Cornwall, United Kingdom: Live Weather

What's The Weather Like In Cornwall?

Because the sea primarily surrounds the region of Cornwall, England, in the UK,  the nearby waters help to moderate temperatures throughout the year. As a result, temperatures rarely fall below the freezing mark in winter and are actually much warmer than they should be considering the latitude of the region.

On the other hand, the sea also keeps the summers from being as hot as they could be. As a result, many people tend to flock to the region in order to escape the humidity found in other parts of the United Kingdom during the same time period.

Cornwall is a wonderful place to visit and see some traditional English countryside. However, visitors should keep in mind that it can be cold and windy throughout much of the year. On the other hand, if you decide to visit in late spring, summer or early autumn, you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities thanks to warmer conditions both on land and in the sea. 

How Much Does It Rain In Cornwall?

Rain is common to the region throughout the year. Although summer is drier than winter, that term is used loosely as visitors will need to bring wet weather gear no matter what time of the year they decide to take a holiday.

Spring Weather In Cornwall

Spring can be a wonderful time to visit as the region is getting warmer and the area is entering a slightly drier time of the year. Spring consists of March, April and May.

How Warm Is Spring In Cornwall?

Spring sees average daily temperatures between 7°C in March to 11°C in May. While it is still cold enough to need a jacket during the early morning hours with overnight lows averaging between 5°C and 8°C, the afternoon highs are a little warmer with temperatures ranging from 9°C in March to 14°C by May.

Is Cornwall Wet In Spring?

The season starts on a damp note with 100mm of precipitation for the month of March, but those rainfall amounts will dwindle to 60mm for both April and May.

However, much of the season is still wet with between 18 and 22 rainy days on average a month. Much of the rain throughout winter and early spring is the result of passing frontal systems coming off the Atlantic Ocean and can be heavy at times.

Is The Sea In Cornwall Warm In Spring?

Visitors begin to return to the beach in spring. While the water is still too cold in March and much of April, May generally brings large waves and surfing competitions. The water during the latter half of the season will average 11°C  by May.

Cornwall's Spring Sunshine Hours

Additionally, the amount of sun shoots up from just 2 hours a day of sunshine in March to 10 hours in May.

Summer Weather In Cornwall

The summer season consists of June, July and August and is the warmest and most popular time of the year to visit Cornwall. Temperatures are at their highest in both July and August with an average afternoon temperature of 19°C and an overnight low in both months of 13°C.

How Warm Is The Sea In Cornwall In Summer?

This is also a good time to hit the beach and take in the various water sports with average sea surface temperatures between 13°C in June to 17°C in August. While some visitors may still want to wear a wet suit, there are plenty of opportunities to swim, surf, kite surf and more.

Cornwall's Summer Sunshine Hours

In addition, the region will average between 11 and 13 hours of sunshine per day throughout the season, making this is a perfect time to get some rays while lounging on the sand.

How Wet Is Cornwall In Summer?

Visitors can worry less about rain during this season with 70mm expected in June and 60mm in both July and August. Much of the rain this time of the year comes from showers and thunderstorms that move northward out of France.

Autumn Weather In Cornwall

The early part of autumn, and especially September, can be a prime time to visit Cornwall as many of the crowds have gone home, but the weather remains nice enough to spend plenty of time outdoors.

How Much Does It Rain In Cornwall In Autumn?

The amount of rain steadily increases from September into October and November. Rainfall amounts average between 70mm in the beginning of the season to 110mm in October and 100mm in November.

On average, the rain is experienced between 19 and 25 days each month. Once again, as the seasons begin to change, much of the rain is the result of thunderstorms associated with passing cold fronts.

How Warm Is Cornwall In Autumn?

Temperatures are also headed on a downward trajectory with average afternoon temperatures going from 17°C in September to 11°C by November. Average overnight lows also fall from 12°C in the beginning of the season to 7°C by the end.

Is The Sea Warm In Cornwall In Autumn?

While visitors may still be able to enjoy the beaches and waves in September, the water will quickly turn too cold later in the season. Sea surface temperatures start at a mild 16°C  in September, but will quickly fall to 12°C by November.