#695 European Rank
Rhossili Bay
Wales (Gower Peninsula), United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Colin Smith (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.03/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
17.4°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€35/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Wales (Gower Peninsula) · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
9.5°C
Air 8°C
Feb
8.8°C
Air 8°C
Mar
9.1°C
Air 10°C
Apr
10.6°C
Air 13°C
May
12.8°C
Air 16°C
Jun
15.2°C
Air 19°C
Jul
16.8°C
Air 21°C
Peak
Aug
17.4°C
Air 21°C
Sep
16.5°C
Air 19°C
Oct
14.6°C
Air 16°C
Nov
12.4°C
Air 12°C
Dec
10.6°C
Air 9°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 17.4°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 & Cleanliness4.7 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Rhossili Bay
A sweeping 3-mile golden sand amphitheater on the Gower Peninsula, Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (17.4°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Steep cliff-top footpath descending from the National Trust visitor center and car park in Rhossili village.
•Protected Status / Environment: Situated in the Gower Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape), managed by the National Trust.
•Notable Feature: Expansive 3-mile sweeping beach, tidal access to the iconic Worm's Head promontory, and the visible 1887 Helvetia shipwreck at low tide.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
YesSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
From Swansea, drive 35 minutes west on the B4247 to the end of the Gower Peninsula at Rhossili village.
•Cross the rocky causeway at low tide to explore the dramatic tidal island of Worm's Head
•View the skeletal ribs of the Norwegian shipwreck Helvetia (1887) embedded in the sand
•Voted best beach in Britain and top 10 in Europe multiple times by international travel awards
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Wales (Gower Peninsula), United Kingdom.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Rhossili Bay?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhossili Bay
What is the water temperature at Rhossili Bay?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Rhossili Bay averages 17.4°C (63°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Rhossili Bay?
Rhossili Bay is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Wales (Gower Peninsula), United Kingdom.
Is Rhossili Bay good for families with kids?
Yes, Rhossili Bay is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Rhossili Bay?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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