Temperature
8–14°C
Rain Days
13
Daylight
18 h
Season
Peak
What to expect in June
June is when the Simmer Dim arrives — the Orcadian word for the long midsummer twilight, when the sun barely dips below the horizon and you can read a book outdoors at midnight. Around the solstice on 21 June you get 18 hours of true daylight, but the practical day is closer to 22, with twilight running from 11:30pm well past 1am. Daytime temperatures climb to 14°C, lows are a comfortable 8°C, and rainfall is moderate at around 13 wet days. Crowds arrive properly this month. The St Magnus International Festival in mid- to late June is the cultural high point of the year and books out accommodation in Kirkwall months in advance. Ferries run hot. Wildlife is exceptional: puffins are still on the cliffs, the first cetacean tours head out, and the Loch of Stenness fills with terns. It's also wedding season — many local venues are at capacity. Book early, expect peak prices, and consider a small private guide to dodge the worst of the queues at headline sites. Pack for mild, bright weather with the usual windproof caveat.
For the full year-round overview, see our Orkney weather month-by-month guide.
Events this month
- St Magnus International Festival (mid- to late June)
- Summer solstice gatherings at the Ring of Brodgar
- Johnsmas Foy traditional fair in Kirkwall
What to pack for June
- Lightweight waterproof shell — June showers are quick but real
- T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, and one warm layer for evenings
- Walking shoes — paths are at their best
- Sunglasses and sun cream — the UV index surprises people
- Sleep mask — the all-night twilight catches first-timers out
Things to do in Orkney in June
- Experience the Simmer Dim midnight twilight
- Catch concerts at the St Magnus International Festival
- Take a wildlife boat trip from Stromness
- Photograph the Ring of Brodgar at midnight
- Sea-kayak the calm bays of Hoy and Mainland
Browse the full Orkney activities directory for more options.
Where to stay in June
June 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 June
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 June
ExperienceScapa Tours
A six-hour private minibus tour of Orkney built around what you actually want to see — Neolithic stones, the Italian Chapel, sea cliffs, or all three.
Live price on Booking.com · 6 hour
ExperiencePrivate Orkney Spirits A Whiskey Journey Through Time
Five hours, one local guide, and a thread of whisky pulled tight through 5,000 years of Orkney history — finishing with a proper dram at Scapa distillery.
Live price on Booking.com · 5 hour
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Simmer Dim' in Orkney?
Simmer Dim is the Orcadian and Shetlandic term for the midsummer twilight, when the sun never dips far enough below the horizon for true darkness. Around 21 June, Orkney has 18 hours of full daylight and all-night twilight. You can comfortably walk, read or photograph at midnight.
Is June a good month to visit Orkney?
Excellent for daylight, wildlife and festivals — but it's the busiest single month, accommodation is booked out around the St Magnus Festival, and prices peak. If you want June, book by January.
How warm is Orkney in June?
Daytime highs around 14°C, lows around 8°C. Mild rather than warm. Wind chill on cliff tops can still bite — bring a windproof layer.
Read further
Auf Deutsch: Wetter auf den Orkney-Inseln