There’s never a bad time to visit Cornwall. Summer is glorious, the winter months atmospheric and mysterious, spring bountiful. But we’d like to argue the case for early autumn. After the schools go back in September and the crowds disperse, Cornwall takes a breath and visitors are able to enjoy the best of all seasons.
It’s fine out
With the mildest climate in the UK, summer is typically slightly cooler in Cornwall, but come September and temperatures actually rise beyond the national average. The Indian summer of 2023 saw Newquay reach a sweltering 29.1°C, with an average of 21 °C. Rainfall is also below the national average – though this is Britain, so you might want to pack a raincoat along with the sunblock, just in case.
Take a dip
Come on in, the water’s still lovely in September. After months of warming up under the summer sun, sea temperatures remain near their peak throughout the month. In the waters around Padstow, average surface temperatures are at 16.4°C, just half a degree down on August and the same as July.
Surf’s up
While the sea is warm, it’s not necessarily going to be calm, particularly on the northern Atlantic coast. This is great news for out of season surfers, many of whom visit from September onwards for the strong swells and consistent waves. Check out the beaches around Newquay and Sennen Cove for the best conditions. If you’re a beginner, many of the surf schools continue to operate beyond the summer. Take extra care though, as most beaches are without lifeguards in September.
Beat the queues
After the crowds disperse it becomes far easier to get around the county, particularly on the notoriously congested A30. Parking in tourist hotspots is also much easier, allowing you to make the most of the many cafes, restaurants and shops which remain open. Super popular beaches like Kynance Cove and Porthcurno frequently aren’t even accessible in the summer, but in September you’ll be able to park and find more than just a few square inches of sand to enjoy.
Outdoor delights
The going is also easier if you’re on foot. September is a great time to tackle the South West Coast Path, covering 630 miles of Cornwall’s extremities. Footsure walkers will be able to tackle the more challenging sections, with steep ascents over rocky ground far less grueling without the summer sun beating down.
Eat and drink
Cornwall is an established foodie destination, especially Padstow. The town’s Michelin starred restaurants run by the likes of Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth are booked up months in advance. Chances are they’ll still be pretty busy in September but with a bit of forward planning you’ll have more luck securing a sought after table.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind dining with several thousand other hungry holiday goers, check out one of the September food festivals. The Newquay Harbour Festival returns for its second year on Saturday 7th September 2024. And on Friday 13th through to Sunday 15th, Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival returns to Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm near Truro, with live music, plentiful local food sellers and of course amazing ciders.
Music festivals
The summer vibes keep going at the Looe Weekender from 20-22 September 2024. Local pubs, clubs and bars in the southeastern town play host to 85 sets, all for free! Meanwhile the St Ives Festival returns 14-28 September. This two-week celebration of music and the arts features daily music at venues across the town along with films, exhibitions and arts and craft workshops.
Arts and heritage
More arts and entertainment can be found at the legendary Minack Theatre, an open-air stage carved into the cliff above Porthcurno. Performances continue here till the end of October. Take a look at our blog about the venue’s history. Meanwhile many historic Cornish properties and estates open their doors to the public for England’s Heritage Open Days Festival, 6-15 September 2024. Among this year’s events are a D-Day walking tour of Antony House, Torpoint. You can also learn about Marconi and the dawn of wireless communication at The Lizard Wireless Station or board the 101 year old sailing barge, Lady Daphne, in her original port at Charlestown Harbour.
