Spring (March-May)

As the days lengthen, Orkney awakens with carpets of spring flowers and the return of breeding seabirds to coastal cliffs. The temperate climate often brings surprisingly pleasant weather, perfect for exploring archaeological sites before summer crowds arrive.

Spring Events:

• Orkney Blues Festival (April) – A vibrant weekend where local and visiting musicians come together for performances of live blues music across various venues.
• Orkney Nature Festival (May) – Celebrates the islands’ unique wildlife and natural beauty with guided walks, boat trips, and educational talks.
• Orkney Folk Festival (May) – This renowned event brings together folk musicians from around the world for concerts, ceilidhs, and workshops in venues across the islands, with many performances in Stromness.

Summer (June-August)

With almost perpetual daylight around midsummer (locally known as the “simmer dim” when the sun barely dips below the horizon), summer offers extended days for exploration. This is when Orkney’s cultural calendar is busiest with numerous events.

Summer Events:

• St. Magnus International Festival (June) – An annual celebration of the arts, featuring world-class performances in music, theatre, and dance, attracting artists and audiences from around the globe.
• Stromness Shopping Week (July) – The town comes alive with this traditional gala week featuring parades, competitions, music, and family activities.
• International Island Games (July 2025) – Orkney is set to host this multi-sport event from July 12, welcoming thousands of competitors and spectators from islands worldwide.
• County Show (August) – The culmination of Orkney’s agricultural show season, held on the second Saturday of August in Kirkwall. This showcase of local livestock, produce, and crafts is accompanied by entertainment and food stalls—a true celebration of Orcadian rural life.

Autumn (September-November)

As visitor numbers decrease, autumn brings a tranquil atmosphere to explore Orkney’s sites. The changing light creates spectacular photographic opportunities, especially at the stone circles and coastal areas, while migrating birds pass through in impressive numbers.

Autumn Events:

• Orkney International Science Festival (September) – A week-long festival offering talks, workshops, and exhibitions that explore scientific topics, often highlighting Orkney’s contributions to renewable energy and archaeology.
• Orkney Storytelling Festival (October) – Celebrates the islands’ rich oral traditions with events featuring local and international storytellers sharing tales of folklore and history.

Winter (December-February)

Though some attractions operate reduced hours, winter showcases a different side of Orkney. The potential for Northern Lights (locally called the “Merry Dancers”) increases, dramatic storms demonstrate nature’s power against Orkney’s coastlines, and the midwinter sun perfectly aligns with Maeshowe’s entrance passage during the winter solstice.

Winter Events:

• The Ba’ Game (Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) – This traditional mass street football game takes place in Kirkwall. Participants are divided into two teams—the Uppies and the Doonies—based on their ancestral ties, competing to carry a leather ball to their respective goals.
• Stromness Yule Log Pull (Hogmanay/New Year’s Eve) – Just minutes from your accommodation, Stromness hosts this traditional tug-of-war event where residents compete to pull a massive yule log, marking the end of the year with community festivities—a spectacle worth witnessing if you’re visiting during the festive season.