Cornwall Weather & Climate

Cornwall is almost surrounded by the sea, and the sea shapes its weather. Winters are mild, frost is rare on the coast, and summers are warm rather than hot, with long sunny days from May to August. Below you'll find today's weather and the week's forecast for six Cornish towns, month-by-month climate averages for the north, south and far west coasts, and a guide to the best time to visit Cornwall.

Cornwall weather today & 5-day forecast

For today's weather and the latest forecast, see the Met Office South West England forecast and Met Office weather warnings.

Forecast data: Met Office. Updated every few hours; temperatures in °C, wind in mph.

Live weather, sea and tide information

Met Office – South West England regional forecast Met Office – UK weather warnings Met Office – inshore waters forecast (sailing and boating) ADMIRALTY EasyTide – tide times for Cornish harbours and beaches RNLI – beach and water safety

Cornwall's climate

Cornwall sits on the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Drift, and the warm sea has its greatest effect in winter, when temperatures are higher than you would expect this far north. On the coast the temperature rarely falls below freezing, and frost and snow are uncommon. In summer the sea has the opposite effect, keeping the hottest days in check: the average daytime maximum in July and August is around 18–19°C, with warmer spells reaching the low to mid 20s and, occasionally, 30°C.

Rain falls all year round, with most in late autumn and winter, when weather fronts sweep in from the Atlantic. In summer the fronts are fewer and weaker, and summer rain often comes from showers and the odd thunderstorm. The coastal resorts typically see 1,500–1,700 hours of sunshine a year; May to August are the sunniest months, averaging around seven hours of sunshine a day.

The sea is at its coolest in February and March, at around 8–10°C, and warmest in August, at around 15–17°C, which is when most people swim and surf. For sailors and windsurfers, the exposed coastal waters average force 4–5 in winter and force 3–4 in summer. Gales are common from December to February but rare from May to August.

There are also differences around the county. The north coast faces the Atlantic swell that makes Bude, Newquay and Perranporth popular for surfing, the south coast around Fowey and Falmouth is more sheltered, and the far west around St Ives and Penzance has the mildest winters of all. Bodmin Moor, inland and higher up, is cooler, wetter and windier than the coast.

Best time to visit Cornwall

Spring (March–May)

Days lengthen quickly and April and May are often sunny and dry, with daytime highs of around 11–15°C. Gardens are at their best, the coast path is quiet and May is one of the sunniest months of the year. The sea is still cool.

Summer (June–August)

The warmest and busiest time, with highs of around 17–19°C, long evenings and the sea warming to around 15–17°C by August. Ideal for beaches, surfing and swimming. Book accommodation early for the school holidays.

Autumn (September–November)

September is often settled and the sea is still at its warmest, so it is a favourite month for a quieter beach holiday. October brings more wind and rain but also big Atlantic swells for surfers and dramatic coastal walks.

Winter (December–February)

Mild but wet and windy, with highs of around 8–10°C and frost rare on the coast. Storms bring spectacular seas, and cosy cottages, empty beaches and lower prices make winter breaks popular.

Cornwall climate averages by month

Long-term averages for five Cornish towns: hours of sunshine, average daily maximum and minimum air temperature (°C), sea temperature (°C) and rainfall (mm).