Last updated: March 17, 2025
August in Kirkwall, United Kingdom showcases a mild coastal climate characterized by an average temperature of 13°C (56°F), peaking at a comfortable 16°C (61°F). As summer wanes, expect a minimum temperature of around 10°C (51°F). This month is also marked by notable precipitation, accumulating 72 mm (2.8 in) over 15 days, resulting in high humidity levels averaging 86%. Such weather creates a lush, green landscape, perfect for exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Orkney Islands.
In August, Kirkwall experiences a noticeable shift towards warmer temperatures, marking the peak of summer. With minimums around 10°C (51°F) and average highs reaching up to 16°C (61°F), this month offers a comfortable respite compared to the chillier preceding months. The average temperature hovers at 13°C (56°F), providing a pleasant ambiance perfect for exploring the scenic beauty of Orkney. As summer draws to a close, the gradual transition into autumn begins, yet August's allure lies in its mild weather, encouraging outdoor activities and making it a favorite time for visitors to soak in the area's rich heritage.
In August, Kirkwall experiences a slight uptick in precipitation, with 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain over 15 days. This month marks a continuation of the wetter summer pattern, following July's 70 mm and setting the stage for the wetter months ahead. While August's rainfall is relatively moderate compared to the deluge expected in September and October, it reflects a transition period in climate. As autumn approaches, residents can anticipate an increase in both the amount and frequency of rain, with September bringing a significant rise to 125 mm over 19 days, indicating a shift towards the more persistent precipitation characteristic of the fall season.
In August, Kirkwall, United Kingdom, experiences a notable humidity level of 86%, slightly dipping from the peak of 87% observed in July. This pattern is indicative of a trend where the summer months, particularly July and August, grapple with higher humidity, creating a muggy atmosphere typical of the season. Following August, humidity levels continue to rise, peaking again in September at 88%. Seasonal variations are evident, as the year begins with lower humidity in January at 82%, gradually climbing as warmer months approach, peaking in the height of summer before settling back into the cooler and more stable months ahead. Overall, the data reflects the maritime influence of the North Atlantic, contributing to Kirkwall's characteristic humidity fluctuations throughout the year.
In August, Kirkwall, United Kingdom experiences a UV Index of 5, placing it in the moderate exposure category, with a burn time of just 30 minutes for unprotected skin. This marks a slight decrease from the high UV levels of 7 observed during the previous two summer months of June and July, where individuals needed to be more vigilant about sun protection. Notably, the UV Index sees a gradual decline as summer transitions into autumn, moving from the peak in July to a more moderate level in August, before further decreasing in September and October. For those enjoying the late summer sun, it's essential to remain aware of UV exposure levels and take necessary precautions. To learn more, visit Kirkwall UV Index.
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In August, Kirkwall basks in an impressive 384 hours of sunshine, continuing the summer trend of bright skies. This radiant month reflects a slight dip from the peak sunlight experienced in June and July, where the city enjoyed 428 and 413 hours, respectively. As the warm days of summer draw to a close, August still outshines the autumn months to come, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of daylight that encourages outdoor adventures and community gatherings. Following this sunny month, the daylight dwindles significantly in September and further into the colder months, making August a cherished highlight in Kirkwall's annual cycle of light.
When it comes to sunny weather in Kirkwall, United Kingdom, August tends to be one of the less promising months, with only a 15% chance of sunshine. This decline follows a rather unpredictable summer, as July shows an even lower 16% likelihood of sunny days. Observing the yearly trend, it's clear that spring and early summer months, such as April and May, have more favorable odds, hovering around the 36% mark. As autumn approaches, the chances become slightly more consistent, with September and October both ranging near 20%. Despite the beauty of the Orkney archipelago, August's weather suggests it's a good idea to pack an umbrella along with those shades if you're planning a visit!
In Kirkwall, United Kingdom, the month of August marks a gentle transition in daylight duration, offering approximately 15 hours of daylight. This follows the peak of summer in June, which boasts a remarkable 18 hours, and reflects a gradual decline as the days shorten towards autumn. It’s a notable decrease from July's 17 hours, highlighting how swiftly the summer days can slip away. This trend of increasing darkness continues into the following months, with daylight reducing to 12 hours in September and further dipping to 10 hours by October. Thus, August stands as a pivotal month, encapsulating the lingering warmth of summer while foreshadowing the cooler, shorter days that lie ahead.
In August in Kirkwall, the winds begin to shift, offering a brief respite from the stronger gusts of earlier months. With an average wind speed of 6.0 m/s (13 mph), August stands as one of the calmer periods of the year. This gentle breeze is a notable change from the robust winds that typically characterize the spring and early summer months, which peak at 10.3 m/s (23 mph) in February and gradually ease down to their annual low of 5.1 m/s (11 mph) in July. While August's winds may feel lighter, they are part of a seasonal ebb and flow that hints at the impending autumn, when speeds ramp back up in September and October. Overall, August serves as a transitional month, where the air feels softer and the atmospheric energy begins to hint at the seasonal changes ahead.
The weather in Kirkwall changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of August's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Kirkwall and find detailed weather information for every month.
When comparing the weather in August and January, notable differences emerge. August experiences milder temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), while January is cooler, with average temperatures from 2°C (36°F) to 12°C (53°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in January, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days compared to August's 72 mm (2.8 in) over 15 days. However, humidity levels are quite similar, with August at 86% and January at 82%. For a more detailed look at January's weather, you can view Kirkwall weather in January.
In comparing the weather between August and February, notable differences emerge. August enjoys milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), with an average of 13°C (56°F). This month experiences about 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over roughly 15 days and has higher humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, February is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a maximum of 11°C (51°F), averaging only 6°C (43°F). Precipitation is higher in February, totaling 99 mm (3.9 in) over 18 days, and the humidity is relatively lower at 81%. For more specific details, you can check Kirkwall weather in February.
In comparing the weather between August and March, August generally offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), while March starts with much cooler temperatures, peaking at a max of 10°C (50°F). Precipitation is more frequent in March, with rain expected on about 20 days, compared to 15 days in August, although total precipitation is slightly higher in March at 104 mm (4.1 in) versus 72 mm (2.8 in) in August. Additionally, humidity levels are a bit higher in August at 86% compared to 81% in March, making the summer month feel more humid despite the cooler temperatures in early spring. For more detailed information, you can check Kirkwall weather in March.
In comparing the weather in August and April, August typically experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), reaching a maximum of 16°C (61°F). In contrast, April's temperatures are cooler, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F), peaking at 11°C (53°F). Precipitation in August is slightly higher at 72 mm (2.8 in) over 15 days, compared to April’s 51 mm (2.0 in) over 12 days. Humidity also tends to be higher in August at 86%, versus April's 81%. For more detailed insights, you can check Kirkwall weather in April.
When comparing the weather in May and August, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. August experiences warmer temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), whereas May's temperatures are cooler, with averages between 3°C (37°F) and 13°C (56°F). Additionally, August has a higher level of precipitation at 72 mm (2.8 in) spread over 15 days, compared to May's 55 mm (2.2 in) over just 13 days. Humidity is slightly higher in August at 86%, while May sees a humidity level of 83%. For more detailed information on May weather, check Kirkwall weather in May.
In comparing the weather of August and June, August tends to be slightly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), as opposed to June, which sees lower temperatures with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F). Humidity levels are comparable, with August slightly higher at 86% compared to June's 84%. Additionally, August experiences more precipitation, with 72 mm (2.8 in) over 15 days, compared to June's 55 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days. For more details, you can check Kirkwall weather in June.
In comparing the weather between July and August, we see a slight increase in both temperature and precipitation levels in August. July features a minimum temperature of 9°C, an average of 12°C, and a maximum of 17°C, while August has temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C to a maximum of 16°C. Both months experience similar average precipitation, with July receiving 70 mm over 13 days and August slightly higher at 72 mm over 15 days. Humidity levels remain fairly consistent, with July at 87% and August at 86%. For more detailed information, you can check Kirkwall weather in July.
In comparing the weather of August and September, we see some notable differences. August typically offers a milder climate with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F), accompanied by 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 15 days and a humidity level of 86%. Conversely, September shows a slight drop in temperature, with minimums of 9°C (48°F) and averages around 12°C (54°F), while experiencing increased precipitation of 125 mm (4.9 in) across 19 days and a slightly higher humidity of 88%. For more insights specifically on September weather, visit Kirkwall weather in September.
August typically brings milder temperatures, with an average of 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F), while October sees a slight dip in average temperature to 11°C (51°F) and maximums reaching 15°C (59°F). However, October is considerably wetter, with precipitation at 163 mm (6.4 in) spread across 25 days compared to August's 72 mm (2.8 in) over 15 days. Both months maintain high humidity, with October slightly higher at 87%. For more detailed information, check the Kirkwall weather in October.
In August, the weather tends to be mild, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences relatively lower precipitation levels, totaling 72 mm (2.8 in) over about 15 days, and humidity levels are around 86%. In contrast, November feels considerably cooler, with an average temperature dipping to 9°C (48°F) and ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F). This month also sees increased precipitation, accumulating 136 mm (5.4 in) over 23 days, with humidity slightly higher at 87%. For a more detailed look at November's weather, you can visit Kirkwall weather in November.
In August, the weather in Kirkwall is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F). The month typically sees an average temperature of around 13°C (56°F) and experiences approximately 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 15 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, December brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 11°C (52°F). The average temperature drops to about 7°C (45°F), and the month experiences more precipitation, totaling 111 mm (4.4 in) across 21 days, while humidity remains high at 80%. For more detailed information, you can visit Kirkwall weather in December.
As August unfolds in Kirkwall, the weather showcases a pleasant transition, with mild temperatures that invite both locals and visitors to explore its charm. While the average warmth lingers around a comfortable 13°C (56°F), occasional peaks can reach a delightful 16°C (61°F). However, the month also brings increased humidity and occasional rain, with about half the month experiencing precipitation. Compared to the preceding summer months, August tends to be a bit wetter, creating a lush landscape, perfect for outdoor adventures. For more detailed insights on the climate trends throughout the year, visit Kirkwall Climate.