Weather in Penzance

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in the town of Penzance. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts.

The climate in Penzance can be described as temperate maritime. This means there are no sharp temperature changes, and the weather is generally mild year-round. You can expect comfortable conditions without sweltering heat in summer or severe frosts in winter, making Penzance an attractive destination to visit at any time of the year.

There are four fairly distinct seasons in Penzance. Summer (from June to August) is the warmest period, with average temperatures around 15-17°C and the least amount of rainfall, although rain is still possible during these months. Winters (from December to February) are mild here, with air temperatures usually staying between +7°C and +10°C. Autumn (from September to November) and winter are characterized by an increase in the number of rainy days. Spring (from March to May) brings gradual warming, nature comes to life, and the number of sunny days increases.

One of the key features of the weather in Penzance is the significant number of days with precipitation throughout the year. Even in months with minimal total rainfall, there can still be quite a few rainy days. This suggests that light rain or drizzle is a frequent occurrence, especially during the autumn-winter period. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is recommended to bring waterproof clothing or an umbrella, regardless of the season. At the same time, thanks to the moderate temperatures, you are unlikely to need extremely warm gear even in winter.

The climate in Penzance is distinguished by its mildness throughout the year, which is typical for coastal areas of the United Kingdom. The annual temperature range here is moderate. The warmest months are traditionally July and August, when the average air temperature hovers around 16.6-16.8°C. During these summer months, maximum daytime temperatures usually reach a pleasant 18.1-18.3°C. The coolest time of the year is January, with an average temperature of about 8.2°C and minimum night-time readings dropping to an average of 6.9°C. February also remains cool, with similar temperature values.

The summer months in Penzance offer comfortable warmth without exhausting heat. From June to August, daytime temperatures range from 16.5°C to 18.3°C, creating ideal conditions for walking and exploring the town and its surroundings. Winter passes mildly and coolly here. Average temperatures in December, January, and February hold in the range of 8.2°C to 9.6°C, and night frosts happen rarely, as minimum temperatures usually do not fall below 6.9°C - 8.4°C. This means that severe frosts and heavy snowfalls are uncharacteristic for Penzance.

One of the features of the local climate is the insignificant fluctuation in temperature between day and night. The difference between the average maximum and average minimum temperature during the month is usually only 2-3°C. This indicates stable weather conditions and an absence of sharp temperature drops, making a stay in Penzance comfortable at any time of day. Overall, the town offers a moderate climate with distinct, but not extreme, seasons.

In Penzance, precipitation falls throughout the year, although its intensity and frequency change depending on the season. The town is not characterized by a clearly defined dry season in the classical sense, as rain is possible in any month. Nevertheless, one can distinguish a wetter period, falling on the autumn and winter months, and a relatively drier one during spring and summer.

The greatest amount of precipitation, about 4 mm per month, usually falls in October, November, and December. November also stands out as the month with the maximum frequency of rain – on average 20 rainy days. December follows with 19 rainy days. January, February, and March are also quite wet, with 16-17 rainy days and total precipitation around 3 mm. Given the small total amount of rainfall distributed over many days, rains during these periods likely take the form of light, possibly prolonged drizzle or brief, gentle showers.

A drier period is observed from April to August. During these months, total precipitation decreases to 2 mm per month. May is usually the month with the lowest number of rainy days – about 10. In April, July, and August, fewer rainy days are also recorded, ranging from 11 to 12. Snowfalls are not typical for Penzance due to the mild maritime climate and relatively high winter temperatures, so precipitation predominantly falls as rain.

When planning a trip to Penzance, it is important to prepare for its specific seaside climate. Although the total amount of rainfall in millimetres might seem small, the number of rainy days throughout the year is quite high. Therefore, a waterproof and windproof jacket is your main companion at almost any time of year. It is also worth taking an umbrella and, undoubtedly, comfortable water-resistant shoes for pleasant walks around the town and coast. The principle of layering your clothing will help you easily adapt to temperature changes and sudden rain, which is especially relevant for coastal regions of the UK.

In the summer months, roughly from June to August, when the average temperature hovers around 15-17°C, you will find light items useful, such as t-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, and light trousers or shorts. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool, and the chance of rain remains, so do not forget a light sweater or fleece jacket and the aforementioned waterproof jacket. Sunscreen and a hat will also be useful on clear days. For a trip during the colder period, from October to April, when average temperatures drop to 8-12°C, your wardrobe should include warm sweaters, thick trousers, thermal underwear (especially if you are sensitive to the cold), as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves. Your outerwear should be not only waterproof but also provide good protection against the wind, which can be noticeable by the sea.