What is the best month to visit Orkney?

The best time to visit Orkney is anytime you can get there, really – although in winter, it is not so inviting, to be sure. However, anytime between Easter and end of autumn is a good time on Orkney, with long days around the Summer Solstice too.

Does Orkney have snow?

Although we see little snow, an Orkney winter is generally very wet – a combination of the low level of the land and the warming effect of the surrounding sea. Fog and sea-haar are perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Orkney’s weather.

How cold does it get in Orkney?

Winter in Orkney Winter is the windiest and the wettest time of year but there is very little snow. In fact, Orkney never gets brutally cold. Average winter temperatures hover around 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).

Does it rain a lot in Orkney?

Rain falls throughout the year in Orkney. The month with the most rain in Orkney is October, with an average rainfall of 3.3 inches. The month with the least rain in Orkney is May, with an average rainfall of 1.5 inches.

Does Orkney have midges?

Orkney tends to see midges in the countryside and not in the towns. We also had a problem with midges last year on Hoy and Rousay too. They are all Islands though. I have never been bothered with them in Kirkwall or Stromness.

When can you see puffins on Orkney?

They can be easily seen in Orkney and Shetland during the summer. Puffins will arrive on the cliffs of Orkney and Shetland from April to August every year.

Is Orkney a good place to live?

The historic islands of Orkney have been crowned Scotland’s best place to live for the eighth year in a row, according to the Bank of Scotland Quality of Life survey 2020.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Orkney?

Orkney is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights thanks to our location and lack of light pollution – all you need are clear skies, a good view north…and plenty of warm clothing!

Can you see the northern lights in Orkney?

Are there midges in Orkney?

Does it snow on the Shetland Islands?

Question: Does Shetland get a lot of snow? Answer: No, but we do get lots of wind. The (relatively) warm sea air means that snow is only occasional during winter, being most common in January & February. When it does fall it rarely stays for long.

Do you need a car on Orkney?

How to get around the Orkney Islands. I would 100% recommend hiring a car to travel around the Orkney Islands. Taxis are available but you really need your own wheels to see this beautiful island properly.