Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales, United Kingdom
#683 European Rank

Barafundle Bay

Pembrokeshire, Wales, United KingdomAtlantic Ocean Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: User:JKMMX (CC BY 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.07/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
16.6°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
44/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop

Sea Temperature by Month

30-year monthly averages for Pembrokeshire, Wales · NOAA satellite data
Swipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
9.0°C
Air 13°C
Feb
8.2°C
Air 14°C
Mar
8.1°C
Air 16°C
Apr
9.2°C
Air 19°C
May
11.1°C
Air 22°C
Jun
13.4°C
Air 25°C
Jul
15.4°C
Air 27°C
Peak
Aug
16.6°C
Air 27°C
Sep
16.3°C
Air 25°C
Oct
14.9°C
Air 22°C
Nov
12.9°C
Air 18°C
Dec
10.7°C
Air 15°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 16.6°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all United Kingdom Sea Temperatures

Score Breakdown

Scenery & Setting4.6 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.2 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5

About Barafundle Bay

A Caribbean-looking crescent of golden sand hidden beyond a clifftop walk on the Welsh coast.

Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (16.6°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming

Key Beach Facts

Official Records
Access: Accessible solely on foot via a 0.5-mile cliff path from Stackpole Quay with steep stone steps.
Protected Status / Environment: Owned and managed by the National Trust within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Notable Feature: Secluded east-facing cove with golden sand and crystal-clear water, frequently compared to Caribbean beaches.
Official Tourism Authorities:visitwales.com

Amenities & Facilities

Bathrooms
No
Showers
No
Free Parking
No
Food / Tavernas
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Dog Friendly
Yes
Lifeguard on Duty
No
Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals
No
Natural Cliff/Pine Shade
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Snorkeling & Watersports
No
Nudist / FKK Friendly
Yes

Getting There & Local Notes

Getting there:

Located near Pembrokeshire, Wales. Accessible via regional coastal roads (51.618°N, -4.892°E).

Sheltered and swimmable, though bracing.
Dunes, pine trees and clifftop coast path with no road access.

Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway

INTL · 40m drive

Convenient highway or local transit access across Pembrokeshire, Wales, United Kingdom.

Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Barafundle Bay?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Barafundle Bay

What is the water temperature at Barafundle Bay?

The peak summer sea surface temperature at Barafundle Bay averages 16.6°C (62°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.

What type of coast or sand is Barafundle Bay?

Barafundle Bay is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, United Kingdom.

Is Barafundle Bay good for families with kids?

Barafundle Bay has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.

Are there parking and facilities at Barafundle Bay?

Parking arrangements vary locally. No public restrooms directly on-site.

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