Rysa Little

Island Small Scottish island with rugged coastal cliffs

Orkney islet between Rousay and Egilsay visited by boat trips for seabird colonies, exposed cliffs and shoreline geology; Rysa Little is best reached from nearby islands in summer.

Main image
Rysa Little
58.8621, -3.1988

How to Get to Rysa Little #

Rysa Little lies off the northern Scottish coast; access is by private boat from mainland ports in the Orkney or Caithness region depending on exact location. Boat travel is weather-dependent and should be arranged with experienced local skippers.

Tips for Visiting Rysa Little #

  • If attempting a summit, check tide tables and ferry connections in advance-some approaches require planning around island boat services.
  • Wear footwear suitable for sea-spray-slick rocks if planning coastal walks.
  • Local seabird colonies are sensitive-observe from a distance and avoid nesting sites during breeding season.

Best Time to Visit Rysa Little #

Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable chances for calm seas and visits to small islets around northern Scotland.

Summer
June-August · 8-15°C (46-59°F)
Best for access and milder weather in northern Scotland.
Late spring-early autumn
May-September · 6-14°C (43-57°F)
Calmer weather windows for boat travel and coastal walking.

Weather & Climate near Rysa Little #

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1049 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
AugustMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.9h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.2h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

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

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.6h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 15°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
15.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.6h daylight

December

December 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
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.2h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Rysa Little