Main image

Ken Craig CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

West Burra

Island

West Burra, part of Shetland, combines jagged coastlines, sheltered bays and crofting communities. Visitors come for coastal walks, birdwatching, local seafood and the region's stone-built villages.

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In this guide

West Burra essentials

Country: United Kingdom
Driest months: May-Jul
Pay in: Pound (£)
Language: English

West Burra at a Glance

About West Burra

West Burra is an island in the Shetland archipelago of Scotland, forming part of the Burra group. It is a small inhabited island with a history of crofting and fishing.

Coastal scenery, small settlements and a working island landscape are the main features, with walking along shorelines and observing local marine and bird life the typical visitor activities.

The island has long-standing communities engaged in fishing and crofting; its settlement pattern and local economy reflect traditional Shetland island life.

Located off the south side of Shetland’s Mainland, West Burra lies within the council area of Shetland and is one of several small islands forming the Burra group.

  • Island character: Part of the Burra island group in the Shetland Islands, characterised by small crofting communities and coastal scenery.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit West Burra

Summer months are best for access and outdoor activities; shoulder seasons are quieter but weather is more changeable.

Summer
June-August · 8-15°C
Longest daylight, best for boat access and birdwatching.
Late spring/early autumn
May, September · 5-12°C
Cooler and quieter; some services reduce frequency.

Weather & Climate near West Burra

Climate

West Burra's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1154 mm/year), wettest in November.

Air Quality: AQI 19 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 3° - 7° -1° 127 mm overcast 81% 9.2 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h
February Poor 2° - 6° -1° 101 mm overcast 81% 8.8 m/s 0.0 low 8.8h
March Poor 3° - 7° 0° 113 mm overcast 82% 8.5 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Poor 4° - 8° 2° 68 mm overcast 84% 7.2 m/s 0.5 moderate 14.4h
May Acceptable 6° - 10° 5° 49 mm overcast 85% 6.3 m/s 0.9 moderate 17.0h
June Acceptable 8° - 12° 10° 54 mm overcast 87% 5.9 m/s 1.1 high 18.5h
July Acceptable 10° - 14° 12° 55 mm overcast 89% 5.6 m/s 1.0 high 17.8h
August Acceptable 10° - 14° 12° 72 mm overcast 88% 5.7 m/s 0.7 moderate 15.4h
September Poor 9° - 13° 11° 110 mm overcast 86% 7.1 m/s 0.4 low 12.7h
October Poor 7° - 11° 5° 124 mm overcast 84% 8.1 m/s 0.1 low 9.9h
November Poor 5° - 9° 2° 144 mm overcast 82% 8.4 m/s 0.0 low 7.2h
December Poor 3° - 7° 1° 137 mm overcast 81% 8.6 m/s 0.0 low 5.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to West Burra

Access via regional ferries and causeways that connect the Burra islands; services operate from Lerwick and nearby terminals depending on season and weather.

Tips for Visiting West Burra

  • Plan ferry or small‑boat crossings in advance - services to the Shetland islands can be weather dependent.
  • Respect crofting land and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when crossing private land.
  • Bring binoculars: sea cliffs and offshore skerries host rich seabird colonies.