern reaches of Harris feature machair plains, sweeping beaches and crofting villages; walkers, birdwatchers and photographers use single-track roads and ferry links to explore coastal trails and sea cliffs.

Dusk On South Harris - geograph.org.uk - 2333810.jpg
Horgabost, fissure in rocks by Tràigh Iar - geograph.org.uk - 3274765.jpg
Horgabost, Tràigh Iar - geograph.org.uk - 3274762.jpg
Looking Across The Mouth of Geo na Gainmhich - geograph.org.uk - 3243532.jpg
South Harris Landscape - geograph.org.uk - 5143484.jpg
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South Harris-A859-104-Schafpferch-2009-gje.jpg
South Harris-A859-106-Aufstieg-2009-gje.jpg
South Harris-A859-108-Loch-2009-gje.jpg
South Harris-A859-110-Bach-2009-gje.jpg
South Harris
South Harris, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
57.8333, -6.9167

How to Get to South Harris #

To reach South Harris, take the ferry to the Isle of Harris-services run from Ullapool to Stornoway or via the Calmac ferry network (check seasonal timetables). From Stornoway, drive or take local transport south along the A859 and then smaller B‑roads; distances are modest but roads are single‑track with passing places. Plan for ferry timetables and check local information for seasonal services and road conditions.

Tips for Visiting South Harris #

  • Bring a good map and allow extra time for ferries-weather delays on the Outer Hebrides are common.
  • Head for the western beaches at low tide to see the geology at its clearest-the island shows its oldest rocks in dramatic cliffs and white sand coves.
  • If staying overnight, book croft‑house accommodation well in advance in summer; options are limited.

Best Time to Visit South Harris #

South Harris is best visited in late spring or summer for access, wildlife and safer sea conditions; winter brings short days and limited services.

Late spring
May-June · 6-14°C
Longer daylight and migrating birds; some of the clearest skies for gaze across the Atlantic.
Summer
July-August · 10-16°C
Warmest months with longest daylight; busiest for ferries and local accommodation but best for walking and beaches.
Autumn
September-October · 8-14°C
Fewer visitors, dramatic light on the machair and beaches, and good chances for storm‑watching from sheltered bays.

Weather & Climate near South Harris #

Climate

South Harris'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 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1677 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
9.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.1h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.1h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
16.4h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
17.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 15°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
17.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 15°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.0h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

191 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (192 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

192 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

185 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

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