Faray
Island Small Orkney island noted for seabird colonies
A small island in Orkney, Faray attracts boat trips and birdwatchers for its seabird colonies, coastal cliffs and quiet walks across peat and grassland.
Faray is a small, uninhabited island in Orkney, Scotland. It lies within the northern island group off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland.
The island offers natural, undeveloped terrain with rough grassland and coastal cliffs that support seabird colonies. There are no visitor facilities, and visits are primarily by private boat for wildlife observation.
Faray was occupied in past centuries but has been uninhabited in modern times; like many small Orkney islands it was shaped by crofting and maritime activities historically.
Positioned in Orkney between the larger islands of Westray and Eday, Faray is part of the Orkney archipelago off Scotland’s northern coast.
- Uninhabited island: Uninhabited and reached only by private boat; seabird colonies and rough grassland make it of interest to naturalists.
How to Get to Faray #
Access by private boat from Orkney mainland ports; check local operators and weather forecasts.
Tips for Visiting Faray #
- Check local ferry timetables as services to small Orkney islands can be infrequent and weather-dependent.
- Bring warm layers even in summer - sea winds make island conditions cooler than mainland Scotland.
Best Time to Visit Faray #
Late spring to early autumn is the easiest time to visit small islands in Orkney for transport and wildlife.
Weather & Climate near Faray #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1083 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
