Orkney Weather in December

December in Orkney brings low temperatures, with daytime highs of 9°C (48°F) and nights around 6°C (43°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 131 mm (5.2 in), so pack an umbrella.

Rainfall in Orkney in December

The climate data from previous years indicates about 25 days of rain, averaging 131 mm (5.2 in) for the month. This month brings frequent, heavy showers. Both the number of wet days and the rainfall totals are on the high side.

Temperature in Orkney in December

Orkney in December gets highs of 9°C (48°F) during the day and drops to 6°C (43°F) at night. Cold conditions persist throughout the day, so warm clothing is important from the moment you head outside. With overnight lows of 6°C (43°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.

Sunshine in Orkney in December

This month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with about 26 hours of sunshine. It's great for those who appreciate cooler, less sunny days.

Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. July and August typically offer the best weather for Orkney.

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Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
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• May
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• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

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

Orkney Temperature in December

Min Temperature 6°C (43°F)  

Max Temperature 9°C (48°F)  

Chance of Rain 83%  

Precipitation 131 mm (5.2 in)  

Rainy days 25 days  

Sunshine 26 hours *  

Percentage Sunshine *  

* Data from: Kirkwall, the United Kingdom (16 KM, 10 Miles).

What to Wear in Orkney in December

We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Orkney in December. 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. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.

What To Do in Orkney in December

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 Orkney's climate page.

More climate data for Orkney

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine

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