You’ve probably seen the postcards. Palm trees in St Ives, turquoise water at Porthcurno, and that weirdly Mediterranean vibe that makes people think West Cornwall is basically the South of France with better pasties. But if you’re actually looking at the weather forecast West Cornwall is throwing at us this week, you know the reality is a lot more chaotic.
Honestly, the weather here doesn't care about your holiday plans.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, things are looking pretty intense. We aren't seeing those mild, drizzly Atlantic days today. Instead, Cornwall is currently sitting at a biting 26°F. With the wind coming off the south at 5 mph, the "feels like" temperature is a shivering 19°F. And yeah, you read that right—it’s actually snowing. Not that "blink and you miss it" slush, but a legitimate light snow with a heavy snow storm forecast for the rest of the day.
The Microclimate Myth
People talk about the Gulf Stream like it’s a magical heated blanket. While it’s true that places like the Roseland Peninsula or the sheltered gardens of Trebah can stay frost-free most years, West Cornwall is effectively a finger of rock sticking out into the North Atlantic. It gets hit from three sides.
Today’s heavy snow storm is a perfect example of how the "mild" tag can be misleading. We’ve got an 85% chance of precipitation today, and with a high of only 32°F, that’s staying as snow. Most locals will tell you that snow in West Cornwall feels different than snow in, say, the Peak District. It’s wetter, saltier, and usually accompanied by a wind that finds every gap in your "waterproof" jacket.
Why the Forecast Always Feels "Wrong"
Ever noticed how the BBC or Met Office app says it’s sunny while you’re standing in a localized monsoon in Zennor?
That’s because West Cornwall is a king of microclimates. You can have a "sea fret" (that thick, haunting coastal fog) in Penzance while St Ives, just a few miles across the narrowest part of the peninsula, is basking in clear light. The granite high ground of West Penwith acts like a giant ramp, forcing moist air upward where it cools and dumps rain—or today, snow—on the inland moors while the coast stays clear.
Actually, if you’re planning the next few days, here is the raw data you need to know:
- Sunday, Jan 18: Still snowy. High of 31°F, low of 13°F. If you’re out, watch for that northwest wind—it's going to be sharp.
- Monday, Jan 19: The snow tapers off into a cloudy, grey blanket. Highs stay low at 27°F.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: This is the one to watch. It’s going to be "mostly sunny," which sounds great until you see the temp. We are looking at a high of 18°F and a low of 5°F. That is properly cold for this part of the world.
The Atlantic Influence
Basically, everything here is dictated by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). When the pressure difference between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High shifts, our weather does a 180. Usually, a positive NAO means we get pummeled by wet, mild westerly winds. But right now, we’re caught in a pattern that’s letting that cold, continental air or northern arctic air slide right down the coast.
It’s rare, but when it happens, the contrast is wild. You’ll see those famous agave plants and palm trees looking very confused under a layer of white frost.
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Survival Tips for a Cornish Winter
If you’re visiting or just moved down, don’t trust a "sunny" icon.
- Layers are everything. A single thick coat is a mistake. You want a base layer for the cold, a fleece for the insulation, and a high-quality shell because the wind will cut through wool like it’s not even there.
- Check the shipping forecast. Seriously. If you want to know what’s actually hitting the coast, look at the "Lundy" and "Fastnet" areas. It gives you a much better heads-up than a standard city forecast.
- Respect the sea. In weather like this—especially with the northwest winds coming tomorrow—the swell at places like Sennen or Porthleven becomes a monster. Stay off the sea walls. People get swept off more often than you’d think because they wanted a "cool photo" of a 30-foot wave.
What’s Next?
Looking toward the end of next week, the deep freeze starts to ease slightly, but we’re staying in the 30s. Thursday might see a bit of a "warm" spike to 34°F, but don’t go breaking out the flip-flops just yet.
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If you’re trying to navigate the weather forecast West Cornwall is serving up, keep an eye on the wind direction. South and West winds bring the moisture and the "mild" (but damp) air; anything with "North" or "East" in the name means you should probably put another log on the fire and stay inside.
To stay ahead of the conditions, download a specialized maritime weather app like Windguru or Magicseaweed (now part of Surfline). They provide much more granular data on wind gusts and wave heights than your standard phone app, which is essential if you're anywhere near the coast this week.