Last updated: March 17, 2025
July in Kirkwall, United Kingdom, presents a mild maritime climate with temperatures peaking at a comfortable 17°C (63°F). The average temperature hovers around 12°C (54°F), while nighttime lows can dip to a chilly 9°C (49°F). Rainfall is a frequent guest this month, with a total precipitation of 70 mm (2.8 in) spread over 13 days, contributing to a notable humidity level of 87%. Visitors to Kirkwall can expect a mix of cloudy skies and sporadic sunshine, making it essential to pack accordingly for a quintessentially Orkney summer experience.
In July, Kirkwall basks in its warmest weather of the year, with temperatures showcasing a delightful range. The month greets visitors with minimums of 9°C (49°F), nudging up towards a pleasant average of 12°C (54°F), and peaking at a mild 17°C (63°F). This gradual increase from the cooler spring months signals a welcoming shift, where longer daylight hours allow for more outdoor exploration. Compared to June, July offers not just warmth but also a sense of brightness, making it an ideal time for tourists to experience the scenic beauty of Orkney. The trend of rising temperatures continues into late summer, ensuring that those visiting Kirkwall enjoy a taste of the island's charm under sunny skies.
In July, Kirkwall experiences a moderate level of precipitation, with 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain spread across approximately 13 days. This rainfall marks a slight uptick from the dryer months of June and May, both of which recorded only 55 mm each. Despite being one of the drier months, July's precipitation levels still underscore the region's overall wet climate, especially when compared to the significantly wetter months of autumn. As the summer progresses, the trend reveals that the rain tends to pick up again in late summer, with August closely following at 72 mm. Overall, July serves as a transitional period, bridging the drier summer and the onset of the wetter autumn season.
In Kirkwall, July marks a notable peak in humidity, rising to 87%—the highest level of the year. This increase is part of a broader trend observed during the summer months, as humidity consistently escalates from 84% in June to 86% in August. Following the drier winter months, which hover around 81-82%, the warmth of summer brings a notable shift, culminating in muggy late summer conditions. As the year progresses into the fall, humidity levels remain high, with 88% recorded in September, suggesting that Kirkwall experiences a distinct seasonal cycle in moisture, adding a refreshing, though sometimes oppressive, layer to the coastal climate.
In July, Kirkwall experiences a UVA Index of 7, maintaining its high exposure category from June, which means outdoor enthusiasts need to be mindful of sun safety with a burn time of just 25 minutes. This trend marks the peak of the summer, where the sun's intensity remains significant, reflecting the gradual rise from winter's low UV levels. As the year advances past July, the UV Index will begin to drop, signalling a shift towards more moderate levels in August. For those planning sun-soaked adventures this July, it's crucial to stay protected. For more details, visit Kirkwall UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
July in Kirkwall, United Kingdom, often captures the sunniest moments of the year, boasting 413 hours of glorious sunshine. Following a gradual rise from the winter months, where January barely shines with 55 hours, the daylight hours steadily increase, peaking in June before dipping slightly in July. This trend reflects the transition into summer, where longer days and milder weather paint the landscape in vibrant hues. While August still enjoys a respectable 384 hours of sunlight, it's clear that July stands out as a highlight of the season, offering ample opportunity for outdoor activities and exploration under the clear skies of Orkney. The gradual descent into autumn is marked by a noticeable decline in sunshine hours, falling to 288 in September, but July remains a testament to summer's brilliance in this charming locale.
In Kirkwall, July tends to be one of the less sunny months, with only a 16% chance of sun gracing the skies. This represents a notable dip compared to the preceding months, particularly June, which enjoys a slightly higher 27% chance. The trend of decreasing sunny days continues into August, where the likelihood drops even further to 15%. Overall, while July may be a summer month, those hoping for clear skies might want to temper their expectations, as sunshine is relatively scarce during this time.
In Kirkwall, United Kingdom, the month of July experiences a rich tapestry of daylight, averaging around 17 hours. This slight decline from June's peak of 18 hours marks a gentle transition as the long summer days begin to shorten. Following this pattern, July stands out as one of the sunniest months of the year, allowing residents and visitors alike to bask in the natural light. As summer progresses, daylight gradually diminishes, with August seeing around 15 hours, hinting at the impending shift towards autumn. This gradual rhythm of daylight not only shapes daily life in Kirkwall but also invites a celebration of the vibrant summer spirit before it gracefully yields to the cozy embrace of fall.
In July, Kirkwall experiences a notable dip in wind speed, with averages reaching a gentle 5.1 m/s (11 mph). This is a significant decrease compared to the spring months, where winds were more robust, averaging around 7.9 m/s in April and 6.3 m/s in May. The calmer July winds create a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. As summer fades into August, wind speeds pick up slightly to 6.0 m/s (13 mph), hinting at a transition towards the more blustery months that follow. Overall, July stands out as a tranquil respite in Kirkwall's breezy year, inviting both locals and visitors to savor the softer side of Orkney's climate.
The weather in Kirkwall changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of July'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.
The weather in July and January shows notable differences in temperature and precipitation. In July, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). This month experiences relatively high humidity at 87% and a total precipitation of 70 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days. In contrast, January is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 12°C (53°F), averaging at 6°C (44°F). This month receives slightly more precipitation, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, but with lower humidity at 82%. For more details, check Kirkwall weather in January.
In comparing the weather between July and February, July tends to be milder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F). However, it experiences notable precipitation, with about 70 mm (2.8 in) falling over 13 days, alongside high humidity levels at 87%. In contrast, February presents cooler conditions, with temperatures averaging between 0°C (33°F) and 11°C (51°F), and a higher precipitation total of 99 mm (3.9 in) spread over 18 days. The humidity is slightly lower at 81%. For more details on February weather, you can check Kirkwall weather in February.
July and March present strikingly different weather patterns in Kirkwall. In July, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F), making it a much milder month compared to March, where temperatures hover between -1°C (31°F) and 10°C (50°F), averaging 6°C (43°F). While July experiences 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days, March sees higher total rainfall at 104 mm (4.1 in) across 20 days, contributing to a slightly lower humidity of 81% compared to July's 87%. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can visit Kirkwall weather in March.
When comparing the weather in July and April, July tends to be significantly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 12°C (54°F) compared to April's cooler average of 7°C (44°F). While July experiences a higher maximum temperature of 17°C (63°F), April's maximum is limited to 11°C (53°F). Precipitation levels are somewhat higher in July, with 70 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days, while April sees 51 mm (2.0 in) across 12 days, resulting in relatively humid conditions during both months—87% in July and 81% in April. You can learn more about the specific conditions in April by visiting Kirkwall weather in April.
When comparing the weather in July and May, July tends to be warmer with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), whereas May averages slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F). Precipitation is slightly higher in July at 70 mm (2.8 in) compared to 55 mm (2.2 in) in May, although both months experience rainfall on approximately 13 days. The humidity levels are also higher in July, reaching 87%, compared to 83% in May. For more details, you can explore the Kirkwall weather in May.
In comparing the weather of July and June, July experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), compared to June's minimum of 7°C (45°F) and average of 11°C (51°F). The maximum temperature in July reaches 17°C (63°F), while in June, it peaks at 14°C (58°F). Additionally, July sees increased precipitation, totaling 70 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days, compared to June's 55 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in July at 87%, compared to 84% in June. For more details on June weather, you can visit Kirkwall weather in June.
In comparing the weather between July and August, we see a slight increase in temperatures during August, with minimum, average, and maximum temperatures all showing marginal gains—rising from 9°C, 12°C, and 17°C in July to 10°C, 13°C, and 16°C in August. However, despite this small uptick in temperature, August experiences a similar amount of precipitation, totaling 72 mm over 15 days compared to July's 70 mm over 13 days. Humidity levels remain relatively unchanged, dropping slightly from 87% in July to 86% in August. For more insights, you can visit Kirkwall weather in August.
In comparing the weather of July and September, both months feature similar minimum and average temperatures, with July slightly warmer at a maximum of 17°C (63°F) compared to September's 16°C (61°F). However, September experiences a significantly higher amount of precipitation, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) over 19 days, whereas July sees just 70 mm (2.8 in) across 13 days. The humidity remains comparable, with July at 87% and September slightly higher at 88%. For a more detailed look at September weather specifics, you can visit this link: Kirkwall weather in September.
When comparing the weather in July and October, we notice a shift in both temperature and precipitation patterns. In July, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). This month experiences relatively low precipitation of 70 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days, along with a consistent humidity level of 87%. In contrast, October sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F), an average of 11°C (51°F), and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). Moreover, October is much wetter, receiving 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain over 25 days, while maintaining the same high humidity of 87%. For a detailed look at the specific weather conditions during this month, check out Kirkwall weather in October.
In July, the weather in Kirkwall is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), and an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, with humidity levels consistently sitting at 87%. In contrast, November brings cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F). This month also experiences higher rainfall, totaling 136 mm (5.4 in) spread over about 23 days, while maintaining the same humidity level of 87%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Kirkwall weather in November.
In comparing the weather between July and December, July in Kirkwall is generally milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F). This month experiences about 70 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over approximately 13 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, December sees a drop in temperatures, with averages between 3°C (37°F) and 11°C (52°F). Precipitation increases to 111 mm (4.4 in) over 21 days, and while humidity decreases slightly to 80%, the colder temperatures make it feel quite different from the summer months. For more specifics on December weather in Kirkwall, you can visit Kirkwall weather in December.
July in Kirkwall offers a refreshing respite from the colder months, characterized by milder temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a highlight of the year. With an average temperature that creeps above the 10°C mark, residents and visitors alike experience a noticeable warmth, albeit accompanied by a fair dose of humidity and occasional rain. The prevalence of precipitation over the month suggests that while sunshine is welcomed, the picturesque island weather remains ever-changing, requiring a bit of preparation for those outdoor adventures. Compared to other months, July strikes a balance, providing longer daylight hours and a livelier scene, perfect for enjoying Kirkwall's natural beauty. For more detailed insights on the weather patterns throughout the year, be sure to check out Kirkwall Climate.