Temperature
10–16°C
Rain Days
15
Daylight
15 h
Season
Peak
What to expect in August
August holds onto July's warmth but the daylight clock starts to tighten — you're back to 15 hours by month-end, with sunset around 9pm. Daytime highs remain 16°C, lows 10°C. Rainfall ticks up slightly to 15 wet days, but August often delivers two or three exceptional, near-windless weeks that locals quietly count as the best of the year. Wildlife peaks for cetaceans: minke whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins are at their most active off Westray, Sanday and the cliffs of Birsay. The puffin colonies are emptying as juveniles head to sea, but guillemots and razorbills remain. Accommodation pressure is identical to July through the school summer holidays, then eases noticeably from the third week onwards as English schools return. Late-August trips often combine peak-season wildlife with shoulder-season prices and pleasant ferry availability — a sweet spot worth knowing about. Midges peak on warm, still evenings; the same repellent rules apply. Pack light and layered, take advantage of the slightly calmer conditions for sea-kayaking and small-boat trips, and note that the sea is at its warmest for a family surf lesson.
For the full year-round overview, see our Orkney weather month-by-month guide.
Events this month
- County Show at Kirkwall (mid-August agricultural showground)
- Peak minke whale sightings off Westray and Sanday
- Late-summer cliff-top wildflower bloom (sea pinks, harebells)
What to pack for August
- Lightweight waterproof shell
- T-shirts, shorts, light fleece
- Walking shoes — beach trainers if you plan on Sanday
- Sun cream and sunglasses
- Midge repellent and a head net for still evenings
Things to do in Orkney in August
- Spot minke whales on a Westray wildlife cruise
- Sea-kayak the calm August bays of Hoy
- Walk Sanday's endless white beaches
- Try fresh sea-trout and lobster at a Stromness restaurant
- Take the Papa Westray loganair flight (worlds shortest)
Browse the full Orkney activities directory for more options.
Where to stay in August
August is peak season. Book early — accommodation in Kirkwall and Stromness sells out three to six months ahead, especially around the St Magnus Festival and county shows. Read the hidden-cost guide before you commit, and consider Finstown or St Margaret's Hope as quieter alternatives.
Book early — peak season
Hand-picked stays for August
Holiday HomeCongesquoy Barn
Orkney Islands
10.0/ 10
Holiday HomeEgypt
Orkney Islands
10.0/ 10
HotelStronsay Hotel
Orkney
10.0/ 10
HostelThe Anchorage
Orkney
10.0/ 10
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Plan your days
Bookable experiences for August
On the water2 hour private surf lesson! (Up to 2 people)
Two hours, one private instructor, up to two of you, and the slightly unhinged premise that yes, you can surf in Scotland — wetsuit on, dignity loosely attached.
Live price on Booking.com · 2 hour
Wildlife & walkingWildlife Watch Trip
Two hours aboard Saorsa with EcoVentures, scanning the cliffs and swell for bottlenose dolphins, seals, porpoise and the occasional minke whale. Wet weather gear is included; the wildlife is not.
Live price on Booking.com
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is August warmer or cooler than July in Orkney?
Almost identical on average — both sit at 10–16°C — but August often feels marginally less windy and delivers a few exceptional still days. The trade is slightly more rainfall than July.
Can you see whales in Orkney in August?
Yes — August is the peak month. Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are most active off Westray, Sanday, and the cliffs of Birsay and Marwick Head.
When are puffins in Orkney until?
Most puffins leave the cliffs by mid- to late August. The last juveniles fledge first and the adults follow. By September the cliffs are quiet.
Read further
Auf Deutsch: Wetter auf den Orkney-Inseln