#706 European Rank Blue Flag Certified
Whiterocks Beach
Portrush, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti (CC BY 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
3.98/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
13.8°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€48/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Rocky Cove
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Portrush, Northern Ireland · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
8.8°C
Air 11°C
Feb
8.1°C
Air 12°C
Mar
7.8°C
Air 14°C
Apr
8.3°C
Air 17°C
May
9.3°C
Air 20°C
Jun
11.0°C
Air 23°C
Jul
12.6°C
Air 25°C
Aug
13.8°C
Air 25°C
Peak
Sep
14.1°C
Air 23°C
Oct
13.3°C
Air 20°C
Nov
11.9°C
Air 16°C
Dec
10.3°C
Air 13°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 14.1°C in September · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all United Kingdom Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.5 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality3.9 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5
About Whiterocks Beach
Golden surf sand beneath dazzling white limestone cliffs, riddled with caves and arches on the Causeway Coast.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (13.8°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Ramped access and boardwalks from the Whiterocks coastal car park off the A2 Causeway Coastal Route.
•Protected Status / Environment: Blue Flag beach, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Causeway Coast AONB).
•Notable Feature: Dramatic white chalk/limestone cliffs sculpted into sea caves and arches (Elephant Rock, Wishing Arch) contiguous with Portrush East Strand.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
NoGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Portrush, Northern Ireland. Accessible via regional coastal roads (55.212°N, -6.612°E).
•Lively swell; a surf and horse-riding beach.
•Golden sand beneath sculpted white limestone cliffs on the Causeway Coast.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Portrush, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Whiterocks Beach?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whiterocks Beach
What is the water temperature at Whiterocks Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Whiterocks Beach averages 13.8°C (57°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Whiterocks Beach?
Whiterocks Beach is classified as a rocky cove shoreline located in Portrush, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Is Whiterocks Beach good for families with kids?
Whiterocks Beach has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Whiterocks Beach?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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