What is the best time to visit Lerwick and the Shetland Islands?

May through August is definitely the best time to visit the Shetland Islands. The days are long—the sun only briefly dips below the horizon at the height of summer, a phenomenon locals call the simmer dim—and the weather is likely to be at its best. Visiting in spring and summer also means that you can enjoy watching seabirds, including puffins, gannets and storm petrels, and take advantage of opportunities for kayaking and hiking. Winter, while not too cold, often brings storms, which frequently force ferries and flights to be canceled: flexible plans are a must if visiting in winter.