Year-round weather and climate in Orkney, South Africa
Average temperatures in Orkney run from an average low of 3°C37°F in July up to an average high of 30°C86°F in December. August is the driest month at 0 rainy days; December the wettest at 12 rainy days. Here is the annual climate data, so you know what you are packing for.
Good to know
- Population
- 110K
- Currency
- ZAR
- Language
- Afrikaans / English
- Time zone
- Johannesburg
Best time to visit
The most pleasant weather falls in August, September, and October, offering a perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Rain character
Moderate Showers: Rainfall is standard and manageable. A compact travel umbrella or light rain jacket will easily get you through any wet days.
Day-to-night swing
The Daypack Trap: Beware the "noon illusion". In months like August, crisp sunny days drop off a cliff by <span class="val-c">18°C</span><span class="val-f">32°F</span> at sunset. Always carry an evening layer.
Seasonality Profile
Temperate Year-Round: A relatively mild climate year-round, avoiding both extreme temperature swings and dramatic dry/wet seasons.
Evening vibe
Seasonal Terraces: During the more temperate months, the city opens up with lively outdoor terraces. For the rest of the year, expect to dine indoors.
Sightseeing stamina
All-Day Strolling: Weather is generally forgiving for long walking days. Comfortable sneakers are your most important packing item.
Average temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall
Average monthly weather in Orkney, based on recent historical data. Essential insights on temperature swings, expected rainfall, and daily sunshine.
Bars span the average daily low to high. Aug is typically driest at 0 rainy days (1mm); Dec the wettest at 12 rainy days (94mm).
| Month | Average high | Average low | Daily sunshine | Rainy days | Total rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°C / 85°F | 17°C / 62°F | 12h | 7 | 71mm |
| Feb | 29°C / 84°F | 17°C / 62°F | 11h | 9 | 98mm |
| Mar | 28°C / 83°F | 15°C / 59°F | 11h | 8 | 47mm |
| Apr | 24°C / 76°F | 11°C / 51°F | 10h | 8 | 85mm |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 7°C / 44°F | 10h | 2 | 11mm |
| Jun | 19°C / 66°F | 3°C / 37°F | 10h | 2 | 7mm |
| Jul | 19°C / 67°F | 3°C / 37°F | 10h | 1 | 11mm |
| Aug | 24°C / 74°F | 6°C / 42°F | 11h | 0 | 1mm |
| Sep | 27°C / 81°F | 10°C / 51°F | 11h | 4 | 32mm |
| Oct | 28°C / 83°F | 12°C / 54°F | 11h | 8 | 41mm |
| Nov | 29°C / 84°F | 15°C / 59°F | 12h | 9 | 85mm |
| Dec | 30°C / 86°F | 17°C / 62°F | 12h | 12 | 94mm |
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the sunniest time of year to visit Orkney?
January is the sunniest month in Orkney, averaging 12 hours of sunshine a day. Pack sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
What clothes should I pack for Orkney?
Your packing list depends entirely on when you travel. Temperatures in Orkney swing from an average low of 3°C37°F in July up to 30°C86°F in December. The Packola app builds a tailored packing list for you based on the live weather forecast for your exact travel dates.
Do I need to pack an umbrella for Orkney?
Orkney gets rain on about 70 days a year, with December being the wettest. If you're traveling then, pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.
Pack smarter.
Averages get you close, but the week you travel is what matters. Get the live forecast, a smart packing list, and discover the best local spots and activities in Orkney with Packola.
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