Updated on 2026-08-11 · Data: lerwick (Met Office)
The long-term average temperature measured at the Lerwick station from 1921 to 2026 is 7.233601046435579°C. The absolute highest temperature recorded was 23.4°C and the lowest was -8.9°C, indicating a moderate range typical of maritime climates.
Seasonal variation is mild compared to inland regions. Summers rarely exceed 23°C, while winter minimum temperatures average around 1–2°C and seldom plunge below -9°C. The temperature trend through the year shows an increase from winter lows through spring, peaking in late summer, then declining during autumn.
This pattern signifies a cool temperate oceanic climate with relatively stable temperatures and no extreme heat or cold over the recorded period.
| Month | Average Temp. (°C) | Average Max Temp. (°C) | Average Min Temp. (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.5 | 5.6 | 1.5 |
| February | 3.3 | 5.4 | 1.2 |
| March | 4.1 | 6.3 | 1.8 |
| April | 5.5 | 8.0 | 2.9 |
| May | 7.7 | 10.3 | 5.1 |
| June | 10.0 | 12.5 | 7.5 |
| July | 11.8 | 14.2 | 9.5 |
| August | 12.0 | 14.4 | 9.7 |
| September | 10.5 | 12.8 | 8.2 |
| October | 8.2 | 10.2 | 6.1 |
| November | 5.7 | 7.7 | 3.6 |
| December | 4.3 | 6.3 | 2.2 |
The warmest month on average is August with an average temperature of 12.0°C, a maximum average of 14.4°C, and a minimum of 9.7°C. The coldest month is February mostly, with an average temperature of 3.3°C, maximum average of 5.4°C, and minimum average of 1.2°C. This narrow temperature range highlights the stable maritime influence on Lerwick’s climate.
The chart shows the complete annual series. The table lists the most notable years; the full series comes from Met Office.
| Year | Average Temp. (°C) | Maximum Temp. (°C) | Minimum Temp. (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | 6.6 | 16.2 | -2.8 |
| 1952 | 6.3 | 19.4 | -8.9 |
| 1972 | 7.3 | 20.6 | -2.5 |
| 2007 | 7.7 | 16.8 | -2.1 |
| 2014 | 8.5 | 18.3 | -2.2 |
| 2015 | 7.8 | 17.3 | -1.9 |
| 2020 | 8.0 | 18.4 | -1.8 |
Within the available data, the annual average temperature shows variations reflecting natural climate variability around the long-term average of 7.23°C. The warmest years registered include 2025 with 8.9°C, while notably cooler years include 1921 with 4.7°C. Such fluctuations indicate Lerwick’s climate is relatively stable but subject to gradual shifts over decades.
The long-term average annual temperature in Lerwick from 1921 to 2026 is 7.233601046435579°C, based on official Met Office data from the lerwick station.
August is the warmest month in Lerwick with an average temperature of 12.0°C, an average maximum of 14.4°C, and a minimum of 9.7°C.
February is the coldest month, averaging 3.3°C, with maximum averages around 5.4°C and minimum averages of 1.2°C.
Lerwick exhibits a cool temperate oceanic climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers, with a small temperature range due to its maritime location in the Shetland Islands.
The highest recorded temperature at the Lerwick Met Office station is 23.4°C, documented during the period 1921–2026.
The lowest temperature recorded is -8.9°C, reflecting the coldest conditions registered over this time span.
Data from the Met Office national weather station network. Station: lerwick. Period: 1921–2026. metoffice.gov.uk
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© 2026 HistoClima · data: Met Office (OGL v3.0) · not affiliated with Met Office · citation permitted with source.