Gairsay
Island Small Orkney island with historical farm settlements
One of Orkney’s smaller islands, Gairsay appeals to boaters and birdwatchers for coastal cliffs, archaeological traces and quiet remoteness.
Gairsay is a small island in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, located off the coast of Mainland Orkney. It is modest in size and has a limited number of buildings and land used for grazing and seasonal occupation.
The island has been inhabited at various times but today supports only a small permanent population or holiday residences; there are no regular public ferry services and access is by private boat. Natural features include coastal cliffs and seabird habitat that surround the island.
Gairsay lies within the northern North Sea around the Orkney group, close to the larger islands that make up the archipelago and connected by short boat passages to mainland Orkney.
- Private ownership: A small island in the Orkney archipelago, privately owned and largely used for grazing and occasional holiday occupation rather than regular tourism.
Best Time to Visit Gairsay #
Gairsay (Orkney) is most pleasant in summer (June-August) when temperatures are mild and daylight is longest, though it remains a remote, quiet destination year‑round.
Weather & Climate near Gairsay #
Gairsay's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1100 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 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (88 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. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (69 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 (54 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 (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (62 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 (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (105 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 (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°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.
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