Uyea, Unst

Island Small uninhabited island off Unst, Shetland

Tidal island off Unst in Shetland accessible at low tide or by boat; attracts birdwatchers, sea‑cliff walkers and photographers seeking seals and coastal geology.

Main image

Uyea, Unst is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Unst in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The island is noted for steep cliffs, sea stacks and rocky shores that provide nesting habitat for seabirds. There is no permanent settlement and access is by private boat from Unst; landing can be difficult in rough weather. The landscape is largely coastal heath and rock, and the island is visited for birdwatching and coastal walking rather than services or facilities.

Uyea, Unst
60.6667, -0.9000

How to Get to Uyea, Unst #

Access is by boat from Unst (the northernmost inhabited island in the Shetlands). Small local operators run charter crossings-routes and safety depend on wind and tide. On Unst, the quay at Baltasound is a common departure point; crossings are often short but can be rough. Foot travel on Uyea is limited and terrain can be hazardous-good footwear and local guidance are recommended.

Tips for Visiting Uyea, Unst #

  • Book a local boat operator from Unst-tours are weather-dependent and often cancel at short notice.
  • Wear windproof layers and waterproof boots; landings can be wet and rocky.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera with a tele lens-Uyea is prized for seabirds and dramatic cliffs that are best viewed from the boat if landing is impractical.

Best Time to Visit Uyea, Unst #

Summer months give the best chance of landing and clear wildlife viewing; always check local weather and tidal conditions.

Late spring-summer
May-September · 6-15°C (43-59°F)
Long daylight, calmer seas and peak seabird activity-best for landings and wildlife watching.
Autumn-winter
October-April · 0-8°C (32-46°F)
Rougher seas and shorter days; dramatic weather for photographers but poorer conditions for boat access.

Weather & Climate near Uyea, Unst #

Climate

Uyea, Unst's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1203 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
9.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.4h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
8.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
8.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
14.4h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
17.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
12°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
18.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
10° 14°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
17.8h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
11° 14°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
15.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.7h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
8.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (150 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.5h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Uyea, Unst