May Weather in Kirkwall, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

May in Kirkwall, United Kingdom offers a refreshing coastal experience, with temperatures ranging from a cool 3°C (37°F) to a pleasant maximum of 13°C (56°F). The average temperature hovers around 8°C (47°F), making it ideal for those who appreciate a brisk maritime climate. Visitors can expect 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation spread over 13 days, resulting in lush greenery and vibrant landscapes. With humidity levels at 83%, the atmosphere often feels damp and invigorating, enhancing the charm of this picturesque Orkney town.

May Temperature in Kirkwall

In May, Kirkwall begins to shed its winter chill, with temperatures gradually becoming more inviting. The minimum temperature edges up to a comfortable 3°C (37°F), while the average rises to 8°C (47°F), marking a significant progression from the early months of the year. By day, highs can reach a pleasant 13°C (56°F), making it a delightful time for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic beauty of this historic coastal town. As the month unfolds, the warmth crescendos into early summer, hinting at the vibrant community and lush landscapes that await in the following months.

May Weather in Kirkwall: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Kirkwall, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec444343444751545554514845
Data source: Temperature data for Kirkwall generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Kirkwall

In May, Kirkwall experiences a modest precipitation total of 55 mm (2.2 in), making it one of the drier months as spring transitions to summer. The 13 days of rain, while still significant, reflect a slight decrease compared to the heavier showers earlier in the year. This pattern suggests a gradual reduction in rainfall after April's peak of 51 mm (2.0 in), indicating a potential shift towards sunnier days as the season progresses. With consistent rainfall in June at the same level of 55 mm, May serves as a brief interlude before the summer months, offering a balanced blend of wet and warmer days, ideal for enjoying the emergence of lush greenery across the landscape.

May Precipitation Trends in Kirkwall

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Kirkwall, with values for each month alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec91991045155557072125163136111
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Kirkwall

In May, Kirkwall experiences a notable rise in humidity, reaching 83%, which is slightly above the 81% average of the previous months. This increase hints at the onset of warmer weather as spring fully takes hold, paving the way for the humid summer months ahead. Following May, the humidity continues its upward trend, peaking in July at 87% before gradually stabilizing in the late summer and early autumn. Overall, May serves as a transitional month, bridging the drier conditions of winter and early spring with the more humid climate that characterizes the latter part of the year in the United Kingdom's northern regions.

May Average Humidity in Kirkwall

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Kirkwall, with May's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how May's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec82%81%81%81%83%84%87%86%88%87%87%80%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Kirkwall

As spring blooms into May in Kirkwall, the UV Index rises to 5, indicating a moderate level of sun exposure. This marks a notable increase from the earlier months when the index lingered around 1 in January and February, reflecting a low sunburn risk. With the warm days of May, residents and visitors should be mindful of their sun safety, as the 30-minute burn time requires precautions, especially during outdoor activities. Looking ahead, the UV Index will climb even higher in June and July, reaching a high of 7, making the month of May a gentle reminder to ease into sun protection habits. For more detailed information, visit Kirkwall UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Kirkwall for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Kirkwall in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec113457754311
Data source: Kirkwall May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Kirkwall

In May, Kirkwall basks in a delightful surge of 406 hours of sunshine, marking a significant uplift from the 337 hours in April. This increase is part of a broader trend seen as the year progresses; from the somber 55 hours in January, the sun gradually makes its presence felt, culminating in the peak of summer months. Following May, the sunshine continues to shine, with June boasting 428 hours and July offering 413 hours. This radiant month is a vibrant reminder of the gradual transition from the subdued winter days to the brighter, longer days of summer, where Kirkwall truly comes alive under the sun. As the seasons shift, the fluctuation in sunshine hours not only enhances the beauty of the landscape but also uplifts the spirits of those who call this charming part of the UK home.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Kirkwall: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Kirkwall experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55h141h204h337h406h428h413h384h288h209h94h74h
Data source: Kirkwall May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Kirkwall During May

In Kirkwall, United Kingdom, the likelihood of sunny weather in May hovers around 26%, reflecting the region's generally overcast climate. While this figure is modest, it is comparable to the sunnier months of April and June, both at 36% and 27% respectively. A deeper dive into the yearly trends reveals that January and February offer higher chances of sunshine, possibly due to clearer skies despite the chill. However, as spring transitions into summer, the percentages dip notably in the peak summer months, like July and August, where the odds of enjoying sunny days fall to 16% and 15%. This suggests that while May may not guarantee abundance in sunlit days, it remains a point of transition where residents can still hope for glimpses of brightness amidst the unpredictable weather patterns common in the Orkney Islands.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Kirkwall

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Kirkwall throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Kirkwall experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec28%36%19%36%26%27%16%15%21%20%20%22%
Data source: Kirkwall May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Kirkwall in May

In Kirkwall, United Kingdom, May heralds a vibrant increase in daylight duration, as the days stretch to an impressive 16 hours of sunlight, signaling the heart of spring's embrace. This trend of increasing daylight follows a steady ascent from January's mere 7 hours, building to a delightful 14 hours in April. As the season transitions into summer, Kirkwall peaks with 18 hours of daylight in June, showcasing nature's revival. However, as the year progresses, daylight gradually wanes, with the hours diminishing to 12 in September and further retreating into the darker months of October and November. This rhythm creates a captivating cycle, inviting residents and visitors alike to savor the long, luminous days of late spring.

Average Daylight Hours in Kirkwall for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Kirkwall throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7h 3m9h 16m11h 52m14h 31m16h 57m18h 20m17h 35m15h 20m12h 45m10h 8m7h 41m6h 17m
Data source: Kirkwall daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Kirkwall

In May, Kirkwall experiences a notable dip in wind speed, averaging 6.3 m/s (14 mph), which marks a continuing trend from the breezier months of winter and early spring. Following the gusty conditions of January through April, where winds frequently exceeded 8 m/s, the onset of late spring brings a gentler breeze, ideal for outdoor activities without the relentless roar of higher winds. Interestingly, as the summer months approach, wind speeds slightly rise again in June to 6.6 m/s (15 mph), but they remain significantly calmer than the winter peaks, suggesting a transitional phase as the weather warms. This pattern illustrates Kirkwall's unique climate variability, blending invigorating spring winds with the softer touch of summer breezes.

Average May Wind Speed in Kirkwall

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Kirkwall, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8.910.38.97.96.3 m/s6.65.16.06.79.210.88.9
Data source: Kirkwall May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Kirkwall Compares to Other Months

The weather in Kirkwall changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May'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 May and January, we see some noticeable differences. May typically experiences slightly higher average temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), compared to January's minimum of 2°C (36°F) and average of 6°C (44°F). Additionally, May tends to have less rainfall, with 55 mm (2.2 in) over 13 days, while January sees more precipitation at 91 mm (3.6 in) across 16 days. Both months maintain similar humidity levels, hovering around 82-83%. For a deeper look at January's weather specifics, you can check Kirkwall weather in January.

In comparing the weather of May and February, May generally experiences milder temperatures with averages around 8°C (47°F), while February sees slightly cooler averages at 6°C (43°F). May also boasts a higher maximum temperature of 13°C (56°F) compared to February’s 11°C (51°F). Precipitation in May is lower at 55 mm (2.2 in) over 13 days, contrasting with February’s heavier rainfall of 99 mm (3.9 in) across 18 days. Despite this, February has a similar humidity level at 81%, slightly lower than May's 83%. For more detailed information, you can visit Kirkwall weather in February.

In comparing the weather of May and March, we see a distinct shift towards milder conditions as spring unfolds. May generally experiences higher temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F) compared to March's minimum of -1°C (31°F) and average of 6°C (43°F). Additionally, May has less precipitation overall, with 55 mm (2.2 in) falling over 13 days, while March sees more rainfall at 104 mm (4.1 in) distributed across 20 days. Humidity levels are fairly consistent, with May at 83% and March slightly lower at 81%. For more details on March weather specifics, you can visit Kirkwall weather in March.

In comparing the weather between April and May, we observe a slight warming trend, with May showing a minimum temperature of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 8°C (47°F), compared to April's minimum of 0°C (32°F) and average of 7°C (44°F). The maximum temperatures also increase, with May reaching up to 13°C (56°F), while April peaks at 11°C (53°F). Precipitation is relatively similar, with May receiving 55 mm (2.2 in) over 13 days, slightly higher than April's 51 mm (2.0 in) over 12 days. Humidity increases slightly in May to 83%, compared to 81% in April. For more insights on April's weather specifics, you can visit Kirkwall weather in April.

The weather in May is generally cooler than in June, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), and an average temperature of 8°C (47°F). In contrast, June experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), an average of 11°C (51°F), and a maximum of 14°C (58°F). Both months receive comparable amounts of precipitation, at 55 mm (2.2 in), though May has rainfall on 13 days while June sees it on just 11 days. Interestingly, humidity levels remain quite similar, with May at 83% and June increasing slightly to 84%. For more detailed insights into June weather, you can check Kirkwall weather in June.

In May, temperatures in Kirkwall range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees about 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation across 13 days and enjoys a humidity level of 83%. In contrast, July experiences a warmer climate with minimum temperatures of 9°C (49°F) and maximums reaching 17°C (63°F), averaging at 12°C (54°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 70 mm (2.8 in) over the same number of wet days, while humidity rises to 87%. For a detailed overview of the weather in July, visit Kirkwall weather in July.

May and August present a notable contrast in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F), creating a brisk early spring feel. This month also experiences around 55 mm of precipitation over 13 days and maintains a high humidity of 83%. In contrast, August offers milder conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 10°C (51°F) and peaking at 16°C (61°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 72 mm over 15 days, while humidity rises marginally to 86%. For those interested in deeper insights, check out Kirkwall weather in August.

In May, temperatures are relatively cool, with minimums around 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), while the average temperature hovers at 8°C (47°F). The month sees approximately 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 83%. In contrast, September experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F), leading to an average of 12°C (54°F). However, it also brings more rain, with about 125 mm (4.9 in) falling over 19 days, and slightly higher humidity at 88%. For those interested in the specifics of September weather, more information can be found at Kirkwall weather in September.

May and October present distinctly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 13°C (56°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). The month sees an average of 55 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 13 days, while humidity hovers around 83%. In contrast, October experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), resulting in an average of 11°C (51°F). However, it is also much wetter, with precipitation reaching 163 mm (6.4 in) over 25 days and humidity increasing to 87%. For more detailed insights, you can check Kirkwall weather in October.

May and November in Kirkwall present similar temperature ranges, with both months experiencing minimum temperatures around 3°C (37°F) and maximum temperatures peaking at 13°C (56°F). However, November typically has a slightly higher average temperature of 9°C (48°F) compared to May's 8°C (47°F). When it comes to precipitation, November is notably wetter, receiving 136 mm (5.4 in) over 23 days, while May has only 55 mm (2.2 in) over 13 days. Additionally, humidity levels are marginally higher in November at 87% compared to 83% in May, creating a more damp atmosphere. For detailed weather information in November, you can visit Kirkwall weather in November.

When comparing the weather in May and December, both months present cool temperatures with similar minimums around 3°C (37°F). However, May generally enjoys a slightly warmer average of 8°C (47°F) compared to December’s 7°C (45°F), though the maximum temperatures are only a degree apart, with May reaching up to 13°C (56°F) and December peaking at 11°C (52°F).

In terms of precipitation, December is notably wetter, receiving 111 mm (4.4 in) over 21 days, while May has 55 mm (2.2 in) spread across 13 days. This results in a more frequent chance of rain in December, albeit with slight differences in humidity levels—83% in May and 80% in December. To learn more about December's specific conditions, you can visit Kirkwall weather in December.

Compare Kirkwall's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Kirkwall

As May unfolds in Kirkwall, it brings a noticeable shift in weather, offering a refreshing respite from the lingering chill of early spring. With temperatures gradually rising, the month showcases a blend of cool days and mild afternoons, creating a more comfortable atmosphere. While May does see its fair share of rain, the average precipitation is balanced by an increase in daylight, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. The higher humidity, characteristic of this time of year, adds a touch of vibrancy to the landscape, setting the stage for the lushness of summer ahead. For a deeper dive into Kirkwall's climate patterns, visit Kirkwall Climate.