Cornwall's Climate
When most people think of Cornwall, it is the
summer scene that comes to mind – but there is far more to the County than just sun, sea and sand.
We have fantastic summers, but our
winters are incredibly mild. Cornwall and The
Old Rectory at Lanreath by Looe will welcome you at
any time of the year.
Most people know
that Cornwall is almost surrounded by sea but do you realize how marked
is the effect of the Gulf Stream on the south eastern part of the County?
During Winter the temperature
rarely falls to freezing, the average temperature of January is similar
to that of many southern Mediterranean resorts. Cornish Winters are rarely
white, but paint a picture of a land that is totally unlike the experience
of Summer. If snow does come it can make the village look even prettier. Rainfall
is high but there are also long periods of dry, sunny weather. The crystal
clear air almost sparkles and makes it a marvellous time to get into the
countryside or onto the beaches – there
will often be no one else in sight.
Spring comes early to Cornwall;
probably the most magical time of the year. The people of Cornwall take
to the streets and celebrate the end of Winter with numerous festivals
– many of which are of pagan origin. The warmer temperatures fill the
hedgerows with masses of flowers and turn roadside verges to a patriotic
shade of red, white and blue. Cornwall’s numerous gardens awake and many
take part in the busy "Cornish Festival of Gardens" – a marvellous, countrywide
celebration for anyone who takes the time to look. The roads and beaches
are still almost empty – and yet April and May regularly average as many
hours of warm sunshine as the months of July and August.
Summer is the time of year
that most people associate with Cornwall. It sees beaches thronging with
families; developing wonderful memories in whole new generations of children.
The long, sunny days can be very warm but cooling breezes off
the sea make such days feel glorious. Rain does fall but hopefully not
too frequently – it merely serves to keep everywhere lush, green.......truly
dazzling.
And then as the majority
of visitors leave Cornwall for yet another year, Autumn comes and brings
a relaxed atmosphere to the County, colourful hues and harvest celebrations. Local people find the time to enjoy
leisure pursuits, the Village Halls begin to fill up and the local sports
leagues get under way – Rugby, Football, Indoor Bowls, Darts, Billiards,
and Skittles. Everyone understands that it is time
to talk to friends – old and new – and know that there is always tomorrow
to finish that job. The weather is normally as generous as in Spring and
Summer often ambles into October..... but even if night does begin to
carry a little chill in its air; there is still a wealth of Inns with
warming log fires.
Slow
down, enjoy yourself at any time of year.
That’s what Cornwall is all about.
