Best Time to Visit Orkney: Seasonal Guide for Every Traveler

The Best Time to Visit Orkney: A Season-by-Season Guide

Orkney, the rugged and enchanting archipelago off the northeastern tip of Scotland, is a land of ancient stone circles, wild coastlines, and ever-changing skies. But if you're wondering when to plan your trip to this storied destination, the answer depends on what kind of experience you're chasing—wildlife watching, endless daylight, local culture, or tranquil seclusion.

Let’s break down what each season offers, so you can choose the perfect time to set sail for Orkney.

Summer (June – August): Orkney in Full Bloom

Why go:
If you're craving long days and full-on island life, summer is the prime time. From June through August, Orkney enjoys its warmest (though still refreshingly mild) weather, with temperatures typically ranging between 12–16°C. Thanks to Orkney’s northern latitude, daylight stretches to surreal lengths—around the summer solstice in late June, the sun barely dips below the horizon, and “the grimlings” (local term for twilight) light the sky until midnight.

What’s on:

• All major historical and natural sites are open with extended hours.
• Puffins, orcas, and minke whales are at their most visible.
• Expect a festive vibe with agricultural shows, local fairs, and music festivals like the St. Magnus International Festival.
• The sea cliffs of Marwick Head and Noup Head come alive with seabird colonies.

Things to keep in mind:
This is also peak tourist season. Cruise ships bring day-trippers to Kirkwall, and accommodations book up fast—especially in July and August. Be sure to reserve lodging and ferries well in advance.

Late Spring (April – May): The Local Favorite

Why go:
Ask a seasoned traveler or an Orcadian, and they’ll likely tell you May is the golden month to visit. The weather is typically dry, the landscapes are waking up with wildflowers, and seabirds are returning to nest. Spring in Orkney is alive with energy, yet blessedly quiet before summer crowds descend.

Highlights:

• The Orkney Folk Festival in late May brings traditional music and a cozy community vibe.
• Lambs frolic in fields and bird migrations are in full swing.
• Long daylight hours allow for extended exploring (sunsets around 10 pm by May).
• Many seasonal attractions and tours reopen by Easter weekend.

Pro tip:
Late April can still be brisk and breezy—bring layers. But for solitude, beauty, and wildlife, this is one of the best-kept secrets in Scottish travel.

Autumn (September – October): Tranquil Transitions

Why go:
Early autumn is Orkney’s sleeper hit. September offers a final kiss of summer warmth and golden evening light without the crowds. It’s the season of migration, both avian and human—travelers start to thin out, but birdlife flocks in.

Expect:

• Thousands of migratory birds, including geese and ducks, begin arriving in dramatic numbers.
• Tourist sites are still open in early September but begin closing or reducing hours by mid-October.
• Brisk walks along wave-swept shores and warm pub evenings with a dram of whisky.

Bonus:
If skies are clear and solar conditions are right, October is when the Northern Lights can begin to flicker across Orkney’s dark skies. It’s nature’s most magical encore.

Winter (November – March): Stormy Solitude & Local Charm

Why go:
Orkney in winter isn’t for everyone—but for the bold, it's a raw and beautiful time. With daylight reduced to 6 hours in December and frequent Atlantic storms lashing the coast, it’s a dramatic season full of brooding skies and roaring seas.

What makes it special:

• The Kirkwall Ba’: a raucous, traditional street football match played on Christmas and New Year’s Day. It’s community spirit at its wildest.
• You’ll have ancient sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae almost entirely to yourself.
• Dramatic weather makes the seascapes unforgettable—and Northern Lights sightings are possible from late winter.

Be prepared:
Many accommodations and visitor sites close or operate reduced hours. Bring serious waterproof gear, and monitor weather advisories if traveling by ferry or flight.

So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Orkney?

If we had to choose one perfect time, May often takes the crown: it offers a mix of beauty, wildlife, daylight, and calm. September runs a close second, with a golden glow and peaceful charm. June to August are ideal for first-time visitors and families seeking full access to activities and tours, but they come with bigger crowds.

No matter the month, Orkney is a place of contrasts—where Norse mythology meets Highland hospitality, and the weather might change four times before lunch. So pack layers, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready for an island adventure like no other.