#699 European Rank Blue Flag Certified

Porthmeor Beach

St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: May, June, July, August, September

Photo: Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France from France (CC BY 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source

EDITORIAL SCORE

4.00/ 5.0

SEA TEMPERATURE

16.5°C

August 30-year average

DAILY BUDGET

€52/day

SAND & SHORELINE

Golden Sand

Gradual Drop

Sea Temperature by Month

30-year monthly averages for St Ives, Cornwall · NOAA satellite data

Swipe 12 months ⇄

Refreshing Plunge

Jan

10.4°C

Air 14°C

Feb

9.8°C

Air 15°C

Mar

9.5°C

Air 17°C

Apr

10.2°C

Air 20°C

May

11.8°C

Air 23°C

Jun

14.0°C

Air 26°C

Jul

16.0°C

Air 28°C

Peak

Aug

16.5°C

Air 28°C

Sep

15.7°C

Air 26°C

Oct

14.4°C

Air 23°C

Nov

13.0°C

Air 19°C

Dec

11.5°C

Air 16°C

Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology

Peak 16.5°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 & Setting4.2 / 5

Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.6 / 5

Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5

Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5

Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5

Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5

About Porthmeor Beach

St Ives' Atlantic-facing surf beach, painted for a century in the town's famous light, right under the Tate.

Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (16.5°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming

Key Beach Facts

Official Records

•Access: Pedestrian access via slipways and steps directly from St Ives town center and Porthmeor Road.

•Protected Status / Environment: Blue Flag and Seaside Award designated beach, located in the Cornwall National Landscape (AONB).

•Notable Feature: Directly overlooked by Tate St Ives gallery, renowned for consistent Atlantic surf breaks and rocky headlands.

Official Tourism Authorities:visitcornwall.com visitbritain.com

Amenities & Facilities

Bathrooms

Yes

Showers

Yes

Free Parking

Yes

Food / Tavernas

Yes

Good for Kids

Yes

Dog Friendly

Lifeguard on Duty

Yes

Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals

Natural Cliff/Pine Shade

Yes

Wheelchair Accessible

Snorkeling & Watersports

Yes

Nudist / FKK Friendly

Getting There & Local Notes

Getting there:

Located near St Ives, Cornwall. Accessible via regional coastal roads (50.216°N, -5.483°E).

•Lifeguarded through the season; waves most days.

•Directly below Tate St Ives, closed off by the chapel-topped Island headland.

Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway

INTL · 40m drive

Convenient highway or local transit access across St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom.

Rent Car from INTL Book Airport Meet & Greet

Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Porthmeor Beach?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Porthmeor Beach

What is the water temperature at Porthmeor Beach?

The peak summer sea surface temperature at Porthmeor Beach averages 16.5°C (62°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.

What type of coast or sand is Porthmeor Beach?

Porthmeor Beach is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom.

Is Porthmeor Beach good for families with kids?

Yes, Porthmeor Beach is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.

Are there parking and facilities at Porthmeor Beach?

Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.

Getting Around & Activities

Coastal Stays & Hotels

Hotels, beach villas & boutique stays near Porthmeor Beach.

Find Stays near Porthmeor Beach

Scooter & Bike Rental

from €15/day

Scooters, mopeds & e-bikes for coastal cruising.

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Boat Tours & Excursions

from €39

Boat trips & guided activities along the coast.

Find Activities on Tiqets

Airport & Port Transfers

Direct Route

Private transfers with airport meet-and-greet.

Book Transfer on Welcome Pickups

United Kingdom Travel eSIM

from €4.50

Important: EU domestic roaming does NOT apply in United Kingdom. Install an instant Airalo eSIM to avoid expensive roaming fees.

Get United Kingdom eSIM on Airalo

Travel & Medical Insurance

Trip Protection

Medical emergency cover, baggage protection, and watersports cover for coastal trips.

Get Covered on EKTA

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United Kingdom Coastal Alerts & Shortlist Backup

Backup your saved beaches to your inbox with a permanent restore link, and receive seasonal sea temperature updates for United Kingdom.

View 12-Month Sea Curves

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