Paignton weather and planning
Paignton weather is part of planning a day on the coast, whether you intend to walk by the pier, visit a beach or take a trip on the water. Conditions on a particular day matter more than a monthly average. Check the local forecast before leaving and keep an alternative ready for wind or rain.
The figures below come from Plymouth Mountbatten, a comparison station in Devon. They are not measurements taken in Paignton, a forecast for your trip or a description of conditions on higher Dartmoor. For a seasonal comparison of activities rather than temperatures, see the best time to visit guide.
Monthly climate: Plymouth Mountbatten
The table uses Met Office averages for 1991 to 2020. The maximum and minimum columns are monthly averages of daily temperatures, and rainfall is the mean monthly total. These historical values describe the comparison station, so use them to understand broad seasonal patterns rather than to predict a particular day.
July and August have the highest average daily maxima in this series, while May has the lowest average rainfall total. That does not promise dry weather or comfortable swimming. A day can differ substantially from the average; the forecast and local notices are more useful when deciding what to do today.
| Month | Mean daily maximum °C | Mean daily minimum °C | Mean rainfall mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.01 | 4.18 | 109.57 |
| February | 9.23 | 3.87 | 87.69 |
| March | 10.90 | 4.88 | 76.15 |
| April | 13.24 | 6.32 | 68.52 |
| May | 15.97 | 8.78 | 60.09 |
| June | 18.41 | 11.36 | 64.43 |
| July | 20.24 | 13.24 | 63.54 |
| August | 20.31 | 13.37 | 80.28 |
| September | 18.45 | 11.66 | 72.27 |
| October | 15.10 | 9.49 | 112.10 |
| November | 11.90 | 6.65 | 117.80 |
| December | 9.65 | 4.75 | 125.24 |
Bring layers for changes across the day and a waterproof layer for outdoor plans. If you are deciding where to walk, the beach guide compares the shore around Paignton, Goodrington, Preston and Broadsands.
Our take: a coastal boat trip
For time on the water, this Torquay trip provides a lifejacket.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Wind, tides and boat conditions
A calm looking surface can conceal difficult conditions. Offshore wind can carry swimmers and water users away from the shore. The harbour authority advises swimmers to stay near shore, swim with another person or tell someone their expected return time, and pay attention to tides.
Avoid swimming near harbour entrances and in the waterski lanes at Livermead and Elberry. Check current local information before going into the water. The beaches are not supervised by lifeguards, so take responsibility for choosing a suitable place and conditions.
Boat trips and a change of plan
A coastal RIB trip from Torquay is one way to see the bay from the water. The Coastal RIB Seafari provides a lifejacket for the trip. Check the meeting details and the operator's current instructions, and allow for weather to affect a sea outing. A scheduled trip should not be treated as a promise of conditions on the day.
On the boat trips page you can compare regional options and their starting points. Leave enough space in your itinerary to move an outdoor plan if necessary, and choose an indoor alternative for a particularly wet or windy period.
Beyond the coast: Dartmoor
Dartmoor is a separate environment from the coast. The Plymouth station table is not a Dartmoor climate series and should not be used to infer conditions on the moor. Check the forecast for your intended area and consider visibility, wind and the route before setting out.
Check military firing information as well. Red flags or lamps mark areas that must not be entered. Take suitable layers and footwear, and adjust the walk to the conditions and the people in your group. Our Dartmoor guide introduces the regional walking options.
Making a flexible itinerary
Put a sheltered attraction alongside an outdoor activity rather than relying on the same conditions all day. Torquay has indoor places to visit, while the coast gives you a choice of short walks and longer outings. Check opening times separately from the forecast.
Transport has its own seasonal limits. The steam railway operates on selected winter days, and the 2026 Round Robin season has ended. Check the actual timetable and onward connections before choosing a date. The transport guide can help with the journey to the area.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a Paignton weather forecast?
No. The table contains historical averages for Plymouth Mountbatten. Check a current local forecast for your date.
Which months were warmest in the table?
July and August had the highest mean daily maxima at the comparison station in 1991 to 2020.
Can wind affect a boat trip?
Yes. Check the operator’s instructions and the current forecast, and keep an alternative in your plans.