The UK might not be the Mediterranean, but we have stunning beaches - and with the right timing, genuinely good beach weather. Here's where to go and when for the best chance of sunshine.
The Sunniest Coastal Areas
Southeast England: The Sunshine Coast
The stretch from Kent to Sussex receives the most sunshine in the UK:
Top Beaches:
- Camber Sands, East Sussex
- Broadstairs, Kent
- West Wittering, West Sussex
Weather Stats:
- Average 1,750+ hours of sunshine annually
- Warmest sea temperatures in the UK
- Driest region overall
Best Time: June-August, when temperatures regularly reach 22-26°C
East Anglia: Hidden Gems
Norfolk and Suffolk offer excellent beach weather with fewer crowds:
Top Beaches:
- Holkham Beach, Norfolk
- Southwold, Suffolk
- Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Weather Stats:
- Low rainfall (one of the driest UK regions)
- Good sunshine hours
- Can be breezy
Best Time: May-September. East coast sea breezes keep temperatures comfortable on hot days.
Southwest England: Warmth with Waves
Cornwall and Devon combine good weather with spectacular scenery:
Top Beaches:
- Fistral Beach, Newquay (for surfing)
- Porthcurno, Cornwall
- Woolacombe, Devon
Weather Stats:
- Mildest winter temperatures
- Good summer sunshine
- More rainfall than the east
Best Time: Late June-August for warmest weather. September can be excellent with smaller crowds.
South Wales: Underrated Beauty
The Gower Peninsula and Pembrokeshire offer superb beaches:
Top Beaches:
- Rhossili Bay, Gower
- Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
- Tenby beaches
Weather Stats:
- Similar to Southwest England
- Warmer than you might expect
- Afternoon sea breezes common
Best Time: July-August for warmest weather.
Scotland's Surprising Beaches
Yes, Scotland has beautiful beaches - and sometimes excellent weather:
Top Beaches:
- Luskentyre, Isle of Harris
- Camusdarach, near Arisaig
- St Andrews West Sands
Weather Reality:
- Cooler than southern England (typically 15-20°C in summer)
- Sea temperature rarely above 15°C
- But stunning scenery and often quiet
Best Time: June-August. Long summer days (19+ hours of daylight) compensate for cooler temperatures.
Sea Temperatures
Don't expect warm water anywhere in the UK:
| Area | August Average |
|---|---|
| Southeast England | 17-18°C |
| Southwest England | 16-17°C |
| Wales | 15-16°C |
| Scotland | 13-15°C |
Tip: Wetsuits extend the swimming season significantly.
Planning the Perfect Beach Day
Check the Forecast
- Look for high pressure bringing settled conditions
- Offshore winds mean calmer, warmer beach conditions
- Sea breezes develop on warm afternoons, cooling coastal areas
Time Your Visit
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Midday sun is strongest (and most dangerous for sunburn)
- Late afternoon often brings best beach weather as sea breezes fade
Always Pack
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) - UK summer sun can burn
- Windbreak - beaches are often breezy
- Layers - temperatures drop quickly when clouds appear
- Waterproof jacket - just in case
The Reality Check
Even in summer, UK beach days aren't guaranteed. A heatwave might bring Mediterranean conditions, or you might face grey skies and a chilly wind. The secret is flexibility - have a backup plan, and when good weather arrives, drop everything and go.
Our best beach days often come with less notice than abroad. Check the forecast, stay flexible, and grab those sunny days when they come.