North Cornwall beach guide
Fistral Beach
Newquay's headline surf beach, a west-facing sweep of sand between Pentire and Towan Head that picks up almost every Atlantic swell.
Plan a visit to Fistral Beach
A year in the Atlantic
NORTH CORNWALL'S SEA TEMPERATURE CYCLE
Twelve monthly averages. One slow Atlantic rise and fall.
The Atlantic through the year
The sea takes its time
Around Newquay, the long-term average is coolest in March and warmest in August.
The water keeps cooling after the shortest days, then holds onto summer warmth into September. It is a slow, smooth cycle rather than a switch between seasons.
7.5°C
average seasonal rise
March 9.4° to August 16.9°
Average monthly sea temperature
A year in the water
Cool blue winter water gradually gives way to warmer teal through summer, before the curve eases back down.
Cooler
Warmer
- Jan 10.1°C
- Feb 9.7°C
- Mar 9.4°C
- Apr 10.4°C
- May 11.8°C
- Jun 14.0°C
- Jul 16.4°C
- Aug 16.9°C
- Sep 16.3°C
- Oct 14.8°C
- Nov 13.3°C
- Dec 11.7°C
Use the averages
Turn the curve into a beach day
Temperature is only one part of the plan. Check the tide, access, lifeguards and local notes for these North Cornwall beaches.
North Cornwall beach guide
Towan Beach
Newquay's town beach, tucked below Towan Head with The Island footbridge at one end and rock ledges that open up into pools at low water.
Plan a visit to Towan Beach
North Cornwall beach guide
Watergate Bay
Two miles of open sand below the cliffs north of Newquay, with room for surfers, walkers and families on the same tide.
Plan a visit to Watergate Bay