Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Kirkwall, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kirkwall, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom by month

January

January for Kirkwall can be brisk, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost 5-10 days this month. It rains about two thirds of the time and snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you find the correct kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you vacation in Kirkwall during February, you will probably notice that it is brisk, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 80 and 90% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time and snow regularly. There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to find the correct type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Kirkwall can be very chilly, somewhat snowy, very rainy and somewhat hazy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 80% range on average. There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to pick the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

If you are traveling to Kirkwall in April, you will notice that it can be brisk, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

In May, Kirkwall can be very chilly, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kirkwall, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June can be chilly, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you go to Kirkwall in July, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to choose the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you go to Kirkwall in August, you will notice that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you visit Kirkwall during September, you are likely to see that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 80 and 90% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Kirkwall can be brisk and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you go to Kirkwall in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time and snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December in Kirkwall can be very chilly and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. It also snows a bit less than half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kirkwall. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are intending to go to the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, it's useful to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom

Kirkwall, the largest town and capital of Orkney, Scotland, is a place steeped in history and culture. Nestled on the northeast coast of Scotland, the town boasts of breathtaking landscapes and rugged coastlines, making it a haven for tourists who are looking to explore what the Scottish islands have to offer. There are several amazing tourist spots in Kirkwall that you should explore if you ever visit the area. Here are some of the top must-see attractions in this Scottish town.

1. St Magnus Cathedral - The St Magnus Cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Kirkwall. This beautiful cathedral, with its soaring spires, is over 850 years old and is a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of the people who built it. The cathedral's central tower provides stunning views of the surrounding town, and the interior is full of impressive stained-glass windows and intricate wood carvings.

2. The Orkney Museum - The Orkney Museum is located in the heart of Kirkwall, and it is the perfect place to learn about the history of the Orkney islands. This museum has a vast collection of exhibits that tell the story of Orkney's ancient past, from the Neolithic era to Viking times.

3. Highland Park Distillery - If you love whisky, then a visit to the Highland Park Distillery should be on your itinerary. This iconic distillery is located in Kirkwall and is known for producing some of the best single malt whiskies in the world. The tour of the distillery is an excellent opportunity to learn about the traditional whisky-making process and sample some of the finest Scottish whiskies.

4. The Bishop's Palace - The Bishop's Palace is a stunning ruin that dates back to the 12th century. This palace was once the residence of the Bishop of Orkney and was a symbol of the power and wealth of the Catholic Church in the area. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the palace's history.

5. The Ring of Brodgar - The Ring of Brodgar is an iconic stone circle that is one of the most significant Neolithic sites in the world. This ancient site dates back over 4,500 years and consists of 27 standing stones. The Ring of Brodgar is the perfect place to experience the beauty and mystery of the Orkney Islands.

In conclusion, Kirkwall is a town that is rich in history and culture. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or natural beauty, there is something for everyone in Kirkwall. These top tourist attractions are not only must-see spots, but they are also a great way to learn about Orkney's ancient past and to experience Scotland's natural beauty. So, next time you're planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to add Kirkwall to your itinerary.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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