Best Time to Visit Orkney: Month-by-Month Guide
Blair Martel
Jul 16, 2026
Choosing the best time to visit Orkney depends on what you want from the trip. Long summer days, puffins, festivals and easier island-hopping? Aim for late spring or summer. Quiet roads, dramatic skies and a chance of the Northern Lights? Autumn and winter can be wonderful too.
Orkney is not the kind of place that only works in one season. The islands change mood beautifully through the year. May can feel fresh and bright, June brings those famous long evenings, August has agricultural shows and family holidays, while winter gives you wild seas, cosy pubs and low golden light over the stone circles.
So, when should you go? For most first-time visitors, the best time to visit Orkney is between May and early July. You get long daylight hours, decent walking weather, active wildlife and fewer crowds than peak August. But that is only the quick answer. Let’s look at the full picture.
Quick Answer: When Is The Best Time To Visit Orkney?
If you want the easiest all-round trip, visit Orkney in June. The days are very long, ferries and tours are running regularly, seabirds are active, and the weather is usually more visitor-friendly than in winter.
That said, different months suit different travellers.
Best Months By Travel Style
For wildlife and long days, choose June. This is one of the best months for seabirds, coastal walks and fitting lots into each day.
For dry walking weather, choose May to early July. Orkney is always breezy, but late spring and early summer are often more comfortable for walking than late autumn or winter.
Love walking, hiking, or spending time outdoors? Our guide to the best books for walkers is packed with inspiring reads, practical advice, and stories to fuel your next adventure.
Looking for a thoughtful present? Explore our collection of gift ideas for walkers and surprise someone special with a memorable experience surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Orkney.
For fewer crowds and lower prices, choose April, September or October. You still get plenty of atmosphere, also accommodation can be easier to find than in high summer.
We'd love to welcome you to The Stromness Hotel. Unwind in one of our comfortable harbour-view rooms, enjoy a delicious meal at our on-site Scapa Flow Restaurant, and treat yourself to freshly brewed coffee and homemade cakes at The Flattie in a Teacup.
For the Northern Lights, choose October to March. Sightings are never guaranteed, but darker skies give you the best chance.
For festivals, look at May, June, August, September and December. Orkney has a lively events calendar, and timing your visit around a festival can make the trip feel extra special.
Orkney Weather: What To Expect
Orkney has a cool maritime climate. That means mild winters, cool summers, regular wind and weather that can change quickly. Even in July and August, you should pack layers, a waterproof jacket and shoes that can handle wet grass.
How Warm Does Orkney Get?
July and August are usually the warmest months, with daytime highs often around 15 to 17°C. It can feel warmer in sunshine and sheltered spots, but the breeze is part of island life.
Spring and autumn are cooler, usually pleasant for exploring if you dress well. Winter is not bitter in the way inland Scotland can be, but it can feel raw when wind and rain arrive together.
What Should You Pack?
Bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat and gloves outside summer, and a small day bag. In Orkney, it is perfectly normal to use sunscreen and a raincoat on the same day.
Orkney Month By Month
January
January is quiet, dark and atmospheric. This is not the month for packing in lots of sightseeing, but it can be brilliant if you want a peaceful winter escape.
New Year is also linked with the Ba’, Kirkwall’s traditional street game. The Ba’ is usually played on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, unless the date falls on a Sunday, when it is normally moved to the following day.
Expect short daylight hours, limited opening times and changeable ferry conditions. The reward is a more local-feeling Orkney, empty beaches and cosy evenings.
February
February is still very much winter in Orkney. Days are slowly lengthening, but you should plan carefully and keep your itinerary flexible.
This can be a good month for photographers who enjoy moody light, sea spray and dramatic skies. It is also within the Northern Lights season, so keep an eye on aurora forecasts if the sky is clear.
Do not overplan outer-island travel in February. Weather can affect ferries and flights, so give yourself breathing space.
March
March brings a sense of change. The days get longer, birds become more active, and the islands start to move towards spring.
It is still cool and often windy, but March can suit walkers who prefer quiet paths. Heritage sites and museums may still have reduced hours, so check opening times before you travel.
The spring equinox, around 20 March, is a useful turning point. From here, daylight quickly becomes more generous.
April
April is one of the best shoulder-season months to visit Orkney. It is quieter than summer, but there is enough daylight for proper exploring.
This is a good time for the main Neolithic sites, including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe. You will avoid the busiest summer flow, especially from cruise visitors.
Wildlife also starts to pick up. Puffins usually begin returning to breeding areas in spring, although sightings are better later in the season.
May
May is a fantastic month for first-time visitors. The days are long, the landscape feels fresh, and the weather is often good for walking.
It is also festival season. The Orkney Folk Festival is centred on Stromness and usually takes place in late May. The next confirmed dates are 27 to 30 May 2027, so this is one to plan ahead for.
May is especially good if you want the benefits of summer without the peak summer rush. Book accommodation early if you are visiting during the folk festival.
June
June is probably the best time to visit Orkney for most people. This is the month of long evenings, seabirds, coastal walks and the “simmer dim”, when the sky stays light late into the night.
The summer solstice falls around 21 June, and Orkney barely gets properly dark. This makes short trips much easier because you can fit more into each day.
June is also when the St Magnus International Festival usually takes place in Kirkwall and around Orkney. In 2026, the festival ran from 19 to 28 June.
For wildlife, walking and atmosphere, June is hard to beat. Want to spot Orkney's iconic wildlife during your visit? Read our guide to the best places and times to see puffins, seals, otters, whales, and more.
July
July is warm by Orkney standards and excellent for sightseeing. It is also one of the busiest months, so book ferries, restaurants, tours and accommodation in advance.
This is a strong month for island-hopping, especially if you want to visit Hoy, Rousay, Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday or Shapinsay. Longer daylight gives you more flexibility, though ferry timetables still shape the day.
Puffins may still be around in early to mid-July, but do not leave it too late if they are a major reason for your trip.
August
August is still high season. It is one of the warmest months, and there is a lively holiday feel around the islands.
The big date in August is the Orkney County Show, Orkney’s major agricultural event. In 2026, it is scheduled for 8 August. This is a brilliant day for seeing local farming, livestock, food, crafts and community life.
August is good for families and first-timers who want a busy, sociable visit. Just expect higher demand for rooms and transport.
September
September is one of the most underrated months in Orkney. The summer crowds ease, the light softens, and the islands settle into a calmer rhythm.
The Orkney International Science Festival is a major September event. In 2026, the dates are 3 to 9 September.
September is also a good month for walking, archaeology, food and photography. The weather can still be kind, but evenings are noticeably darker than in June and July.
October
October is the start of a wilder, quieter Orkney. It can be windy, but it is a lovely month if you enjoy autumn colour, big skies and peaceful historic sites.
This is also when Northern Lights season becomes more realistic. You need darkness, clear skies and solar activity, so sightings are never promised. Still, Orkney’s northerly position gives you a genuine chance.
October works well for slower travel. Think museums, coastal walks, warm cafés and flexible plans rather than a packed checklist.
November
November is quiet and often weather-led. Ferries and flights can be affected by wind, and many attractions may have shorter opening hours.
However, this can be a rewarding month if you like solitude. Beaches are empty, the light is beautiful, and Kirkwall and Stromness feel more local than touristy.
If you visit in November, stay on Mainland Orkney unless you have enough spare time to handle possible travel disruption.
December
December in Orkney is dark, festive and full of character. The shortest day falls around 21 or 22 December, with only a small window of daylight, so this is not the month for a fast-paced sightseeing trip.
It is, however, a fascinating time for traditions. The Ba’ is played in Kirkwall on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, unless either falls on a Sunday.
December is also a good month for winter skies and aurora watching. Pack warmly and keep plans simple.
How Many Days Do You Need In Orkney?
The length of your trip shapes when you should go. A short visit works much better in summer, when daylight is long and travel is easier. A longer trip gives you room to slow down, visit smaller isles and absorb the place properly.
1 Day In Orkney
One day is possible, but rushed. You can see a few headline sites, such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Kirkwall, but you will only scratch the surface.
If you only have one day, aim for May to July. Long daylight makes the schedule more forgiving.
3 Days In Orkney
Three days is the sweet spot for first-timers. You can explore Mainland Orkney, visit the main Neolithic sites, spend time in Kirkwall and Stromness, and perhaps add a short coastal walk.
A three-day Orkney itinerary works best from May to September.
5 To 7 Days In Orkney
With five to seven days, Orkney starts to open up. You can add Hoy, Rousay, Westray, Papa Westray or another smaller island, depending on ferry times and your interests.
This length is ideal for slower travel, wildlife, archaeology and photography.
A Week Or More In Orkney
A week or more is perfect for walkers, birders, repeat visitors and anyone who wants to feel the rhythm of the islands. You can build in weather days, travel to outer isles and avoid rushing from site to site.
Longer trips work in any season, but spring, summer and early autumn give you the most choice.
Festivals Worth Timing Your Trip Around
Orkney’s events can be a real reason to pick one month over another. If you plan to visit during a festival, book early because rooms can fill fast.
Key Orkney Festival Dates
May: Orkney Folk Festival, centred on Stromness. The next confirmed dates are 27 to 30 May 2027.
June: St Magnus International Festival, an arts festival based around Kirkwall and midsummer. The 2026 festival ran from 19 to 28 June.
August: Orkney County Show, the islands’ biggest agricultural event. The 2026 show is scheduled for 8 August.
September: Orkney International Science Festival. The 2026 festival is scheduled for 3 to 9 September.
December and January: The Ba’ in Kirkwall, usually on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Best Time For Wildlife In Orkney
For seabirds, late spring and early summer are best. May, June and early July are good months for watching cliff-nesting birds, including puffins in the right locations.
For seals, you have chances through much of the year, though pupping seasons vary by species. Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing animals on beaches.
For the Northern Lights, visit between October and March. Choose somewhere dark, look north, and remember that clear skies matter just as much as solar activity.
Best Time For Walking And Outdoor Exploring
The best walking months are usually May, June, July and September. You get a good balance of daylight, weather and visibility.
July and August are warmer but busier. April and October can be excellent for quieter walks, as long as you are ready for wind and rain.
For cliff walks, always check the forecast. Orkney’s coastal scenery is stunning, but strong winds can make exposed paths feel very different.
Useful Travel Tips Before You Book
Book accommodation early for May to September, especially around festivals and school holidays.
Reserve ferries if travelling with a car. Popular sailings can fill quickly in summer.
Check opening times for heritage sites, distilleries and museums outside peak season.
Plan outer-island trips around ferry timetables, not just distance on a map.
Leave space in your itinerary. Orkney rewards slow travel, and weather can change plans.
Check tide times for tidal places such as the Brough of Birsay.
Bring layers in every season. Even in August, the wind can make it feel cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Warmest Month In Orkney?
July and August are usually the warmest months in Orkney, with highs around 15 to 17°C. It is rarely hot, but it can be very pleasant for walking, sightseeing and ferry trips.
Does It Get Dark In Orkney In Summer?
Barely. In June, the sky stays light late into the night. This long twilight is known locally as the “simmer dim”. It is one of the loveliest reasons to visit Orkney in early summer.
Is Orkney Worth Visiting In Winter?
Yes, Orkney is worth visiting in winter if you want peace, dramatic skies and a real chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Just expect short days, reduced opening hours and weather that may affect travel.
When Is The Sea Calmest For The Ferry?
Late spring and summer usually offer the calmest ferry crossings, although Orkney weather can change at any time. If you are nervous about rough seas, May to August is generally a sensible window.
When Can You See Puffins In Orkney?
Puffins are usually seen from spring into summer, with May, June and early July often the best period. Good places can include Westray, Papa Westray and suitable coastal cliff areas, but sightings vary from year to year.
What Is The Cheapest Time To Visit Orkney?
April, October and parts of winter are often cheaper than peak summer. You may find better accommodation availability too, although some attractions and tours run reduced schedules outside the main season.
Our Verdict: When Should You Go?
For wildlife and long days, visit in June.
For dry walking weather, choose May to early July.
For fewer crowds and lower prices, try April, September or October.
For festivals, look at late May, late June, August and early September.
For the Northern Lights, visit from October to March.
Overall, the best time to visit Orkney for first-timers is May to early July, with June taking the top spot. You get long days, active wildlife, festival energy and enough daylight to enjoy even a shorter trip.
But there is no bad time to visit Orkney. Each season offers something different, from summer puffins and golden evenings to winter auroras and quiet stone circles. Choose the month that matches your travel style, pack for four seasons, and give yourself enough time to slow down. Orkney is at its best when you do not rush it.
Blair Martel
Categories
Travel Planning
