ClimateForecastNovemberDecember >>

Kirkwall Climate by Month

Kirkwall has pretty similar weather over the course of the year. It also has a relatively rainy climate with high levels of precipitation. Let’s explore the climate details in depth to provide you with a complete overview.

Average day and night temperature

The climate in Kirkwall remains fairly constant, offering chilly temperatures throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a moderate 15°C in August to a chilly 8°C in February. Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages reaching 5°C in February.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

Kirkwall is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1137 mm. The seasons in Kirkwall, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, November, receives high rainfall, with an average of 135 mm of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 24 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, May, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 57 mm over 16 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

In Kirkwall, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 6.4 hours in May. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. December sees a soft sun for only 0.9 hours.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

The best time of year to visit Kirkwall in the United Kingdom

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • Which is the warmest month in Kirkwall?
    August has an average maximum temperature of 15°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in Kirkwall?
    The coldest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 8°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in Kirkwall?
    November tops the wettest month list with 135 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in Kirkwall?
    May is the driest month with 57 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in Kirkwall?
    May is the sunniest month with an average of 192 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for Kirkwall

    Thu   Nov 21
    4°C | 1°C
    NE 29 km/h
    3.2 mm
    broken clouds and rain

    broken clouds and rain

    Fri   Nov 22
    4°C | 1°C
    NE 14 km/h
    2 mm
    partly cloudy and  chance of slight sleet

    partly cloudy and chance of slight sleet

    Sat   Nov 23
    8°C | 2°C
    SE 47 km/h
    9.9 mm
    overcast and heavy rain

    overcast and heavy rain