Orkney, North West Weather by Month and Climate Averages

How much rain does Orkney get?

Orkney gets 502 mm of precipitation in an average year, spread over about 77 days with measurable rain. That is more rainy days than 68% of South Africa.

December is the wettest month, with 93 mm. July is the driest, with 4 mm. December has the most rainy days, about 12.

Orkney weather by month

Orkney weather in January

In January, Orkney averages a high of 31°C and a low of 16°C. It gets 76 mm of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 53% of daylight hours. The January record high is 41°C (2016) and the record low is 7°C (2008).

Orkney weather in February

In February, Orkney averages a high of 31°C and a low of 16°C. It gets 74 mm of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 54% of daylight hours. The February record high is 38°C (2013) and the record low is 8°C (2015).

Orkney weather in March

In March, Orkney averages a high of 30°C and a low of 14°C. It gets 63 mm of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 63% of daylight hours. The March record high is 39°C (2024) and the record low is 3°C (2002).

Orkney weather in April

In April, Orkney averages a high of 27°C and a low of 10°C. It gets 38 mm of precipitation over about 7 rainy days. The sun is out about 71% of daylight hours. The April record high is 36°C (2021) and the record low is -2°C (2007).

Orkney weather in May

In May, Orkney averages a high of 24°C and a low of 4°C. It gets 14 mm of precipitation over about 3 rainy days. The sun is out about 83% of daylight hours. The May record high is 32°C (2012) and the record low is -7°C (2007). May is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Orkney weather in June

In June, Orkney averages a high of 22°C and a low of 1°C. It gets 8 mm of precipitation over about 2 rainy days. The sun is out about 89% of daylight hours. The June record high is 28°C (2013) and the record low is -9°C (2010). June is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Orkney weather in July

In July, Orkney averages a high of 22°C and a low of 1°C. It gets 4 mm of precipitation over about 1 rainy days. The sun is out about 90% of daylight hours. The July record high is 29°C (2002) and the record low is -9°C (2014). July is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Orkney weather in August

In August, Orkney averages a high of 25°C and a low of 3°C. It gets 14 mm of precipitation over about 2 rainy days. The sun is out about 87% of daylight hours. The August record high is 34°C (2012) and the record low is -8°C (2003). August is one of the most comfortable months to visit.

Orkney weather in September

In September, Orkney averages a high of 29°C and a low of 8°C. It gets 13 mm of precipitation over about 3 rainy days. The sun is out about 82% of daylight hours. The September record high is 36°C (2023) and the record low is -6°C (2013).

Orkney weather in October

In October, Orkney averages a high of 31°C and a low of 12°C. It gets 45 mm of precipitation over about 8 rainy days. The sun is out about 68% of daylight hours. The October record high is 41°C (2003) and the record low is -1°C (2024).

Orkney weather in November

In November, Orkney averages a high of 31°C and a low of 14°C. It gets 60 mm of precipitation over about 10 rainy days. The sun is out about 59% of daylight hours. The November record high is 42°C (2021) and the record low is 0°C (2017).

Orkney weather in December

In December, Orkney averages a high of 32°C and a low of 16°C. It gets 93 mm of precipitation over about 12 rainy days. The sun is out about 52% of daylight hours. The December record high is 40°C (2015) and the record low is 8°C (1998).

Sunshine, humidity and wind in Orkney

July is the sunniest month in Orkney, with sunshine about 90% of daylight hours. December is the cloudiest, at 52%. Over the year the sun shines about 71% of daylight hours. Orkney is sunnier than 75% of South Africa.

Humidity peaks in February at 60% and is lowest in September at 31%.

Orkney has about 52 days a year above 32°C. Orkney is hotter than 71% of South Africa.

First and last freeze in Orkney

The first fall freeze in Orkney typically comes around May 28, and the last spring freeze around August 26. That leaves a frost-free growing season of about 275 days.

Orkney weather records

The hottest temperature on record at the Orkney station is 42°C, on November 15, 2021. The coldest is -9°C, on June 17, 2010.

The wettest day on record brought 103 mm of rain, on August 5, 1998.

31 all-time records have been set at the station since 1970.

The best time to visit Orkney

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to August, when daytime highs sit near 23°C.

Winter (June–August) is warm, with average highs around 23°C and lows near 2°C.

Spring (September–November) is hot, with average highs around 30°C and lows near 11°C.

Summer (December–February) is hot, with average highs around 31°C and lows near 16°C.

Autumn (March–May) is warm, with average highs around 27°C and lows near 10°C.

Orkney climate questions

How much rain does Orkney get?

Orkney gets 502 mm of precipitation in an average year, over about 77 rainy days.

What is the wettest month in Orkney?

December is the wettest month in Orkney, with 93 mm. July is the driest, with 4 mm.

How many rainy days does Orkney have a year?

Orkney has about 77 days with measurable rain in an average year. December has the most, about 12.

What is the hottest month in Orkney?

December is the warmest month in Orkney, with an average high of 32°C.

What is the coldest month in Orkney?

July is the coldest month in Orkney, with an average low of 1°C.

What is the record high temperature in Orkney?

The record high at the Orkney station is 42°C, set on November 15, 2021. The record low is -9°C, on June 17, 2010.

What is the sunniest month in Orkney?

July is the sunniest month in Orkney, with sunshine about 90% of daylight hours. December is the cloudiest.

When is the first frost in Orkney?

The first fall freeze in Orkney typically comes around May 28. The last spring freeze is around August 26.

What is the best time to visit Orkney?

The most comfortable time to visit is typically May to August, when daytime highs sit near 23°C.