Best time of year to walk the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking scenery, from rugged cliffs to sandy beaches, and choosing the right time to walk it can make all the difference. The best time to start your hike is in late April to July. These months provide a combination of mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and relatively stable weather, making for a pleasant and enjoyable journey.

Why late spring to mid-summer is Ideal

Comfortable temperatures
- Late spring and early summer offer conditions that are warm enough to enjoy the walk without becoming overly hot. The weather is perfect for sustained activity, letting you focus on the stunning coastal views.
Low chance of extreme weather
- These months are less likely to experience weather extremes, such as heatwaves or storms. The conditions are more predictable, giving you peace of mind as you plan your stages.
Manageable rainfall
- While the South West Coast Path is known for occasional rain, late April through July tends to see drier conditions compared to other times of the year. This reduces the likelihood of prolonged rain or sudden heavy downpours disrupting your hike.
Longer days
- Daylight hours extend well into the evening during this period, allowing you to cover longer distances at a relaxed pace and take your time enjoying the landscapes.
Stunning natural beauty
- Late spring and early summer bring the trail to life with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery. The landscapes are at their most colorful and photogenic, making your hike even more memorable.

Late April and May: for cooler walks and blooming flowers

If you prefer cooler conditions and quieter trails, late April and May are an excellent choice. The weather is refreshing, and the trail bursts with vibrant flora, adding a touch of magic to your walk.

June and July: for long days and warm evenings

For those who enjoy warm weather and extended daylight, June and July are ideal. These months are perfect for relaxed, unhurried walks, and the welcoming warmth makes evenings particularly enjoyable.

Why not other times of year?

Outside this window, the trail is more likely to experience challenging weather, such as heavier rain or colder temperatures, and the shorter days can limit your hiking hours. While it’s possible to walk in autumn or winter, the conditions may not provide the same ease and enjoyment as late spring and summer.

By planning your hike for late April, May, June, or July, you’re setting yourself up for a memorable experience with the best that the South West Coast Path has to offer.

Of course, while these recommendations provide a solid starting point, everyone's preferences and circumstances are unique. Our search tool allows you to customize your journey to align with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the best possible experience on the trail.

Furthermore, if your plan differs from walking the standard stages from Minehead to South Haven Point, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.

How to find the best time of year to walk the South West Coast Path

Limit the Average Daily High to below 25°C/77°F.
This ensures you won’t be walking in overly hot weather.
Limit the Average Daily High to above 15°C/59°F.
Similarly, this ensures you won’t be walking in cold weather.
Limit the Historical Record Daily High to below 35°C/95°F. (Advanced filters)
This might sound similar to the first step – but instead of looking at averages, it filters out extreme temperatures that don’t happen every year. In other words, you’re excluding those parts of the year when there might be a heat wave.
Limit the Historical Record Daily High to above 5°C/41°F. (Advanced filters)
Like the previous step, this applies to extremes instead of averages – but this time you’re excluding cold snaps.
Limit the Historical Record Daily Precipitation to below 10mm/0.39in. (Advanced filters)
This step excludes those times of year which might have storms or intense showers.
Limit the Average Daily Precipitation as much as possible.
If the previous steps haven’t narrowed down the search to 20%, you can further limit the dates by finding the overall driest periods.

Feel free to use this guide as a starting point to find the time of year that best suits your personal needs and preferences. By tailoring the filters to your specific situation, you can discover the perfect time of year for your hike.

Below is our weather search tool, with the filters already set up according to this process.