Isles of Scilly, England, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Isles of Scilly, England, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Isles of Scilly, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Isles of Scilly, England, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Isles of Scilly, England, United Kingdom, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Isles of Scilly, England, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Isles of Scilly, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Isles of Scilly, England, United Kingdom by month

January

If you visit Isles of Scilly during January, you may notice that it is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you vacation in Isles of Scilly during February, you might see that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time. There is frost occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you go to Isles of Scilly in March, you will notice that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the right type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Isles of Scilly during April, you might notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

In May, Isles of Scilly can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Isles of Scilly, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in this region can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Isles of Scilly in July, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

In August, Isles of Scilly is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Isles of Scilly, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

In September, Isles of Scilly is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Isles of Scilly, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you get the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Isles of Scilly can be chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.

  • Emergency motion sickness relief

  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.

  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a excellent option.

Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to pick the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Isles of Scilly is cold and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Isles of Scilly, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Isles of Scilly. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are intending to visit the heavenly Abbey Gardens, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you visit the Isles of Scilly Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Isles of Scilly, England, United Kingdom

The Isles of Scilly are located just off the coast of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. This archipelago is rich in history, natural beauty, and culture. The local economy is largely based on tourism, and as a result, there is plenty to see and do in the Isles of Scilly. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top tourist attractions in this stunning corner of England.

1. Tresco Abbey Gardens

Tucked away on the island of Tresco, the Abbey Gardens is a must-visit attraction in the Isles of Scilly. Spread across 17 acres, the gardens are home to over 20,000 exotic plants and shrubs from all around the world. The garden is famous for its collection of sub-tropical plants, including palm trees, cacti, and succulents. Be sure to also check out the Valhalla Museum, which houses a collection of ship figureheads.

2. St. Mary's Museum & Old Town

St. Mary's is the largest island in the Isles of Scilly archipelago, and it's also home to the only museum in the area. The museum features exhibits on the islands' history, geology, and natural environment. While on St. Mary's, take a stroll through the Old Town, which features a number of historic buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

3. Annet Bird Reserve

The Isles of Scilly are a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 400 species of wild birds recorded in the area. Annet Bird Reserve is a small island off the coast of St. Martin's that is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, fulmars, and guillemots. The reserve is accessible only by boat and is closed during the breeding season, but visitors can still observe the birds from a safe distance.

4. St. Martin's Vineyard

St. Martin's Vineyard is a working vineyard located on the island of St. Martin's. The vineyard produces a range of wines, including a white, red, and rosé made from locally grown grapes. Visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, followed by a tasting of the wines. The vineyard also has a café where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a slice of homemade cake.

5. Scilly Seal Snorkelling

For a truly unique experience, head out to the waters off the coast of St. Martin's for a snorkelling trip with the seals. The Isles of Scilly are home to a colony of grey seals, and visitors can get up close and personal with them while snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters. The trip is led by experienced guides, and all equipment is provided.

6. Bryher Island

The smallest of the five inhabited islands in the archipelago, Bryher Island is a peaceful oasis, with sandy beaches, lush fields, and stunning views. The island is connected by causeways to two smaller islands, Tresco and Samson, making it a great destination for a day trip. Visitors can explore the island on foot or by bike, stopping at local cafes and restaurants along the way.

The Isles of Scilly are a hidden gem in England, with plenty to offer visitors who are looking for a unique and memorable experience. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or culture, there's something for everyone in this stunning corner of the United Kingdom.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Lampang, Thailand, Big Lake, Texas, United States of America, Kankakee Area, Illinois, United States of America, Pilani, India, Gir Forest National Park, India, Lamar, Colorado, United States of America, Villa Rica, Peru, Enping, China, Mansfield, Massachusetts, United States of America, Haga Haga, South Africa, and Kävlinge, Sweden.