North Devon beach guide
Woolacombe
Three miles of west-facing Atlantic sand below Morte Point - consistent surf, lifeguards through the season and enough space to lose the crowds.
Plan a visit to Woolacombe
A year on the North Devon coast
NORTH DEVON'S SEA TEMPERATURE CYCLE
Twelve monthly averages from Woolacombe. One broad Atlantic rise and fall.
The Atlantic through the year
The sea takes its time
Around Woolacombe, the long-term average is coolest in February 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.
9.5°C
average seasonal rise
February 8.4° to August 17.9°
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 9.0°C
- Feb 8.4°C
- Mar 8.6°C
- Apr 9.8°C
- May 11.9°C
- Jun 14.5°C
- Jul 16.9°C
- Aug 17.9°C
- Sep 17.3°C
- Oct 15.6°C
- Nov 13.2°C
- Dec 10.5°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 Devon beaches.
North Devon beach guide
Putsborough
The quieter southern end of the Woolacombe strand, tucked under Baggy Point - gentler surf, rockpools and a long walk on the sand at low tide.
Plan a visit to Putsborough
North Devon beach guide
Croyde
A compact bay between Baggy Point and the dunes, with the sandbanks that give England some of its most powerful beach-break surf.
Plan a visit to Croyde