Weather in Kirkwall

To ensure your trip is comfortable, check the current weather in Kirkwall. This section presents fresh data and a detailed forecast.

Kirkwall's climate can be described as temperate maritime, heavily influenced by the ocean. There are no extreme weather conditions here: winters are surprisingly mild for these latitudes, while summers are cool and fresh. The temperature amplitude throughout the year is very small, creating a sense of stability and predictability in the weather.

Intense heat is not observed in the city even at the height of summer. The warmest month is August, when the air warms up to an average of 13–14°C. In winter, the thermometer usually stays in the range of 5°C to 7°C, and severe frosts are a rarity here. This makes Kirkwall a comfortable destination for those who do not tolerate heat well.

When planning a trip, it is worth considering the high probability of precipitation at any time of the year. Even in the "driest" months, such as May and June, the number of rainy days remains significant (about 12–13 days). The weather here is changeable, and a clear sky can quickly be replaced by drizzle, so a high-quality raincoat and windproof clothing will be indispensable in your luggage.

The climate in Kirkwall is distinguished by exceptional mildness and the absence of extreme temperature fluctuations, which is characteristic of the northern islands of the United Kingdom. The annual temperature range here is surprisingly narrow: the thermometer almost never shows intense heat or severe frosts. The coldest month is traditionally February with an average of about +5.8°C, while the peak of warmth occurs in August, when the air warms up to an average of +13.1°C.

The summer period here can be characterized as cool and fresh, which will be a salvation for those who cannot stand the heat. Even in July and August, average highs rarely exceed +14°C, creating comfortable conditions for active recreation, but requiring warm clothing. Winter in Kirkwall is mild and damp; the average temperature in January and December hovers around +6... +7°C, which is significantly higher than in many other regions at the same latitude.

An interesting feature of the local temperature regime is the minimal difference between day and night readings. Daily fluctuations often amount to just 1–2 degrees. For example, in June, nighttime +10.2°C changes to daytime +11.9°C, creating a feeling of constant temperature stability. Travellers should take this factor into account: even in the middle of the day, you are unlikely to want to take off a light jacket or sweater.

When planning a trip to Kirkwall, it is worth remembering that the weather in the Orkney Islands is distinguished by a typical maritime character and high variability. Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year here, but distinct seasonality can still be traced. Rains are most often moderate in nature, however, high humidity and frequent drizzle are common companions of local landscapes.

The most "dry" period can be called spring and early summer. From April to June, the number of days with precipitation is minimal and averages about 12 days per month. This is the best time for long walks and sightseeing, as the chances of catching sunny weather are significantly higher than during the rest of the year.

Autumn and winter bring an increase in the frequency of precipitation. The rainiest month is October, when up to 24 days with precipitation are recorded. In winter, from December to February, it rains almost daily (20–23 days per month). Due to the mild climate, snow falls infrequently and, as a rule, melts quickly, so cold rains and windy weather prevail in winter.

In summer, in July and August, rains return to moderate levels, but they cannot be completely ruled out: precipitation falls approximately 14–16 days per month. Travellers are recommended to always have a reliable raincoat and waterproof shoes with them, regardless of the chosen season of the trip, as the weather in the UK can change several times a day.

The weather in Kirkwall is characterized by a rugged maritime nature: it is often windy and humid here, so the main element of your wardrobe should be a high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket with a reliable hood. Since rain is a frequent occurrence here (precipitation falls on average from 12 to 24 days a month depending on the season), protection from moisture is mandatory. A regular umbrella may turn out to be useless and break quickly due to strong gusts of wind characteristic of the Orkney Islands, so it is better to prefer a good raincoat or membrane clothing.

The temperature regime in the city is quite even, but cool throughout the year: even in the warmest months, July and August, the thermometer averages around +13°C, and in winter it rarely drops below +5°C. The ideal solution will be the principle of layering: take fleece tops, warm sweaters, and jumpers with you. This will allow you to easily adapt to weather changes by removing or adding layers of clothing to maintain comfortable body warmth and not overheat during active walking.

For long walks along historic streets and trips to nature, be sure to take care of comfortable, broken-in, and preferably waterproof flat shoes, for example, trekking boots. Do not forget to put a hat, scarf, and gloves in your suitcase — they will come in handy even in summer to protect yourself from the piercing wind from the sea. Despite the general coolness, sunscreen and glasses will also not be superfluous, as on clear days the sun at northern latitudes can be unexpectedly active.