When to Travel
The Seasons of the North Atlantic
The North Atlantic is an incredibly seasonal region, featuring long gloomy winters through to long sunny summer days. Unlike the Arctic, snow tends to be restricted to mountain areas with wind and rain very common at sea level – so winter here is not for the faint of heart! Luckily the famously ferocious climate of the North Atlantic does soften during the year – although visitors should still be prepared for any weather!
Spring in the North Atlantic (April-June)
As the long dark windy winter retreats, life returns to the North Atlantic. The wind-crippled trees on the coast begin to sprout buds and tender green leaves, the grass turns from brown to green, and flowers are starting to bloom. In the air, birds are frantically flying back and forth building nests; on the land, livestock are beginning to give birth, and newborn lambs and calves frolic in the fields, and on the coasts, seabirds cluster on the cliffs ready to lay their precious eggs. With the return of spring, locals in the North Atlantic are spending more time outside as the fishing and farming seasons start again, and many also begin to prepare for the influx of summer visitors. While it is normal to catch a shower or two, this is undoubtedly the best time to visit the North Atlantic, with mild weather, plenty to see and do in nature, and all without the summer crowds.
The North Atlantic Summer (Mid June-Mid Aug)
Summer in the North Atlantic is what the locals live for – long balmy days, short mild nights and plenty of time out in the fresh air! Summer storms can happen but generally the weather is calm and often sunny, tempting visitors from Dublin and London out to the western coasts. Indeed, the summer in Scotland and Ireland is so popular that the best beaches and resort towns can get extremely crowded at times! In the Faroe Islands, the calm summer weather offers the chance to get outside and celebrate the two-day Ólavsøka – the Faroese National Day(s), marked with music, dancing and traditional food and costumes.
Autumn in the North Atlantic (Mid-August – October)
As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, autumn returns to the North Atlantic. As the nights draw in, the trees burst into colour as their leaves begin to fall. The birds leave their summer haunts and begin their long migrations out to sea for winter, or to kinder climates further south. On land, the locals begin to bring in the harvest, and lambs are led to slaughter to provide meat for the long harsh winter ahead. Autumn weather here can be challenging – although mild sunny days are common, stormy weather is equally so, which can make exploring difficult – all life here proceeds only with the consent of Mother Nature as winter begins to arrive.