WEATHER
The Pentland Firth tends not have a climate, only weather - and there's usually plenty of it to go around for everybody!  Whilst a cool breeze is common there are many clear days when sunburn might catch you out.  Be wary on very bright sunny days and do not be fooled into thinking that the lower temperatures mean you can forget sun blocker especially at sea.  the sea air is refreshing and most people comment on the freshness of the air in the north of Scotland and in the Orkney and Shetland Islands.

General weather conditions:

Summer...
Air temperature averages 13�c and may under exceptionally kind conditions reach the dizzy heights of 25�c, though you would have to be extremely lucky to experience this.

Winds (wee- breezies) seem to be forever present, especially in the more exposed coastal areas (95% of the area).  Force 7 or above winds can be expected on 2 days per month

Fog is likely on 2/3 days per month.

Winter...
Air temperature averages 4�c and may under exceptionally severe conditions reach an extreme of -20�c.  Sea temperature averages 6�c.

Winds of force 7 or above can be experienced on 10-15 days per month; during half of these days winds of at least gale force 8 can be expected.  Gales will occasionally last a full week.  Winds nearing 100mph are common during winter storms and extreme gusts of 120mph are not unusual during extreme lows.

Fog is less likely in the winter months and can be expected only on 1 day per month.

5 Day Forecast (Kirkwall)
 

Weather Links