Weather & Tide Times

Understanding local weather conditions and tide times is an important part of planning a visit to the English Riviera. With a varied coastline and a wide range of outdoor and water-based activities, having up-to-date information helps visitors make the most of their time in Torbay, Paignton, Brixham, and Torquay. This page provides guidance on seasonal weather patterns and tidal information to support safe, enjoyable experiences along the coast.

Torquay Brixham and Paignton Weather

The beaches around Brixham, Paignton and Torquay soon begin to fill up as the summer climate arrives and the tourism season begins. However, if you would prefer to miss the inevitable summer crowds and holiday in this part of Devon at a quieter time, then consider arriving in springtime. Both April and May often feature solid days and even weeks of blue sky and sunshine.

It is not difficult to see why the English Riviera enjoys some of the best weather in the country. Sheltered from the prevailing South Westerly winds by the tors of Dartmoor, the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham bask in a micro-climate that many other resorts can only dream about. Swaying palm trees and prickly cacti all thrive in the kind of sub-tropical conditions that first attracted sickly Victorians seeking health-giving tonics of sunshine and clean air.  Long, hot days in the summer months and mild temperatures in the winter consistently combine to make the area one of the most sought-after locations in Britain.

Tide Times for Beaches and Harbours 

Before planning your beach visit, its worth checking the tide times before you go. Many of our beaches at hightide only have a small amount of sand available - however this is great if you want to launch your kayak or paddleboard. For detailed information relating to Tides in Tor Bay please visit www.devon-tides.com/torquay  or timeschart.com.  We also have a booklet for sale in our English Riviera Visitor Information Centre.

Planning Coastal Activities Safely

If you are planning on taking out a Paddleboard, Kayak or event undertaking some Sea Swimming, its important to check the local weather and tidetimes before setting off. 

Check Tide Times: Always check local tide tables and plan your visit around them, ideally exploring as the tide goes out.

Check the Weather: Strong winds can make coastal paths dangerous, while storms can create large waves and unpredictable, powerful currents.

Where to find live Weather and Tide Updates

Beach Webcams

Check out some of our local webcams to see the weather before heading down to the beach or harbour. Or just watch the waves roll in. 

The specific weather forecast for the Torquay area can be found via the BBC weather website. Due to its setting on the south-westerly coast of England, the climate of Torbay is especially mild all through the year and as a result of this, palm trees have become a familiar sight around Torquay and Paignton. During Victorian times, Torbay’s sunny weather was considered a real tonic during colder periods in northern England, and this region soon became known as the English Riviera and is renowned as one of the UK’s best all year round seaside resorts.

Torbay reliably experiences some of the longest days and highest sunlight hours per day than anywhere else in England and the United Kingdom. The winter climate may be mild, but prone to periods of wet weather, while the summers are usually hot, with temperatures in July and August regularly topping 25°C / 77°F and on occasion, reaching more than 30°C / 86°F.