Sule Skerry

Island Remote Scottish skerry with historic lighthouse

An isolated skerry northwest of the Orkney archipelago, Sule Skerry has a lighthouse and significant seabird colonies; access is by boat for birdwatchers and biological surveys.

Main image

Sule Skerry is a remote rock outcrop in the North Atlantic under Scottish administration, notable for its lighthouse and seabird populations. The skerry is uninhabited and lies well offshore from the Orkney archipelago.

A lighthouse was constructed on the rock in the late 19th century to aid navigation on the approaches to northern Scotland. Landings are difficult and infrequent, so visits are rare and typically limited to scientific or maintenance parties.

Geographically, the skerry sits dozens of kilometres off the nearest inhabited islands and functions primarily as a navigational marker and wildlife site rather than a destination for casual visitors.

  • Nature and use: An isolated skerry in the North Atlantic administered from Scotland and noted for its offshore lighthouse and seabird colonies.
  • Location and access: Located roughly 60 kilometres or more west of the Orkney Islands, it is accessible only by boat or helicopter and is uninhabited apart from lighthouse operations in the past.
Sule Skerry
59.0855, -4.4078

How to Get to Sule Skerry #

Sule Skerry is accessible only by sea from mainland Scotland or via chartered wildlife tours operating out of Orkney and northern mainland ports. Passage times depend on sea conditions and the launching port; visitors should book with operators who carry insurance and have experience in offshore navigation.

Tips for Visiting Sule Skerry #

  • Sea conditions can be treacherous; only visit with a licensed boat operator familiar with north Atlantic swells.
  • Bring binoculars and a waterproof jacket-puffins, guillemots and seals are visible from the cliffs in summer.
  • Respect seabird nesting areas-do not land on fragile skerries during breeding season without permission.

Best Time to Visit Sule Skerry #

Best visited in summer when sea conditions are most favorable and seabird colonies are active.

Summer
June-August · 6-14°C
Calmest seas and the highest seabird activity; best for wildlife watching and day-boat visits.
Late spring
May-June · 4-10°C
Migrating seabirds arrive and visibility for marine mammals improves; weather is still changeable.

Weather & Climate near Sule Skerry #

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 5°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1215 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
9.3 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 5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.3h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
16.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
10° 12°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
5.8 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 11°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
11° 14°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
12° 14°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
5.6 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 11°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
11° 13°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
12°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

138 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (145 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.9h daylight

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