Temperature
4–8°C
Rain Days
21
Daylight
8 h
Season
Off-peak
What to expect in November
November is firmly winter. Daytime highs drop to 8°C, lows hover at 4°C, rainfall is at its yearly co-peak of around 21 wet days, and daylight is down to 8 hours, with sunset around 3:45pm. The wind reaches its most consistent severity of the year — gales are routine, named storms are common, and ferry cancellations need to be planned around. Yet locals know November as one of the most genuinely Orkney months. Aurora Borealis activity is at its highest of the autumn, and the long dark evenings are made for them. The grey seal pupping season is at peak on Sanday and South Ronaldsay. Cultural life turns inwards: pubs run sessions, museums host evening talks, and Orkney's whisky distilleries see their busiest tour months. Accommodation rates are at the lowest of the year. If you arrive prepared — proper waterproofs, insulated boots, flexible plans — November rewards you with empty Neolithic sites, Northern Lights, storm-watching from a window seat, and the kind of quiet that no other month delivers. Pack like Scotland in winter, not like a UK November.
For the full year-round overview, see our Orkney weather month-by-month guide.
Events this month
- Peak Aurora Borealis activity on clear nights
- Grey seal pups peak on Sanday and South Ronaldsay
- Late-autumn pub music sessions across Mainland
What to pack for November
- Fully waterproof, fully windproof outer shell — non-negotiable
- Thermal base layers (merino preferred)
- Insulated mid-layer (down or synthetic)
- Waterproof, insulated walking boots
- Wool hat, buff, insulated gloves and a head torch
Things to do in Orkney in November
- Hunt for the Aurora at Yesnaby or the Brough of Birsay
- Watch grey seal pups on Sanday
- Storm-watch the cliffs from a safe vantage
- Tour Highland Park or Scapa distilleries
- Spend an evening in an Orkney pub session
Browse the full Orkney activities directory for more options.
Where to stay in November
November 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 November
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
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Plan your days
Bookable experiences for November
ExperiencePeatfire Tales Of Orkney Evenings
An evening of island stories, songs and dances told the way they were once told — by the fire, before anyone had a screen to look at instead.
Live price on Booking.com
Guided tourHistoric Orkney Showcase Private Tour By a native Islander
Seven hours across Neolithic, Norse and naval Orkney with a guide who actually grew up here. Max four people, MPV, no scripts, no clipboards, no rehearsed jokes about puffins.
Live price on Booking.com · 7 hour
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth visiting Orkney in November?
Yes for storm-watchers, aurora hunters and budget travellers. Expect proper winter weather, short days and possible ferry disruption — but also empty heritage sites, peak Northern Lights and the lowest accommodation rates of the year.
How short are the days in Orkney in November?
Eight hours by mid-month, dropping to seven by month-end. Sunset is around 3:45pm. Plan outdoor activities for 10am–3pm.
Are ferries reliable in November?
They run year-round but cancellations during storms are common. Always book flexible tickets, allow buffer days, and have backup plans. Pentland Ferries can sometimes run when NorthLink is cancelled.