The best time to visit Cornwall
Rich history and dramatic landscapes
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The best time to visit Cornwall is between around April/May and September/October. Then the days are mild and it is light for a long time, perfect for outdoor activities. During the summer vacations, the sea is perfect for swimming.
Marvin Luczynski
Travel expert for England
Updated on 11/24/2025
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Cornwall has a mild oceanic climate with wet and mild winters and mild summers. The average temperature in summer is between 64 and 68°F and in winter it rarely drops below 46°F. Spring from March to May is usually mild with occasional rain showers and a beautiful landscape full of flowers. Summer, from June to August, is the warmest season with longer days and plenty of sunshine. Fall from September to November is still mild but often windy.
Cornwall in the high season
The peak season in Cornwall is the summer vacation period between the end of June and August. During this time, Cornwall can get very busy, especially in the coastal areas and on the beaches, as well as at popular tourist attractions. Prices for accommodation, restaurants and activities are higher than the rest of the year. The advantages of the high season are the long days and summer temperatures. There are also many events taking place now, such as the Boardmaster Surf Festival in August.
Cornwall in the shoulder season
The shoulder season in Cornwall falls in the transitional seasons of spring and fall, between April and May and September and October. Before and after the summer, the weather is still mild but not too hot, which is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and beach walks . There are also fewer tourists in the region at this time, which means that sights and beaches are less crowded. Nature is particularly lush and green in spring and the fall foliage also bathes the landscape in a beautiful spectrum of colors.
Cornwall in the low season
Winter means low season in Cornwall. Between November and March it is often rainy and, in combination with the often blustery coastal winds, unpleasantly cool. Only a few visitors come to the region at this time, but they benefit from low prices, a wide range of accommodation and absolute peace and quiet. Even if the weather is not ideal for swimming or hiking now, a walk on the beach can still be enchanting in winter if you wear the right clothes. However, it should be noted that not all restaurants and stores are open at this time.
Hiking
The best time to go hiking in Cornwall is in spring from April to May or again in fall from September to October. The weather is mild and often sunny, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. In spring, the flowers and greenery are particularly lush and the golden sun is still warming in the fall. The weather is also good in summer, but there is also a lot more going on.
Golf in Cornwall
Golfing in Cornwall is a special experience! The coastal courses in particular often offer spectacular views and are a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature while playing golf. The best time to play golf in Cornwall is from around April to June or from September to October. Then the weather is not too hot and the courses are not as crowded as in summer. In winter it is often too windy and wet for a game of golf.
Surfing
The best time to go surfing in Cornwall is from September to November and from March to May. During these months the water is still relatively warm, the waves are high and there are good conditions for surfers of all levels. In summer the waves can be a little smaller, although there are still plenty of great surf spots. In winter, the waves are often very big and the conditions are quite challenging for inexperienced surfers.
