Yell, ShetlandYell, Shetland at a Glance
About Yell, Shetland
Yell is one of the northern isles of the Shetland Islands, Scotland, and is among the larger inhabited islands in the Shetland archipelago. It is a rural island known for wide moorlands, coastline and birdlife.
Coastal cliffs, seabird colonies and wide open inland moorland are characteristic features; the island is valued for birdwatching, walking and traditional crofting communities. Small villages and dispersed farms form the settled areas, with local services in a handful of centres.
Yell has been inhabited for centuries with a history of fishing, crofting and maritime activity typical of Shetland islands. Traditions of local community life persist and the island’s economy combines small-scale agriculture, fishing and tourism.
Yell lies to the north of the Shetland Mainland in northern Scotland and is reached by ferry services that link it with the Mainland and neighbouring isles.
- Transport links: Ferry services connect Yell to the Shetland Mainland and nearby islands, and road links across the island serve small coastal settlements.
Best Time to Visit Yell, Shetland
Yell is best visited in summer for accessibility and daylight; shoulder seasons offer dramatic weather and near-solitude but fewer transport options.
Weather & Climate near Yell, Shetland
Yell, Shetland'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 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1250 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 142 mm | overcast | 81% | 9.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 102 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 124 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 75 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.3 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 51 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 17.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 58 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 60 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 17.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 13° | 81 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 119 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 10° | 5° | 136 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 155 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 6° | -1° | 147 mm | overcast | 81% | 8.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |
How to Get to Yell, Shetland
Ferries operate from Toft on Mainland Shetland to Ulsta on Yell (Shetland Islands Council ferry). The ferry crossing is short (around 20-25 minutes). On-island roads are drivable by car; most villages are connected by single-track roads.
Tips for Visiting Yell, Shetland
- Carry a good map and a compass: ferry connections and minor roads around Yell change with weather and season.
- Check the local ferry timetable from Toft (mainland Shetland) in advance - services are limited and sensitive to tides and wind.
- Watch for otters and seals along the northeast coast; a quiet hour at sunset can be unexpectedly wildlife-rich.