Temperature
2–7°C
Rain Days
21
Daylight
7 h
Season
Off-peak
What to expect in January
January is Orkney at its most elemental. Daytime temperatures sit between 2 and 7°C, the wind is rarely below a stiff breeze, and you'll get only seven hours of meaningful daylight — sunrise around 9am, sunset by 3:30pm. It's the wettest stretch of the year, with rain or sleet on roughly 21 days of the month, though heavy snow that lies for long is rare thanks to the maritime climate. What January gives you in return is solitude. Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe are practically empty, accommodation rates drop by 30–40% versus summer, and the long evenings are perfect for whisky tastings, museum visits and pub fires. The Northern Lights are at their most active between December and February, and Orkney's low light pollution makes any clear night a candidate. Pack like you mean it — proper waterproofs, insulated boots, hat and gloves are non-negotiable — and accept that a few of your planned outings will be rearranged around the weather. That's the trade.
For the full year-round overview, see our Orkney weather month-by-month guide.
Events this month
- Burns Night suppers (25 January) at hotels and community halls across Mainland
- Up Helly Aa fire-festival build-up in neighbouring Shetland — visible influence in Orkney pubs
- Scapa Flow winter wreck-diving (specialists only, drysuit required)
What to pack for January
- Fully waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and overtrousers)
- Thermal base layers — merino is best
- Insulated, waterproof walking boots with serious grip
- Wool hat, buff and insulated gloves
- Head torch — useful from 3:30pm onwards
Things to do in Orkney in January
- Hunt for the Northern Lights from a dark-sky vantage
- Tour Highland Park or Scapa distilleries
- Storm-watch the cliffs at Yesnaby (from a safe distance)
- Wander the Italian Chapel and WWII Scapa Flow sites
- Photograph the low winter light over Stromness
Browse the full Orkney activities directory for more options.
Where to stay in January
January is firmly off-season — accommodation rates are at their lowest, and the islands feel like they belong to locals again. Choose a Kirkwall hotel for short days and warmth, or a Stromness self-catering apartment if you want a fireside base for storm-watching.
Off-peak rates — budget-tier picks
Hand-picked stays for January
HostelThe Anchorage
Orkney
10.0/ 10
Bed And BreakfastOld School - Exclusive 5 Room private suite
Orkney Islands
9.9/ 10
Bed And BreakfastHeatherlea Bed & Breakfast
Orkney
9.8/ 10
Bed And BreakfastAultnagar Accommodation
Orkney Islands
9.7/ 10
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Plan your days
Bookable experiences for January
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth visiting Orkney in January?
Yes, if you accept the trade-off: short daylight and rough weather in exchange for empty Neolithic sites, deep accommodation discounts, the best Northern Lights window of the year, and a far more authentic feel. Pack proper waterproofs and book flexible ferry tickets.
Does it snow in Orkney in January?
Snow does fall, usually as wet flurries that melt within a day. Lying snow for more than 48 hours is uncommon because of the warm Gulf Stream influence. Frost is more typical than deep snow.
What time does it get dark in Orkney in January?
Sunset in early January is around 3:30pm, stretching to about 4:30pm by month-end. Sunrise moves from 9:10am back to 8:30am. Plan outdoor activities for 10am–3pm.
Are ferries to Orkney reliable in January?
NorthLink runs year-round but cancellations happen during named storms. Always book flexible tickets, monitor the Met Office, and have a Plan B. Pentland Ferries is sometimes more weather-resilient on the short Gills Bay–St Margaret's Hope crossing.