Summer is coming to a close, and the autumn months are almost upon us. It isn’t all bad, though- September and October can be some of the best months to be in Cornwall. Good weather, warm water and quieter beaches means that you can still make the best of what the Cornish coastline has to offer, without the crowds. September and October are also busy months in the world of music events and surfing here in Cornwall.
Here’s our top reasons why we love Cornwall in the autumn season, and our rundown of what’s coming up over the next couple of months.
THE WATER IS AT ITS WARMEST
The sea warms up more slowly than air or land, meaning that the warmest time in the water lags slightly behind the summer. The sea may look its most enticing on a hot day in June, but it actually reaches its warmest in the August, September and October months, after weeks of sunshine slowly heating it up. Newquay’s average sea temperature for September is 16.4 degrees and can reach as high as 17.7, whilst October reaches a comfortable average of around 15, the perfect climate for a dip. Besides, once the holiday season is over, you’ll often have more of the ocean to yourself, giving you more space for sea swimming and water activities.
THE WAVES ARE CONSISTENT
On top of warmer waters, the Cornish sea is great in the autumn months because of the consistently good surf. Fistral Beach is famous for its surfable swell all year round, but these months in particular are great for budding surfers to improve their skills and for more knowledgeable surfers to simply make the most of the waves. We run all of our activities throughout autumn and they are often some of our best sessions.
THE BEACH IS QUIETER
This summer, Newquay has been busy like never before. As much as we love seeing everyone enjoying our fabulous town, there’s something special about having the whole beach to yourself. With temperatures in September and October still warm enough for a beach BBQ, it’s the perfect time of year to truly enjoy the natural environment we have on our doorsteps. Not to mention, the sunsets at this time of year are amazing, too!
THERE’S PLENTY TO DO
2-4 September, Perranporth Beach
After a long wait, Perranporth’s much-loved Tunes in the Dunes festival is back, welcoming the likes of Tom Walker, Craig David TS5 Beach Party and Richard Ashcroft to the stage on the sand. You couldn’t get a festival closer to the beach than this- Tunes in the Dunes is situated directly on Perranporth, beside the crashing shoreline. What better backdrop for some live music?
10-12 September, Healeys Cornish Cider Farm
This mini festival, set in the charming fields of Healeys Cider Farm, may appear small by name, but it packs a big punch in entertainment. This Cornish party hosts big live bands, a groovy silent disco, BBC Introducing stage, camping and glamping, Secret Cider Walks and cider tasting featuring a huge range of delicious ciders from across the UK plus lots more. Acts this year include Electric Swing Circus and the Wurzels.
24-26 September, Hendra Holiday Park
This charity event runs annually and is loved by tourists and locals alike. This year, Hendra Holiday Park will host a truly Cornish event featuring the best of Cornwall’s beers, ciders, craft lagers and, for the first time, a Gins and Bubbly Bar. Head down for a weekend of good drink, live entertainment and smiles all round.
AND PLENTY TO SEE
September and October’s great water conditions means that you’re guaranteed to spot some excellent watersports happening in the ocean. Here in Newquay there’s plenty of surf watching to be done- here are some upcoming events.
4-5 September, Fistral Beach
This fun and unique sport is back to the shores of Fistral Beach in Newquay. Each year, the UK Bodyboarding Association have organised their UK Bodysurfing Championships at Fistral (the 2020 event had to be cancelled due to Covid-19). If you’re looking to get your fix of water-based competition, head down to the beach for the first weekend of September to cheer them along.
English National Surfing Championships
17-19 September, Watergate Bay
Surfing England are stoked to announce the return of the 2021 Caravan and Motorhome Club English National Surfing Championships to Watergate Bay. This beach has been home to the Nationals for many years and we can’t wait for its return. The line-up anticipates a full 3-days surf competition, with all shortboard and longboard divisions running, taking place over two peaks of contest banks.
8-10 October, Fistral Beach
If you enjoyed the Boardmasters Open at Fistral, why not head down to watch the BUCS Surf Championships? This event is the largest surf competition in Europe with over 350 student competitors. The event is run in partnership with Surfing England and will be showcasing a range of levels of competition depending on experience.
