August in Cornwall is…

I can’t quite believe that it’s August and it’s scaring me a little, I won’t lie.

Weeks are rushing past without a care and this is basically it; the peak of Summer. Peak season. August.

August in Cornwall is definitely a mixed bag, I want to be honest. The local schools have broken up, so naturally everywhere is busier during the day, but also the rest of the country is on holiday and many people choose the Cornish coast as their go-to destination.

I’m not complaining; it’s great that people are passionate about Cornwall, and tourism is great for the county! But I thought I’d just share a local’s perspective about this controversial month – some hate it, some love it, some have mixed feelings, and others (like myself) believe it’s just important to enjoy summer and make the most of this busy time as much as possible, because August in Cornwall is…

… busy and overcrowded

The beaches and seaside towns are, of course, heaving at this time of year. It’s the big Cornish attraction and the reason why many people in the UK choose to ‘staycation’ instead of flying abroad! And who can blame them, we have so many beautiful spots to choose from. That being said, as a local I usually avoid the more popular beaches throughout August because of how busy they are, and there’s usually no parking left by the time I get there anyway!

… often the rainiest month!

I don’t know if this is technically true but everyone in Cornwall will back me up! August always seems to have the worst weather here… May and June are usually lovely, and September/October in recent years have been fantastic, but August? I’d call it our monsoon season.

… hard to escape and/or return to

I personally try not to leave the county during August, simply because the constant streams of traffic make it near impossible to get back in again! If you do have to travel anywhere during this month, it’s worth waking up ridiculously early to avoid the rush, but I mean like, 3am early, because every one else will be trying to do the same thing.

BUT it is also…

… lush & full of life

I mean the nature! The cliffs are covered in beautiful flowers at this time of year, and (due to the rain!), the greenery is amazing. Everything tends to get a bit wild and overgrown at this point of summer, which I really like – plus it makes everything look great for taking photos!

… perfect for ocean swims & outdoors adventures

It may be peak rain, but it’s also usually peak warmth around this time, making it ideal for getting in the sea! I love a good sea swim, and am happy to say I’ve done plenty already this summer, but I will hopefully be continuing to do so throughout August too.

… full of happy & relaxed people

Everyone always seems happier during summer, and the whole of Cornwall just gives off a super relaxed vibe. Lunch time beach bar beers? Why not! 6pm BBQs on the cliffs? YES! Everyone wants to chill and have a good time in the sunshine.

… all about getting creative to find secluded spots

Even though most of the beaches are really busy, I quite like this as a challenge to get creative and find more secluded areas, quiet spots and secret spots. It encourages me to explore further than I normally would, and stumble across new and beautiful places!

 

 

Do you love August or hate it? Or just enjoying it while it’s here?

(Photos taken a Praa Sands)

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