Best time of year to visit Orkney

The Orkney Islands, a stunning archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland, offer a magical mix of rugged landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife.

Whether you’re an adventurer seeking dramatic coastlines, a history buff exploring Neolithic sites, or a wildlife enthusiast, Orkney has something for everyone.

But when is the best time to visit?

Recommended Time to Visit the Orkney Islands

• For Good Weather: Summer (June to August) offers the mildest weather and the longest days, perfect for exploring.
• For Wildlife: Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August) are the best times for wildlife enthusiasts, with diverse birdlife and active marine animals.
• For Events: Late Spring to Early Summer (May to June) is ideal for festival-goers, with major cultural events like the Orkney Folk Festival and St. Magnus Festival.
• For Avoiding Crowds: Autumn (September to November) and Winter (December to February) offer a quieter experience, with fewer visitors and a more tranquil atmosphere.

Orkney Weather Throughout the Year

Orkney in Spring (March to May)

Spring in Orkney is a time of renewal. After the long winter, the islands slowly come back to life. March can still be quite chilly, with temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F), but by May, you can expect milder days, often reaching 12°C (54°F).

The days are getting longer, with daylight stretching up to 17 hours by the end of May. Spring is ideal if you enjoy brisk walks along the cliffs, watching the landscape turn green, and don’t mind the occasional rain shower.

Summer on Orkney (June to August)

Summer is Orkney’s most popular season, and for good reason. The weather is at its warmest, with temperatures ranging between 12°C (54°F) and 18°C (64°F). While it’s never exactly “hot,” the long daylight hours—up to 18 hours in June—mean you can pack a lot into your days.

This is the best time for outdoor activities, whether you’re exploring the Ring of Brodgar or taking a boat trip to see the seabirds and marine life. However, summer is also the busiest season, so you’ll need to share these beautiful spots with more visitors.

Autumn on Orkney (September to November)

As autumn arrives, Orkney starts to quieten down. Temperatures cool, ranging from 10°C (50°F) in September to around 6°C (43°F) in November.

The days shorten, but the golden light and vibrant colours of the landscape create a picturesque setting.

Autumn is a great time for those who enjoy a more peaceful experience. You’ll still find plenty to do outdoors, with fewer crowds, and the weather is often mild enough for hiking and exploring.

Orkney in Winter (December to February)

Winter in Orkney is not for the faint-hearted, but it has its own special place for me and is probably the best time to visit if you enjoy wild weather and solitude.

With temperatures between 2°C (36°F) and 6°C (43°F) and daylight limited to around 6 hours in December, it’s a time for cosying up indoors as much as venturing out.

However, those who brave the elements are rewarded with the chance to see the Northern Lights and experience the island’s raw beauty. This is the quietest time of year, perfect for solitude seekers and those who want to explore Orkney’s winter festivals.

Wildlife Watching On Orkney

Spring wildlife on Orkeny

Spring is a paradise for birdwatchers. Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills return to the cliffs of Orkney to breed, creating a cacophony of sound and activity.

The RSPB reserves at Marwick Head and Mull Head are great spots to witness this avian spectacle. Marine life also becomes more active as the waters around the islands warm up, with seals and dolphins frequently spotted from the shore.

While brown hares are seen year-round on Orkney, in the spring they become active with the males boxing and general hare madness is seen in the fields.

Summer wildlife on Orkney

Summer is the peak time for wildlife in Orkney. The seabird colonies are in full swing, with puffins being a particular highlight. If you’re lucky, you might spot orcas and other whales from the ferry to the mainland or islands in the north.

Seals are a common sight on the beaches, and the lush fields and meadows are full of wildflowers, attracting bees and butterflies. The diversity of wildlife, both on land and in the sea, makes summer an exceptional time for nature lovers.

Autumn wildlife on Orkney

Autumn is a transitional time for wildlife in Orkney. While many of the seabirds start to leave, the islands become a stopping point for migratory birds, making it an exciting time for birdwatching.

Grey seals come ashore to breed, and if you visit in November, you might witness the birth of seal pups on the beaches—a truly special sight.

Winter wildlife on Orkney

Winter changes the wildlife scene in Orkney. Many birds head south, but wintering species, such as the elusive long-tailed duck, arrive.

The grey seal pups born in late autumn are still around, and the beaches can be littered with them as they grow.

While the days are short, those who venture out early or late may be rewarded with sightings of otters and other shy creatures that are more active during these quiet months.

Key Events and Festivals

Spring

Spring kicks off the event calendar in Orkney, with local festivals celebrating the arrival of the new season. Easter and May Day bring traditional music, dances, and fairs, offering a glimpse into Orkney’s rich cultural heritage. These events are smaller and more community-focused, giving visitors an intimate experience of island life.

The Orkney Folk Festival in late May is a must-see, bringing together musicians from across the islands and beyond for four days of music and dancing. There is also the Orkney Nature Festival in May that highlights the beautiful Orcadian Wildlife.

Summer

Summer is the festival season in Orkney. In June, the St. Magnus Festival takes centre stage, celebrating the arts with concerts, plays, and exhibitions.

The summer months are also filled with agricultural shows and fairs, where you can see Orkney’s farming traditions in action and sample local produce.

Autumn

As the tourist season winds down, the Orkney International Science Festival in September brings a different flavour to the islands. This unique event celebrates Orkney’s contributions to science and innovation with lectures, workshops, and exhibitions. Autumn is also a time for harvest festivals and local fairs, where the community celebrates as they would have done when bringing in the harvest was integral to the community.

Winter

Winter in Orkney is marked by the Ba’ Game, a centuries-old tradition played on the streets of Kirkwall on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This rough-and-tumble game is a sight and offers a true taste of Orkney’s spirit.

The winter months are also a time for quieter, more reflective celebrations, with local music and storytelling events offering warmth against the cold outside.

Visitor Numbers and Cruise Ships

Spring in Orkney

Spring sees a gradual increase in visitors to Orkney. The islands are still relatively quiet, making it a good time to explore without the crowds. While cruise ships do start arriving, they’re not yet at their peak, so you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the sights.

Summer on Orkney

Summer is the busiest time of year in Orkney, especially with the influx of cruise ships. This can mean crowded streets in places like Kirkwall and busy tourist sites when the ships are docked. This isn’t every day and boat numbers are carefully regulated.

If you’re visiting during this time, it’s worth planning your day to avoid the peak hours when cruise passengers are onshore. Alternatively, seek out the quieter corners of the islands, where you can still find peace and solitude.

You can check the cruise ship schedule HERE

Autumn in Orkney

Autumn brings a decline in visitor numbers, making it an excellent time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cruise ships become less frequent, and the islands take on a calmer, more introspective feel. You can explore at your own pace, without worrying about crowds.

Winter in Orkney

Winter is the quietest time of year in Orkney. With few visitors and no cruise ships, you’ll have the islands almost to yourself. This is the time to truly escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, with nothing but the wind and waves for company.

Midges in Orkney

Like the rest of Scotland, the small biting insects known as midges are an annoyance at times in Orkney.

They are most likely to be around in August, however, they are not the nuisance that they are in other parts of Scotland.

In Orkney, the persistent winds mean that most midges are blown away before they get a chance to swarm and ruin your day.

Practical Information for Visiting Orkney

Getting to Orkney

Travelling to Orkney can be an adventure. Ferries run from mainland Scotland to several locations on the islands, including Kirkwall and Stromness. Alternatively, flights are available to Kirkwall from major Scottish cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.

Accommodation in Orkney

Orkney offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. In Kirkwall and Stromness, you’ll find small bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, hotels and campsites.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Orkney is during the summer months, from May to September. The weather is milder, and the days are long, allowing you to make the most of your time exploring the islands. Summer also coincides with many local festivals and events, providing additional opportunities to experience Orkney’s culture.

Getting Around

Orkney is relatively easy to navigate, with a network of roads connecting the main islands. Car rentals are available, and there are also public bus services that can take you to most of the key locations.