Spring (April-May): Gardens like Heligan and Trebah are at their most colorful with rhododendrons and camellias in bloom, temperatures mild (10-16°C), and crowds noticeably thinner than summer. Some coastal attractions may have reduced hours before the full season starts.
Summer (June-August): Peak season - warm weather (17-22°C), all attractions fully open, and the best window for beaches and watersports. Popular villages like Padstow and St Ives become very crowded, and parking fills early; book accommodation and restaurants well ahead, especially for the August school holidays.
Autumn (September-October): A favorite among repeat visitors - the sea stays relatively warm from summer, crowds thin significantly after early September, and mild temperatures (13-18°C) suit coastal walking. Storms become more frequent by late October, adding drama to the coastline.
Winter (November-March): Mild by UK standards (5-11°C) thanks to the Gulf Stream, but wet and windy with the shortest daylight hours. Many smaller attractions and seasonal cafés close; storm-watching along the north coast has its own appeal for a smaller number of visitors.