The Orkney environment, weather and climate

Orkney enjoys a dramatic climate from the seemingly endless days of midsummer, when the sun hardly goes down to the shorter days of midwinter when it barely gets light.

Frost and snow are rare thanks to the effects of the Gulf Stream which passes close by and gives the islands a relatively mild maritime climate.

It is often said that Orcadians can experience all four seasons of the year in any one day. It can be windy but the effects are short lived and even fine winter days have a special quality all of their own.

Spring and autumn storms are more than made up for by a summertime with some of the sunniest, calmest and driest weather in Scotland.

Local information about Orkney's weather is easily obtained from the Orcadian website weather page or from the Meteorological Office.

 

Web links

• The Orcadian (weather forecast)
• The Met Office

 

 

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Map of Orkney