Does It Snow In Cornwall?

“Does it Snow in Cornwall?” It is a popular question, particularly amongst those who are considering a visit to Cornwall for a winter break. The simple answer is yes, it does snow in Cornwall – but not very often!

The west of Cornwall, where most of the towns and villages are located, is one of the driest parts of the UK, with an average of just over 700mm (28 inches) of rainfall per year. 

This is because it lies in the rain shadow of Dartmoor to the northeast and Exmoor to the northwest, which blocks much of the wet weather that comes in from the Atlantic Ocean.

There are only a few days each year when the temperature falls low enough for snow to settle on the ground, and even then, it is usually only for a short time before melting away again.

So if you are hoping to build a snowman or go sledding whilst you are here, you might be disappointed!

However, there is still plenty to enjoy in Cornwall during winter. The days may be shorter and colder, but there is often a crispness in the air that makes being outdoors invigorating. And without the summer crowds, you can appreciate Cornwall’s natural beauty all to yourself.

Does It Snow In Cornwall?

Does it snow in Cornwall?
SW Coast Path, Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Although it is not common, snow does fall in Cornwall on occasion. The county is located in the southwest of England, and its climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream, which helps to moderate temperatures.

Cornwall generally sees more snow than other parts of England, but it is still not a particularly snowy place. In an average year, Cornwall will see around four days of snowfall. However, there have been some winters where snow has been more widespread and prolonged.

The most recent significant snowfall in Cornwall was in 2018 when up to 20cm fell in some parts of the county. This led to widespread disruption, with schools and roads closed and public transport canceled.

While snow is not common in Cornwall, it can happen from time to time. If you’re planning a trip to the county, it’s worth checking the forecast in case you need to pack some extra warm clothes!

When Does It Snow In Cornwall?

Precipitation in Cornwall is very moderate. Snowfall is quite common in winter – although it does not lie for very long. 

It snows about every other year, and when it does, it is often in February or early March. If you are planning a winter visit to Cornwall, it is advisable to check the weather forecast in advance, as snow can disrupt travel plans.

The Climate in Cornwall

Cornwall has a mild climate due in part to its southerly latitude and the influence of the Gulf Stream. 

The average temperature is 7.5 °C (45.5 °F) in January and 17.2 °C (63.0 °F) in July. Cornwall is one of the warmest regions in the United Kingdom and rarely sees temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F), even in the middle of winter. 

Snowfall is very rare at low elevations, although it occurs more commonly over upland areas such as Bodmin Moor, where it can lie for several weeks in some winters.

The weather in Cornwall is generally mild all year round. However, there are some variations depending on the time of year. For example, in winter it can be quite cold and wet, while in summer it is usually warm and sunny.

Cornwall also experiences a lot of rainfall throughout the year. This is because it is located on the west coast of England, where prevailing winds from the Atlantic Ocean bring moisture-laden air over the country. 

As a result, Cornwall gets more rain than many other parts of England.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy plenty of sunshine in Cornwall!

The county enjoys more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the UK, thanks to its location facing southwest towards the Atlantic Ocean. 

So even though it rains often, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy some sunny weather!

Snowfall in Cornwall

Although it’s not common, snow does fall in Cornwall on occasion. 

In general, snow is more likely to fall on higher ground, such as Bodmin Moor or Dartmoor. However, it can also occur at lower altitudes and even at sea level.

If you’re planning a trip to Cornwall and hoping to see some snow, the best time to visit is usually between December and February. 

However, there’s no guarantee that snow will fall during this period – or indeed at any time of year.

How To Enjoy The Snow In Cornwall?

Cornwall is a county in the southwest of England. It is known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque villages. But what about when the weather turns cold and snowy? Can you still enjoy Cornwall in winter?

Here are some tips on how to make the most of the snow in Cornwall:

  • Wrap up warm! The temperature can drop below freezing, so make sure you have plenty of layers to keep you snug.
  • Head to the hills. There are some great walks to be had in Cornwall, even in the snow. Make sure you pack some waterproofs, though, as Cornwall can be very wet even when it’s not snowing!
  • Visit a Christmas market. There are several large Christmas markets held in towns across Cornwall every year. They’re a great place to find unique gifts, and to enjoy some hot mulled wine or cider.
  • Have a snowball fight! This is a great way to get outside and have some fun, even if it’s just with your family or friends. Just make sure you build a snowman too – it’s not really wintering until you do!

The Best Places to See Snow in Cornwall

Cornwall is a county in the southwest of England, bordering Devon to the east, Somerset to the northeast, and Dorset to the north. 

The county is bordered to the south and west by the sea. Cornwall has a population of just over half a million people.

Despite its mild climate, there are some parts of Cornwall that do see snowfall every year. The best places to see snow in Cornwall are on Bodmin Moor or on higher ground such as Dartmoor or Bodmin Beacon.