Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Kirkwall, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kirkwall
- Important essentials for Kirkwall
- Activities for Kirkwall
- Kirkwall in January: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in February: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in March: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in April: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in May: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in June: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in July: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in August: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in September: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in October: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in November: weather and what to pack
- Kirkwall in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom
Based on the climate and weather in Kirkwall, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kirkwall, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly choice.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
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.
For families with young children
Airplane or car necessities
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one works in most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Activities for Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Kirkwall.
If you are intending to see the lovely St Magnus Cathedral, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:
Trousers
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Long dresses
This one, for example.
If you go to Highland Park Distillery, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
Binoculars
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
If you see Orkney Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Comfy walking shoes
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Castle hopping? For Bishop's & Earl's Palaces, take:
Trousers
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
Dresses that cover your knees
We also recommend these top tours in and around Kirkwall.
What to wear/what to pack for Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Kirkwall in January, you will notice that it is cold, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
February
February in Kirkwall can be brisk, somewhat snowy and very rainy. 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 about a third 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:
-
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
March
In March, Kirkwall is cold, somewhat snowy, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kirkwall, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 80%. There is frost about a third of the time. Additionally, it is breezy.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
April
April in Kirkwall can be very chilly, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows occasionally. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average. There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
May
May in Kirkwall can be brisk, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
June
If you vacation in Kirkwall during June, you will probably notice that it is cool, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. 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 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
July
In July, Kirkwall is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) and regularly jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Kirkwall, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
August
If you visit Kirkwall during August, you are likely to notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s 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:
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
September
If you visit Kirkwall during September, you may notice 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:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
October
If you visit Kirkwall during October, you might see that it is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 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 two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
November
November in Kirkwall can be very chilly and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. It also snows once in a while. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average. There is frost sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
December
December in Kirkwall can be brisk 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 about a third 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 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Extra socks
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
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