Kirkwall Weather in January

With daytime temperatures of 9°C (48°F) and nighttime lows of 5°C (41°F), January in Kirkwall brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is typical. Around 119 mm (4.7 in) falls on average.

Rainfall in Kirkwall in January

You can expect rain on around 25 days based on historical patterns, with 119 mm (4.7 in) average for the month. Wet weather is a regular and significant part of this month. Frequent days of rain combined with high totals means proper waterproofs are worth packing.

Temperature in Kirkwall in January

Daytime highs in Kirkwall in January reach 9°C (48°F), with nights around 5°C (41°F). The days stay cool from start to finish. Layering up well will make outdoor time much more comfortable. With overnight lows of 5°C (41°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.

Sunshine in Kirkwall in January

The month has fewer sunny days, with around 33 hours of sunshine.

If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, January may not be the ideal month to visit Kirkwall. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Kirkwall's climate page.

Kirkwall Temperature in January

Min Temperature 5°C (41°F)  

Max Temperature 9°C (48°F)  

Chance of Rain 82%  

Precipitation 119 mm (4.7 in)  

Rainy days 25 days  

Sunshine 33 hours  

Percentage Sunshine  

What to Wear in Kirkwall in January

We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Kirkwall in January. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.

What To Do in Kirkwall in January

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming

4/10

Cycling

4/10

Walking

4/10

Camping

3/10

Outdoor sports

4/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United Kingdom, check out our Kirkwall's climate page.

More climate data for Kirkwall

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine

See the full Kirkwall climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.