Weather in North Ronaldsay

Be prepared for nature's whims by checking the current weather situation in North Ronaldsay. Below you will find fresh data and detailed forecasts to help you plan your day more effectively.

The climate of North Ronaldsay can be described as temperate maritime, with strong influence from the Atlantic Ocean. The weather here is remarkably stable: thanks to warm currents washing the shores, the island experiences no severe frosts, but one should not expect true heat either. The temperature regime remains steady throughout the year, creating an atmosphere of eternal cool spring or autumn.

There are practically no clearly defined seasons here. Even in the warmest month, August, the average temperature is around 13°C, while in winter, during January and February, it rarely drops below 5-6°C. The United Kingdom demonstrates its classic character in this region: mild winters and very cool, fresh summers. This destination is ideal for those who wish to escape the heat and prefer invigorating air.

Travellers should pay attention to the specifics of precipitation. Although the total volume in millimetres is not large, rain is a frequent occurrence here. In the winter months, the number of days with precipitation can reach 20–25, indicating constant humidity, fog, and drizzle rather than heavy downpours. April and early summer can be considered the driest period, yet a waterproof windbreaker and comfortable shoes will be essential for the traveller at any time of the year.

The island's climate is defined by strong oceanic influence, which smooths out any weather extremes and prevents sharp temperature spikes. North Ronaldsay knows no harsh frosts: even in the coldest months, such as February and March, averages hold around +6°C. Snow that settles for long is practically non-existent here, however, high humidity and constant winds require travellers to have warm and windproof clothing in any season.

Summer brings invigorating freshness to the island rather than exhausting heat. Instead of the high temperatures typical of the mainland, comfortable moderation reigns here: for example, in July, the air warms up to an average of +12.4°C. Such weather conditions are ideal for active tourism and hiking, allowing you to explore the coast and watch birds without the risk of overheating or sunstroke.

One of the key features of the local climate is the amazing stability throughout the day. The amplitude of temperature fluctuations here is extremely small: the difference between day and night readings is usually just 1–2 degrees. Thanks to this phenomenon, evenings here are practically as warm (or cool) as the days, so tourists need not expect a sharp drop in temperature after sunset.

When planning a trip to North Ronaldsay, it is important to consider that precipitation here is a frequent occurrence, but typically not too intense. The island's climate is characterised by the high humidity typical of the UK, and rain often falls as drizzle or short showers. The total amount of precipitation is distributed unevenly throughout the year, allowing one to identify more favourable periods for a visit.

The highest number of rainy days falls during the autumn-winter period. October is considered the "wettest" month, when precipitation can be observed up to 25 days a month. In winter, from December to February, the weather also remains damp with 20–24 rainy days. Thanks to the mild climate and temperatures that hold an average of around +6°C even in January, snow falls infrequently, giving way to rain and fog.

If you are looking for drier weather, it is best to plan your visit for mid-spring or early summer. April is statistically the driest month of the year: the number of days with precipitation drops to 10. May, June, and July are also relatively comfortable, offering tourists more chances to enjoy walks without an umbrella, as it rains on average about 13–14 days per month.

A journey to North Ronaldsay is an immersion into the rugged yet beautiful nature of the northernmost of the Orkney Islands. Considering that even in the warmest month, August, the average temperature rarely exceeds 13°C, and in winter stays around 6–7°C, the main principle of your wardrobe should be layering. The weather here is changeable, and the piercing wind from the sea can make it feel much colder than the thermometer indicates, so a light t-shirt is unlikely to be useful even in summer.

Be sure to bring a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket with a deep hood. An umbrella is often useless here due to strong gusts of wind, so a good raincoat or membrane windbreaker will be your best choice. Regardless of the season, your suitcase should contain warm jumpers, fleece jackets, and a set of thermal base layers, especially if you plan a trip between October and March, when the number of rainy days reaches its maximum.

For comfortable exploration of the island, you will need comfortable, broken-in, and waterproof footwear; trekking boots are ideal, as the ground is often damp. Do not forget a thick beanie and gloves—they will truly come in handy during long walks along the coast. It is also worth packing sunglasses: they will protect your eyes not only from the rare bright sun but also from the constant wind.