Temperature
10–16°C
Rain Days
14
Daylight
17 h
Season
Peak
What to expect in July
July is Orkney's warmest month and its busiest. Daytime highs reach 16°C — occasionally pushing to 20°C in a still afternoon — and lows stay a mild 10°C. Daylight remains around 17 hours, only slightly less than June, but darkness has properly returned by 11:30pm. Rainfall is typical at 14 wet days, with showers usually brief and pushed through by the wind. The trade-off for the best weather of the year is pressure. Ferries from Aberdeen and Scrabster run at near-capacity, accommodation in Kirkwall and Stromness is at peak rates, and the popular sites — Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Italian Chapel — see queues outside school holidays for the first time. Locals quietly head north: Westray, Sanday and Papa Westray remain calm and wildlife-rich. Whales (mostly minke) and dolphins are at their most active, and the Loch of Hundland and Loch of Boardhouse are at peak for trout. Midges can appear on still, damp evenings — pack repellent. July is wonderful, but plan ahead: book ferries six weeks out, accommodation three months out, and consider weekday rather than weekend visits to the headline sites — or a chauffeured full day that times your arrivals around the coach traffic.
For the full year-round overview, see our Orkney weather month-by-month guide.
Events this month
- Highland Park Distillery summer tasting events
- Orkney Vintage Rally (mid-July, Kirkwall agricultural showground)
- Peak whale and dolphin sightings off Westray and Sanday
What to pack for July
- Lightweight waterproof shell — showers are inevitable
- T-shirts, shorts (yes, really), a light fleece for evenings
- Walking shoes and trainers
- Sun cream SPF 30 minimum and sunglasses
- Midge repellent for still evenings near lochs and grasslands
Things to do in Orkney in July
- Take a Westray boat trip to spot whales
- Walk the Old Man of Hoy clifftop path
- Sea-kayak Scapa Flow on a calm summer evening
- Tour Highland Park and Scapa distilleries
- Visit the Heart of Neolithic UNESCO sites at sunrise
Browse the full Orkney activities directory for more options.
Where to stay in July
July 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 July
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
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Plan your days
Bookable experiences for July
Guided tourOrkney Day Trip
A 5h 30m guided sweep of Mainland Orkney built around the Scrabster-Stromness ferry. Standing stones, a Neolithic village and proper cliffs, all between breakfast and tea.
From £22.65 · 5 hour
Guided tourTreasures of Orkney: Private Half-Day Tour from Kirkwall
Four hours, five thousand years and a private guide — the headline Neolithic sites of West Mainland with a vehicle to yourself, prised in around a ferry or a ship's gangway.
Live price on Booking.com · 4 hour
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
How hot does Orkney get in July?
Average highs are 16°C with occasional pushes to 20°C on still days. Cooler than mainland Scotland but with very long daylight. Pack as if for an English April rather than a Mediterranean summer.
Is July a good month to visit Orkney?
It has the best weather but the heaviest crowds and the highest prices. Excellent for first-timers who prioritise reliable conditions; less ideal if you want the islands to feel quiet. Consider June or September if you want a compromise.
Are there midges in Orkney in July?
Yes, but far fewer than the Scottish mainland because of the wind. Expect them on still, damp evenings near grass and freshwater lochs. Repellent and a head net solve the problem.
Read further
Auf Deutsch: Wetter auf den Orkney-Inseln