Holm of Papa

Island Uninhabited Orkney islet with early church remains

A small islet off Orkney, Holm of Papa appeals to boaters and birdwatchers and to visitors interested in coastal archaeology and seabird colonies.

Main image
Holm of Papa
59.3511, -2.8688
Free

How to Get to Holm of Papa #

Access by private boat from Orkney mainland harbors. Landing depends on sea state; hire an experienced local skipper and check tidal conditions before attempting landings.

Tips for Visiting Holm of Papa #

  • This small Orkney islet may have restrictions during bird-nesting season - observe any local signage.
  • Landing can be difficult in rough seas; use experienced local skippers if arriving by boat.
  • Pack water and protection from wind; there are no services on the island.

Best Time to Visit Holm of Papa #

Summer months are the best time for visiting small Orkney islets due to calmer seas and easier landings.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
June-August · 8-15°C (46-59°F)
Calmest seas and best for landing; birdlife is most active.
Late Spring / Early Autumn (May & Sep)
May, September · 6-12°C (43-54°F)
Quieter but weather is less predictable.

Weather & Climate near Holm of Papa #

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1096 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
JuneMayJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
8.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.3h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
18.2h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
10° 14°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
10° 15°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.3h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.9h daylight

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