You are here: St Kilda Today > Studying the Natural Environment > Climate Climate of St Kilda Weather patterns on St Kilda are strongly influenced by the North Atlantic Drift. Winters are mild and summers cool. The islands are exposed to Atlantic depressions and experience high rainfall and strong winds. The prevailing wind is south-westerly, and often blows at force 3 or less. However, gales with gusts of over 100 knots are not uncommon, and severely restrict movement on the islands. On the other hand, it can sometimes be really hot and sunny.
The sea blowing over the jetty in winter Photograph: Mary Harman	Sunny day in Village Bay Photograph: Davina Graham
The supply helicopter arrives on a misty day Photograph: Davina Graham	Village Bay under snow Photograph: Robin Turner
Check today's wave height out in the Atlantic http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/England.shtml