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 at a Glance#

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.

Air Quality: AQI 22 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 2° - 6° -1° 109 mm overcast 83% 7.3 m/s 0.0 low 6.9h
February Poor 2° - 6° -1° 83 mm overcast 83% 7.0 m/s 0.1 low 9.1h
March Poor 3° - 7° 0° 96 mm overcast 83% 6.9 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Acceptable 4° - 9° 2° 63 mm overcast 84% 6.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.2h
May Acceptable 6° - 11° 6° 53 mm overcast 84% 5.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 16.6h
June Acceptable 8° - 14° 11° 54 mm overcast 85% 5.1 m/s 1.1 high 17.9h
July Acceptable 10° - 15° 13° 61 mm overcast 86% 4.8 m/s 1.1 high 17.2h
August Good 10° - 16° 13° 74 mm overcast 86% 4.8 m/s 0.8 moderate 15.1h
September Acceptable 9° - 14° 11° 99 mm overcast 85% 5.7 m/s 0.4 low 12.6h
October Poor 7° - 12° 6° 117 mm overcast 84% 6.5 m/s 0.2 low 10.0h
November Poor 4° - 9° 2° 125 mm overcast 84% 6.7 m/s 0.0 low 7.6h
December Poor 3° - 7° 0° 115 mm overcast 83% 6.8 m/s 0.0 low 6.2h

Nearby Attractions to Rysa Little#