Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Orkney Islands, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Orkney Islands
- Important essentials for Orkney Islands
- Activities for Orkney Islands
- Orkney Islands in January: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in February: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in March: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in April: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in May: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in June: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in July: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in August: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in September: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in October: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands in November: weather and what to pack
- Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom
Based on the climate and weather in Orkney Islands, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Orkney Islands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Orkney Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Orkney Islands is brisk, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost a bit less than half of the time. It rains about two thirds of the time and snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
February
In February, Orkney Islands is cold, somewhat snowy and very rainy. 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 Orkney Islands, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 90%. There is frost regularly. Additionally, it is windy.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
March
March for Orkney Islands is pretty cool, somewhat snowy, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about a third of the time. It rains about half of the time and snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
April
In April, Orkney Islands can be very chilly, somewhat rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Orkney Islands, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 80%. There is frost once in a while. Additionally, it is breezy.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
May
In May, Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
June
If you visit Orkney Islands during June, you will probably find 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 a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
July
July can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
August
If you vacation in Orkney Islands during August, you might find 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:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
September
If you visit Orkney Islands during September, you might see that it is 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:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
October
In October, Orkney Islands is cold and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Orkney Islands, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 90%. Additionally, it is breezy.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
November
If you vacation in Orkney Islands during November, you are likely to notice that it can be brisk and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 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 two thirds of the time and snow occasionally. There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
December
If you visit Orkney Islands during December, you will probably notice that it is brisk 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 two thirds of the time and snow about a third of the time. There is frost about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
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