Climate - Kirkwall (Scotland)

The climate of Kirkwall is oceanic, with cold, rainy winters and cool, cloudy summers. The wind often blows, and can sometimes be stormy, especially in the colder half of the year.
Kirkwall is the main city of the Orkney Islands, which are located north-east of Scotland, and are one of the least sunny places in the world.
The rains are frequent throughout the year, but especially from October to March, while there is a relative minimum in spring and summer.

Winter is long and runs from mid-November to mid-April, and it is cold but not freezing: the average temperature is a few degrees above freezing (0 °C or 32 °F). Wind and humidity, however, together with the lack of sunshine, exacerbate the sensation of cold.
Owing to the latitude, the days are very short from November to January. On December 21, the shortest day of the year, the sun rises at 9:04 am and sets at 3:15 pm.
Snowfalls are quite frequent, though not abundant. Cold winds of polar origin blow quite often, but owing to the presence of the sea, the temperature does not drop by much, so there can be light frosts, but it rarely drops below -4 °C (25 °F). Furthermore, even during cold periods, the maximum temperature almost always exceeds freezing. The lowest record is -7.8 °C (18.0 °F), registered in January 1959. In December 2010, the temperature dropped to -5.7 °C (21.7 °F).
On the other hand, in periods when the mild westerlies blow, the temperature remains a few degrees above freezing, and can even reach 10/12 °C (50/54 °F), however, in these situations, the sky remains cloudy, and wind and rain are frequent. Intense Atlantic depressions, which often occur in this area, can bring gale-force winds, and cause sea storms.

The short spring, from mid-April to late May, is cold: the temperature remains low, and wintery periods are still possible, with snow showers, even in the first half of May. However, the days are long, the wind slows down a bit, and every so often, you can see the sun.

Summer, from June to August, is very cool, humid and rainy, and sometimes windy. Sometimes fog can form.
On the warmest days of the year, the temperature typically rises to 21/22 °C (70/72 °F), although it can sometimes reach 25 °C (77 °F).
On the other hand, the days are very long. On June 21, the longest day of the year, the sun rises at 3:58 am and sets at 10:28 pm. Since we are at a very high latitude (at the 59h parallel, the same as Stockholm), the white nights occur from May 16 to July 27, in which it is not completely dark even at midnight.
In addition, summer is the least windy season, even though some days with strong wind are still possible.

Autumn, from September to mid-November, is cloudy, rainy and windy, and it gets progressively colder.

Best Time

The best time to visit Kirkwall and the Orkney Islands is the summer, from June to August, since it is the mildest season. However, there are often cloudy skies, wind, rain and a bit of cold at night.
In September, the temperature is similar to that of June, but it rains more often and the days are shorter (it can be useful to remember that in September 23, the autumnal equinox, the day lasts 12 hours everywhere in the world).

Kirkwall - Climate data

In Kirkwall, the average temperature of the coldest month (February) is of 4.4 °C (40.0 °F), that of the warmest month (August) is of 13.4 °C (56.1 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
In Kirkwall, precipitation amounts to 1050 millimeters (41.3 inches) per year: it is therefore quite abundant. It ranges from 55 mm (2.2 in) in the driest months (May, June) to 125 mm (4.9 in) in the wettest one (November). Here is the average precipitation.
At Kirkwall, the sea temperature ranges from 7 °C (45 °F) in March to 13.5 °C (56 °F) in August. Here are the average sea temperatures.
In Kirkwall, there are on average around 1210 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.

Kirkwall - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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In January, the weather in Kirkwall is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 4.4 °C (40 °F), with a minimum of 2.3 °C (36.1 °F) and a maximum of 6.6 °C (43.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1.5 °C (29 °F). However, it dropped to -4.2 °C (24.4 °F) in January 2004.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 10 °C (50 °F). However, it reached 11.6 °C (52.9 °F) in January 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 115 mm (4.5 in), distributed over 20 days.
The day lasts on average 7 hours and 5 minutes. So the days are short.
There is an average of 1 hour of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 16% of the time.
The average humidity is 84%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 28 kph (17 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 8.5 °C (47 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In February, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Kirkwall is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 4.4 °C (40 °F), with a minimum of 2.1 °C (35.8 °F) and a maximum of 6.8 °C (44.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28 °F). However, it dropped to -4.6 °C (23.7 °F) in February 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 10.5 °C (51 °F). However, it reached 13.2 °C (55.8 °F) in February 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 18 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 2.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 24% of the time.
The average humidity is 83%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 28 kph (17 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 7.5 °C (45.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Kirkwall is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 5.3 °C (42 °F), with a minimum of 2.7 °C (36.8 °F) and a maximum of 8 °C (46.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1.5 °C (29 °F). However, it dropped to -5.9 °C (21.4 °F) in March 2006.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). However, it reached 18.9 °C (66 °F) in March 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm (3.3 in), distributed over 17 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 28% of the time.
The average humidity is 82%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 26 kph (16 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 7 °C (45 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Kirkwall is usually quite mild. The average temperature is of 7 °C (45 °F), with a minimum of 4.1 °C (39.4 °F) and a maximum of 9.9 °C (49.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -0.5 °C (31.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.9 °C (26.8 °F) in April 1998.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 14.5 °C (58 °F). However, it reached 18.3 °C (64.9 °F) in April 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 14 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 33% of the time.
The average humidity is 81%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 24 kph (15 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 7.5 °C (45.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Kirkwall is usually mild. The average temperature is of 9 °C (48 °F), with a minimum of 5.8 °C (42.4 °F) and a maximum of 12.2 °C (54 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1 °C (34 °F). However, it dropped to -1.1 °C (30 °F) in May 1995.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17.5 °C (63.5 °F). However, it reached 21.9 °C (71.4 °F) in May 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 17 hours and 0 minutes. So the days are very long.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 37% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 21 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 8.5 °C (47.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Kirkwall is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.3 °C (52 °F), with a minimum of 8.4 °C (47.1 °F) and a maximum of 14.2 °C (57.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (39.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1.6 °C (34.9 °F) in June 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19 °C (66.5 °F). However, it reached 23.5 °C (74.3 °F) in June 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 11 days.
The day lasts on average 18 hours and 25 minutes. So the days are very long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 26% of the time.
The average humidity is 83%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 20 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (51.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In July, the weather in Kirkwall is usually mild. The average temperature is of 13.2 °C (56 °F), with a minimum of 10.3 °C (50.5 °F) and a maximum of 16.1 °C (61.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (43.5 °F). However, it dropped to 3.4 °C (38.1 °F) in July 1995.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20.5 °C (69 °F). However, it reached 24.1 °C (75.4 °F) in July 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 17 hours and 35 minutes. So the days are very long.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 25% of the time.
The average humidity is 85%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In August, the warmest month of the year, the weather in Kirkwall is usually mild. The average temperature is of 13.4 °C (56 °F), with a minimum of 10.5 °C (51 °F) and a maximum of 16.2 °C (61.2 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (43.5 °F). However, it dropped to 3.9 °C (39 °F) in August 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20 °C (68 °F). However, it reached 24.8 °C (76.6 °F) in August 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 20 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 28% of the time.
The average humidity is 85%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13.5 °C (56 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In September, the weather in Kirkwall is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.8 °C (53 °F), with a minimum of 9.2 °C (48.6 °F) and a maximum of 14.4 °C (58 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (40 °F). However, it dropped to 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) in September 1995.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 18.5 °C (65.5 °F). However, it reached 20.7 °C (69.3 °F) in September 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 in), distributed over 15 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 28% of the time.
The average humidity is 85%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 21 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In October, the weather in Kirkwall is usually mild. The average temperature is of 9.3 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 7 °C (44.5 °F) and a maximum of 11.6 °C (52.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 2 °C (35.5 °F). However, it dropped to -1.1 °C (30 °F) in October 2008.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 15 °C (59 °F). However, it reached 18.3 °C (64.9 °F) in October 1995.
Precipitation amounts to 120 mm (4.7 in), distributed over 19 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 2.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 24% of the time.
The average humidity is 84%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 24 kph (15 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 11.5 °C (53 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In November, the weather in Kirkwall is usually quite mild. The average temperature is of 6.7 °C (44 °F), with a minimum of 4.5 °C (40.1 °F) and a maximum of 8.9 °C (48 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0 °C (32 °F). However, it dropped to -4.1 °C (24.6 °F) in November 2010.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 12.5 °C (54.5 °F). However, it reached 13.9 °C (57 °F) in November 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 125 mm (4.9 in), distributed over 20 days.
The day lasts on average 7 hours and 40 minutes. So the days are short.
There are on average 1.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 19% of the time.
The average humidity is 84%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 26 kph (16 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (51.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In December, the weather in Kirkwall is usually quite cold. The average temperature is of 4.8 °C (41 °F), with a minimum of 2.6 °C (36.6 °F) and a maximum of 7 °C (44.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2 °C (28.5 °F). However, it dropped to -5.8 °C (21.6 °F) in December 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 11 °C (52 °F). However, it reached 13.1 °C (55.6 °F) in December 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 115 mm (4.5 in), distributed over 20 days.
The day lasts on average 6 hours and 20 minutes. So the days are short. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There is an average of 1 hour of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 13% of the time.
The average humidity is 85%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 26 kph (16 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 9.5 °C (49 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.