People often ask us, “When is the best time to visit?”
The answer changes depending on what you want to see and do, so we’ve put together a list (with photos) of the highlights of the year at The Decca.
The tourist year begins in April, and with all the new life blossoming around here, we will too.
April is lambing season! Our sheep neighbours spend April birthing their new babes, and let us tell you, these little lambs are a delight! It’s so much fun to watch as they take their first steps and learn to play in the increasingly light days of spring.
The Corncrakes also begin to migrate back to island towards the end of April. Read more. We are located across the road from Loch Stiapabhat which is one of their few remaining natural habitats.
The machair grows greener by the day in April, and little flowers poke their heads out, adding yellows, pinks, and purples to the increasing colour of the landscape.
We don’t get much snow on the island, but we have gotten a dusting of it in both April 2021 and 2022, so just be sure to check the weather before you pack for a trip here in April (good advice for any month, really…)!
Average temperature: 7℃ / 45℉
Average monthly rainfall: 5.58 cm / 2.2 in
Average wind speed: 27 kph / 17 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
This is the traditional tourist season, when people take part in outdoor activities. The days are long, the fields are green, and the weather is as warm as it gets here.
Beaches, walking, cycling, and exploring are all fantastic at this time of year. It’s also when the island is busiest so make sure you book your accommodation, ferry, or flight in advance.
Average temperature: 9℃ / 48℉
Average monthly rainfall: 4.81 cm / 1.9 in
Average wind speed: 24 kph / 15 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
It’s amazing to watch the sea fog roll in and out, and a great comfort to outdoor enthusiasts to know it frequently fades out by mid-day!
Average temperature: 11℃ / 52℉
Average monthly rainfall: 5.25 cm / 2.1 in
Average wind speed: 22 kph / 14 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
Average temperature: 13℃ / 55℉
Average monthly rainfall: 6.03 cm / 2.4 in
Average wind speed: 22 kph / 13 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
Average temperature: 13℃ / 55℉
Average monthly rainfall: 7.19 cm / 2.8 in
Average wind speed: 24 kph / 15 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
Day and night start to become more balanced by the autumn equinox towards the end of September. September reminds us that there are, in fact, stars in the sky and that winter will provide a spectacular show.
The weather is starting to get colder but there are still beautiful sunny days as well.
Average temperature: 12℃ / 54℉
Average monthly rainfall: 8.82 cm / 3.5 in
Average wind speed: 28 kph / 18 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
Average temperature: 9℃ / 48℉
Average monthly rainfall: 10.25 cm / 4 in
Average wind speed: 31 kph / 20 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
Most people don’t come to the island during winter months, so if you feel drawn to experience “real” island life then these months could be for you.
Not for the faint of heart, winters here are cold, wet and windy. The water table is high and the ground squelches beneath your feet.
However, winter on the island has some of the best stargazing you could hope for. Not only can you see the varied colours of each individual star and glimpse the Milky Way, but some nights the northern lights put on a show like no other. It’s easy to see why the aurora borealis is such a common bucket list item.
Average temperature: 7℃ / 45℉
Average monthly rainfall: 10.73 cm / 4.2 in
Average wind speed: 34 kph / 21 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
December Average temperature: 5℃ / 41℉
Average monthly rainfall: 10.39 cm / 4.1 in
Average wind speed: 35 kph / 22 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
Average temperature: 5℃ / 41℉
Average monthly rainfall: 10.85 cm / 4.3 in
Average wind speed: 37 kph / 23 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
Average temperature: 5℃ / 41℉
Average monthly rainfall: 8.79 cm / 3.5 in
Average wind speed: 35 kph / 22 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com
The weather starts to shift in March, as the nights become shorter and finally equal to the day at the spring equinox around 19 March. It’s when we islanders get our first taste of spring and the daffodils peek out of the ground. It’s a balance point in the year — a hopeful time signalling the longer days, and a time when stargazing becomes a bit more bittersweet, knowing most of the stars will seem to disappear over the coming summer months.
Average temperature: 5℃ / 41℉
Average monthly rainfall: 7.8 cm / 3.1 in
Average wind speed: 32 kph / 20 mph
Climate data according to weatherspark.com