Papa Stronsay Island
Small Orkney island home to a monastic community
Papa Stronsay, one of the Orkney islands, sees visitors interested in seabirds, coastal walks and quiet island life; it also hosts a small monastic community and crofting landscapes.
Papa Stronsay at a Glance#
Address: Papa Stronsay, Orkney, Scotland
How to Get to Papa Stronsay#
Access is by private boat from the Orkney mainland; there are occasional charter services from Kirkwall depending on season and weather. Visitors should coordinate with local operators in advance.
Tips for Visiting Papa Stronsay#
- If visiting, respect the monastic routines of the island - it is an active religious community with strict schedules.
- Island is very small and remote; bring any necessities with you as there are no tourist facilities.
- Be mindful of photo restrictions inside monastic buildings and ask permission.
Best Time to Visit Papa Stronsay#
Summer offers the easiest access and most settled weather for a visit to remote Orkney islets.
Summer
June-Aug · 8-16°C
Calmer seas and more reliable boat access; long daylight hours ideal for exploring.
Late spring
May-June · 6-12°C
Bird nesting season and fewer tourists; potential for variable weather.
Autumn
Sept-Oct · 5-12°C
Quieter and more dramatic weather; some boat services reduce frequency.
Weather & Climate near Papa Stronsay#
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 (1036 mm/year), wettest in November.
Air Quality:
AQI 20
Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 108 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 84 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 1° | 96 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 62 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 48 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 53 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.2h |
| July | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 59 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 13° | 71 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 11° | 99 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 12° | 6° | 115 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 10° | 3° | 126 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 115 mm | overcast | 82% | 7.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
