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Photo: Porthtowan beach - geograph.org.uk - 2217445 by Paul E Smith (CC BY-SA 2.0) License

Porthtowan Beach

Beach

Cool today
Editor's Notes
Porthtowan (Cornish: Porthtewyn, meaning landing place at the sand dunes) is a small village in Cornwall, England, UK, which is a popular summer tourist destination. Porthtowan is on Cornwall's north Atlantic coast about 3.5 km (2.2 mi) southwest of St Agnes, 6 km (3.7 mi) north of Redruth, 16 km (9.9 mi) west of Truro and 24 km (15 mi) southwest of Newquay in the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, a World Heritage Site. Porthtowan is popular with surfers and industrial archaeologists; former mine stacks and engine houses dot the landscape.

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Current water conditions

Water temp
66°F
19°C
Cool water — ease in carefully. Cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. Get in gradually, let your breathing settle, and keep an eye on weaker swimmers.

Live data from NOAA buoy 62107 (40.1 mi away), as of Aug 21, 5:00 AM UTC. Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly — always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories before swimming.

Weather at Porthtowan Beach

H: 62° L: 51°
Overcast
Overcast
54°
|
Feels like 51°
Precipitation
57%
Humidity
87%
Wind
6 mph
UV Index
0.1
Water Conditions:
🥶Too cold for most swimmers
12 AM
Patchy rain nearby
55°
3 AM
Clear
53°
6 AM
Partly Cloudy
53°
9 AM
Patchy rain nearby
60°
12 PM
Patchy rain nearby
61°
3 PM
Cloudy
61°
6 PM
Partly Cloudy
60°
9 PM
Clear
52°

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Porthtowan Beach?
Porthtowan Beach is a beach in Cornwall.
What is the water temperature at Porthtowan Beach?
As of August 21, 2026, the water temperature at Porthtowan Beach in Cornwall is 66°F (19°C), measured by NOAA buoy 62107, 40.1 miles away.
Can you swim at Porthtowan Beach?
There is no fixed answer for Porthtowan Beach: whether it is safe to swim there on a given day depends on the water temperature, recent rainfall, and any advisories posted at Porthtowan Beach in Cornwall. Check current water conditions before you go, and follow posted signs and local guidance.

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Been here? A quick note helps the next visitor plan their day. Handy things to mention:

Water temperatureCrowds & parkingBest time to goSafety & access

Best Times to Visit

🧥
Right Now
Cool weather - dress warmly
🏖️ Swimming Beaches Tips:
  • ›Arrive early for best parking and beach spot selection
  • ›Check for lifeguard schedules and swim only in designated areas
  • ›Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
  • ›Watch for beach flags indicating water conditions
Best Seasons:
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)🌸 Spring (Mar-May)

Location & Contact

Cornwall

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GuidesBest Times to Visit Beaches and Avoid the CrowdsSafetyWater Safety 101: Rip Currents, Cold Water, and Drowning PreventionFamilyFamily Beach Trip Planning: Ages, Gear, and Logistics