Temperature
6–11°C
Rain Days
20
Daylight
10 h
Season
Shoulder
What to expect in October
October is when Orkney's autumn arrives in earnest. Daytime highs drop to 11°C, lows to 6°C, and rainfall climbs to around 20 wet days. The wind picks up noticeably — the first named storms typically pass through this month — and clocks-back at the end of the month leaves you with under 9 hours of daylight by Halloween. What October gives in compensation is drama. The autumn equinox light is photogenic, the cloudscapes over Scapa Flow can be theatrical, and the storm-watching from cliff-top vantages like Yesnaby and Marwick Head is unmatched. Wildlife is still rich: migrant grey geese build through the month, the first wintering wildfowl arrive on the lochs, and grey seals begin their pupping season on the beaches of South Ronaldsay and Sanday — best viewed from a respectful distance. The cultural calendar peaks with the Orkney International Storytelling Festival in late October — book early for the headline ticketed sessions, and consider a peatfire evening of island tales as a softer companion night. Accommodation prices drop sharply, and self-catering becomes excellent value. Pack like winter is coming, because — at least in terms of wind and rain — it largely is.
For the full year-round overview, see our Orkney weather month-by-month guide.
Events this month
- Orkney International Storytelling Festival (late October)
- Grey seal pupping season begins on Sanday and South Ronaldsay
- Migrant pinkfoot and greylag geese reach peak numbers
What to pack for October
- Fully waterproof, fully windproof outer shell
- Insulated mid-layer (down or synthetic)
- Waterproof walking boots with serious grip
- Wool hat, buff and waterproof gloves
- Head torch — daylight gets short by month-end
Things to do in Orkney in October
- Storm-watch the cliffs at Yesnaby (from a safe distance)
- Spot grey seal pups on Sanday's beaches
- Catch sessions at the Storytelling Festival
- Photograph autumn light over Scapa Flow
- Walk a sheltered woodland route near Finstown
Browse the full Orkney activities directory for more options.
Where to stay in October
October 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 October
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 October
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
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
Some links are affiliate — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is October too late to visit Orkney?
No — but expect properly autumnal weather. Storm-watching, dark-sky photography, grey seal pupping and the Storytelling Festival are October highlights. Accommodation is at off-season prices and ferries usually run.
How dark is it in Orkney in October?
Sunset moves from around 7pm at the start of the month to 4:45pm after the clocks go back. By Halloween you have under 9 hours of useful daylight.
Can I see the Northern Lights in October?
Yes — October is one of the best months because equinox geomagnetic activity is often strong and Orkney has properly dark skies again. Watch the forecasts and be ready for a clear, moonless night.