# Dark skies in Orkney

> Officially designated dark sky places in Orkney: North Ronaldsay. What to see, where to park and when to go.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies/orkney
Updated: 2026-10-30

North Ronaldsay is a designated Dark Sky Community, and aurora is common in winter.

## North Ronaldsay

International Dark Sky Community, designated by DarkSky International in 2021. The most northerly island of Orkney, with a tiny community and very dark skies.

In winter the long nights and northern latitude make aurora a regular sight. More details: https://darksky.org/places/north-ronaldsay/

## When to go

- September to March gives long, dark nights; in June the sky never gets fully dark across much of the UK.
- Go near the new moon: see our [moon calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/moon-calendar).
- Time a visit for a [meteor shower](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/meteor-showers), such as the Perseids in August or Geminids in December.

## What to bring

- Warm layers, a hat and a flask: it is colder than you think on open ground.
- A red torch to keep your night vision.
- Binoculars: 10×50s show the Moon's craters and Jupiter's moons.
- A sky map app set to red night mode.

## Be a good visitor

Park only in proper car parks, keep to paths, close gates and take your litter home. Many sites are working farmland or nature reserves.

## Nearby local guides

Our local guides for [Orkney](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/locations/orkney) list more sacred sites, shops and dark-sky spots.

## Questions

**Where is the darkest sky in Orkney?**

North Ronaldsay, an International Dark Sky Community.

**When is the best time to stargaze in Orkney?**

Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring.

**Can I see the Milky Way in Orkney?**

Yes, from North Ronaldsay on clear moonless nights, best from late summer to autumn.

## Related

- [All UK dark sky places](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies)
- [Meteor showers](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/meteor-showers)
- [UK stargazing calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/uk-stargazing-calendar-2026-27)

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