PREHISTORY
Skara Brae
Exceptionally well-preserved Neolithic village on Mainland.
SCOTLAND · ORKNEY · NORTH ATLANTIC
Orkney Islands.
Make time for the outdoors.
Prehistoric monuments, sea air and huge horizons across Scotland's northern islands.
Explore when to visitBEST SPENT OUTDOORSNature and experiences in Orkney Islands
Nature and experiences in Orkney Islands
SUMMER CLIMATEAbout 11–14 °C
Mean daily maximum temperatures from June to August in Kirkwall (1991–2020). Local conditions may differ; not a weather forecast.
TIME TO SETTLE IN3–6 nights
Use one base for your stay
YOUR KIND OF HOLIDAYIslands & history
Neolithic sites, coastal walks and island towns
YOUR HOLIDAY. COMFORTABLY DIFFERENT.
Leave the routine behind.
Step into nature.
On Orkney, seabird cliffs and open coasts meet remarkable Neolithic sites. Between Stromness, Skara Brae and the island roads, wind and ferry times deserve a place in your plans.
On Orkney, seabird cliffs and open coasts meet remarkable Neolithic sites. Between Stromness, Skara Brae and the island roads, wind and ferry times deserve a place in your plans.
Keep your plans flexible: wind, weather, opening hours and conservation rules all matter. Better one worthwhile stop at an easy pace than too many rushed visits in a day.
Which region does this guide cover?
This guide covers the Orkney Islands north of mainland Scotland, including Mainland, Hoy and selected smaller islands. Shetland and the Outer Hebrides are separate destinations.
PLACES THAT STAY WITH YOU
Places that
make your day.
Three different perspectives on the region. Photos will be added before publication.
STONE CIRCLE
Ring of Brodgar
Monumental stone circle in an open landscape; respect site protection rules.
HARBOUR & CULTURE
Stromness
Historic harbour town and base for exploring Mainland's west coast.
THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU
How does
your travel month feel?
Choose your month: climate, travel experience and activities at a glance.
July
Summer brings warm days, with forests and waterside spots offering some relief.
Visitor numbersBusy
Seasonal price levelHigher
Daytime average13.2 °CDaily maximum
2021–2025 Ø 13.7 °C +0.5 °C
Night-time average11.3 °CDaily minimum
Rainfall56.6 mmper month
WaterColdeditorial assessment
Heat riskModeratequalitative assessment
Humidity discomfortOccasionalqualitative assessment
Sea & coast5/5
Mountains & lakes1/5
Nature5/5
Cities & culture5/5
The reference location, source and data period still require separate verification through climate sync. Until then these monthly figures are editorial draft data, not verified measurements or a weather forecast. Sources & context
Make the most of the outdoors.
Keep an eye on the weather.
Monthly climate figures can help you choose when to travel, but they do not replace current weather, water or trail information.
1991–2020 · Average daily maximum
2021–2025 warmer
2021–2025 cooler
7.1°0°Jan
6.5°+0.6°Feb
6.9°+0.5°Mar
7.8°+0.2°Apr
9.4°+0.8°May
11.4°+1.1°Jun
13.2°+0.5°Jul
13.8°+0.5°Aug
13°+0.7°Sep
11.1°+0.7°Oct
9.2°+0.5°Nov
7.7°+0.4°Dec
Temperature comparison: The bars show the 1991–2020 climate normal. The coloured line shows how the five most recent complete years, 2021–2025, differ: red = warmer, green = cooler. These five years form a recent comparison period, not a new climate normal.
Compare climate data across the year
| Month | Day | Night | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.1 °C | 4.7 °C | 110.1 mm |
| February | 6.5 °C | 4.3 °C | 90.8 mm |
| March | 6.9 °C | 4.6 °C | 83.2 mm |
| April | 7.8 °C | 5.7 °C | 56 mm |
| May | 9.4 °C | 7.2 °C | 49.2 mm |
| June | 11.4 °C | 9.4 °C | 52.5 mm |
| July | 13.2 °C | 11.3 °C | 56.6 mm |
| August | 13.8 °C | 11.9 °C | 71.5 mm |
| September | 13 °C | 11 °C | 87.9 mm |
| October | 11.1 °C | 9.1 °C | 122.4 mm |
| November | 9.2 °C | 6.9 °C | 125.6 mm |
| December | 7.7 °C | 5.2 °C | 113.4 mm |
Long-term measured climate values have not yet been verified for this destination. Do not publish these monthly figures as reliable climate normals before climate synchronization succeeds.
Which activities suit each month?
Editorial suitability: 0 unsuitable · 1 very limited · 2 limited · 3 good · 4 very good · 5 excellent. Overall suitability rates a varied sightseeing trip. Winter sports and swimming are assessed separately.
| Holiday preference | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall travel suitability | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Sea & coast | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Mountains & lakes | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Nature | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Cities & culture | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Walking | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Cycling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Sea swimming | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Winter sports | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lake swimming | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Draft: monthly suitability ratings are editorial guidance, not authorisation to use any specific route or take part in water activities.
All months, visitor numbers & seasonal prices
| Month | Visitor numbers | Prices | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Quiet | Relatively low | Quiet winter days are best for short walks and cosy accommodation rather than a packed outdoor schedule. |
| February | Quiet | Relatively low | Still chilly, but with longer daylight hours. |
| March | Moderate | Moderate | Early walking opportunities, provided trails are not too wet. |
| April | Quiet | Moderate | A peaceful time for forests and cultural sights; bring waterproofs. |
| May | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent for walking and cycling before the busiest period. |
| June | Moderate | Moderate | Long days for nature and waterside activities; keep an eye on thunderstorms. |
| July | Busy | Higher | Summer brings warm days, with forests and waterside spots offering some relief. |
| August | Busy | Higher | School holidays and swimming days bring more visitors. |
| September | Moderate | Moderate | Often pleasant for hiking, cycling and peaceful lakes. |
| October | Quiet | Moderate | Autumn colours and fewer visitors, but shorter days. |
| November | Very quiet | Relatively low | Wet and quiet; cultural attractions or wellness options can make a good alternative. |
| December | Generally quiet; busier during holidays | Higher during holidays | Winter tranquillity, with a more limited choice of outdoor activities. |
YOUR PREFERENCES. YOUR HOLIDAY.
Ideal if you
set your own pace.
Thoughtful guidance helps more than an endless checklist.
A great fit for you.
- You want nature to be the main attraction.
- You like combining active days with time to relax.
- You prefer a flexible plan over a packed checklist.
- You respect nature conservation rules and safety guidance.
- You would rather stay several nights in one place.
What you should know.
- Opening times, trails and activities vary by season.
- If weather warnings are in place, put safety first and choose an alternative.
- Peak season and weekends can be considerably busier.
- This region is not a substitute for a city break or a classic beach holiday.
- Images and their usage rights will be added and verified before publication.
Compare travel styles in detail
Nature & tranquillity4/5
Beautiful scenery and plenty of room for unhurried days.
Active holidays & hiking4/5
Depends on the route, season and your experience.
Families4/5
A great choice with age-appropriate distances and breaks.
Couples4/5
For shared adventures and peaceful evenings.
Budget-conscious3/5
Travelling outside peak season and self-catering can keep costs down.
Without a car3/5
Possible with the right accommodation and day-trip planning.
Cities & culture2/5
Cultural excursions complement the nature-focused trip; this is not a city break.
Beach & swimming1/5
Not a typical beach holiday.
Draft: 0 = unsuitable, 5 = excellent. The season and your individual circumstances still matter.
HARBOUR & CULTURE
More scenery.
Less rushing.
FROM WANDERLUST TO A PLAN
One week.
Plenty of flexibility.
A suggested stay of five to seven nights. Let the weather and your energy levels shape the order.
Arriving in Orkney Islands
Choose local activities using verified destination information and current conditions.
A day in the national park
Save the most settled day for your main excursion, and plan breaks and the return journey.
Culture or an easy lakeside walk
Another nature day, a quieter stop and at least one flexible day make for a more relaxed trip.
Draft: current opening, safety and photography details will be checked before publication.
TRAVEL PLANNING
Check before you go
Orkney can be reached by ferry or air. Excursions to smaller islands depend on seasonal connections and weather; check access and visiting conditions for archaeological sites.
WHILE YOU ARE THERE
Let the weather set the pace
One well-chosen short outing beats an overpacked day.
Always respect closures, conservation rules and safety alerts.
WHAT TO PACK
Layers, not guarantees
Pack sturdy shoes, rain protection, water and sun protection.
Longer and more demanding routes call for suitable equipment and experience.
GOOD TO KNOW, HONESTLY
A little planning.
Lots to look forward to.
When is the best time to visit?
Choose the months that suit your planned activities and when local services are available. See our month-by-month guide, and always check current weather and trail conditions.
Is the region comfortable in summer?
The climate figures indicate generally moderate summer conditions. Sunny days may still be hot; shade, water and higher ground can help, depending on the region.
Do I need a car?
It depends on your accommodation and day trips. Trains and buses may work well, but remote trailheads require careful planning.
What can I do when it rains?
Choose short, safe walks, cultural attractions or a relaxed day at your accommodation. Avoid exposed terrain and water-based activities during thunderstorms.
Is the region suitable for families?
Yes, with sensible distances, breaks and a backup plan. Not every popular attraction suits every age group.
How many nights should I plan?
Three nights offer a first impression; five to seven allow more time for changing weather and relaxed days.
Are the figures a weather forecast?
No. Climate and travel-suitability scores are editorial guidance. Always follow current weather alerts and local operator advice.
Which places does this guide cover?
This guide covers the Orkney Islands north of mainland Scotland, including Mainland, Hoy and selected smaller islands. Shetland and the Outer Hebrides are separate destinations.
YOUR HOLIDAY BEGINS WITH A GOOD FEELING
Ready for fresh perspectives?
Find destinations that suit your travel dates, your favourite places
and your preferred climate.
Sources, climate notes & photo credits
So you can put the information in context.
Editorial information updated: 18 September 2026. Suitability, routes, price levels, humidity discomfort and heat risk are editorial assessments. Prices are not current offers. Climate averages do not replace a weather forecast.
The reference location, source and data period still require separate verification through climate sync. Until then these monthly figures are editorial draft data, not verified measurements or a weather forecast.
- Orkney Tourism
- Historic Environment Scotland – Orkney
- ERA5-Land · Open-Meteo Historical Weather API · Comparing 1991–2020 with 2021–2025; the anomaly is applied to the verified Coolcation climate normal.
Photography
- Maxwell Andrews · a lighthouse on top of a cliff near the ocean · Unsplash License. Resized; responsive image crop.
- David Bayliss · A group of stones sitting on top of a lush green field · Unsplash License. Resized; responsive image crop.
- Ryan Denny · brown concrete building near body of water during daytime · Unsplash License. Resized; responsive image crop.