Temperature
6–12°C
Rain Days
12
Daylight
17 h
Season
Shoulder
What to expect in May
May is, statistically, the best weather month on Orkney. Average highs reach 12°C, lows sit around 6°C, and rainfall drops to roughly 12 wet days — the lowest count of any month in the year. Daylight stretches to a full 17 hours, with sunset past 9:30pm and meaningful twilight running until 11pm. Wind is still present but markedly less violent than the equinox months either side of the calendar. What May gives you that June onwards loses is space. The St Magnus International Festival peak crowds haven't yet arrived, ferries are uncrowded, and you can have the Ring of Brodgar entirely to yourself at sunset on a Tuesday. Wildlife is at full tilt: puffins, guillemots and razorbills are at peak nesting; the first whale sightings begin off Westray and Sanday; and wildflowers carpet the machair. The Stromness Folk Festival in mid-May is the cultural highlight, drawing musicians from across Scotland and Scandinavia. Accommodation rates have risen from April but are noticeably below June–August peak. Pack lighter than you might expect, but never without a proper shell.
For the full year-round overview, see our Orkney weather month-by-month guide.
Events this month
- Stromness Folk Festival (third weekend of May)
- Orkney Folk Festival pub sessions across Mainland
- Peak puffin nesting at Marwick Head and the Brough of Birsay
What to pack for May
- Lightweight waterproof shell — still essential, even on bright days
- Layerable t-shirts, long-sleeved tops and a light fleece
- Walking shoes or trainers — paths have largely dried
- Sunglasses — the long evening light dazzles
- Light gloves and a buff for cliff-top evenings
Things to do in Orkney in May
- See puffins at peak nesting on the Brough of Birsay
- Catch the Stromness Folk Festival
- Walk the Yesnaby cliffs in 17-hour daylight
- Cycle the West Mainland loop
- Photograph the Standing Stones at midnight twilight
Browse the full Orkney activities directory for more options.
Where to stay in May
May is the shoulder season — better-value accommodation than peak summer, with the same long daylight and most heritage sites open. Kirkwall puts you closest to the Cathedral, museums and the airport; Stromness suits visitors heading for Hoy and the West Mainland.
Best value, mild weather
Hand-picked stays for May
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 May
Guided tourOrkney Highlights Private Tour
A private, full-day spin through Orkney's headline acts: Skara Brae, the Italian Chapel and a side of Viking lore, with Scapa Tours doing the driving and the awkward questions.
Live price on Booking.com · 6 hour
Guided tourKirkwall Walking Tour
Three to four hours pacing Orkney's tiny capital with a guide who knows which 12th-century saint is buried in which pillar — and why that matters more than the gift shop.
Live price on Booking.com · 3 hour
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is May the best month to visit Orkney?
For most travellers, yes. May has the lowest rainfall of any month, 17 hours of daylight, peak puffin nesting, full wildflower bloom, and noticeably fewer visitors than June–August. Weather is never guaranteed, but the odds are best.
How warm is Orkney in May?
Daytime highs around 12°C, lows around 6°C. Cooler than mainland Scotland, but with very long daylight. Light layers plus a windproof shell is the right brief.
Are puffins in Orkney in May?
Yes — May is peak puffin month. Marwick Head, the Brough of Birsay (tide-dependent walk), and the cliffs of Westray are the prime sites. Visit between 8am and 11am for the most active behaviour.
Read further
Auf Deutsch: Wetter auf den Orkney-Inseln