One of the great things about Torbay is that it rewards a visit at any time of year. Thanks to its sheltered position and famously mild climate — the palm trees along the seafront are not just for decoration — the English Riviera has a longer, gentler season than much of the country. The best time to visit really depends on what you are looking for. This guide walks you through the seasons so you can choose the perfect time for your kind of holiday.
Spring (March to May): fresh, colourful and great value
Spring is a wonderful and often underrated time to visit Torbay. The gardens and clifftops burst into colour, the days lengthen, and the area’s mild climate means it warms up earlier than much of Britain. The beaches are quiet, attractions reopen for the season, and prices are generally lower than in the peak summer weeks. It is an ideal time for walking the coast path, visiting gardens like Greenway, and enjoying the towns without the crowds. Dogs are still welcome on Preston Sands until the end of April, making early spring perfect for a dog-friendly break. The Easter holidays bring a livelier family atmosphere while still feeling relaxed.
Summer (June to August): the classic seaside holiday
Summer is, of course, the classic time for a Torbay holiday, and for good reason. The sea is at its warmest, the beaches are at their best, and the bay hosts a full calendar of events — regattas, concerts, classic-car gatherings, powerboat racing, tall ships and spectacular firework displays, with the Red Arrows often appearing at the airshow. The watersports operators are in full swing, the beach huts are out, and the whole resort buzzes with holiday energy. This is the busiest and priciest time, so book well ahead, especially for the school summer holidays. Note that dogs are not permitted on the main beaches in high summer.
Autumn (September to November): mellow and beautiful
For many regular visitors, autumn is the secret best season on the English Riviera. September in particular often brings warm, settled weather, with the sea still holding the summer’s heat, the crowds thinning out and prices easing. The light turns golden, the coast path is glorious, and the towns feel relaxed and welcoming. From 1 October, dogs are once again allowed on Preston Sands, so autumn is a brilliant time for a dog-friendly holiday with long, bracing beach walks. It is a season made for walkers, couples and anyone who prefers their seaside without the summer bustle.
Winter (December to February): cosy, dramatic and peaceful
Torbay in winter has a charm all its own. The beaches are wild and empty, perfect for blustery walks followed by a hot drink; the towns are peaceful; and the mild south-coast climate keeps the worst of the winter chill at bay. It is a wonderful time for a cosy, restful break — coast-path walks in crisp air, dog walks on the open sands, and snug evenings in with a film. Christmas and New Year bring a festive sparkle to the resorts, and a winter escape to the seaside can be just the tonic in the darkest months. Self-catering comes into its own in winter, giving you a warm, comfortable home base with everything you need.
Choosing by what matters to you
If your priority is warm sea and a buzzing resort with events and watersports, summer is your season. If you want value, quieter beaches and beautiful walking weather, aim for late spring or September. If you are bringing the dog, choose October to April, when dogs are welcome on Preston Sands. And if you simply want peace, dramatic seascapes and a cosy bolthole, winter has a magic that the summer crowds never see.
Events through the year
Torbay’s calendar fills out through the warmer months with regattas, air displays, concerts and seasonal celebrations, many of which can be enjoyed for free from the seafront. The bay’s central position means that from Paignton you have a grandstand view of much of what happens out on the water. It is always worth checking what is on during your stay, as new events are added each year, but rest assured there is usually something to see whatever season you choose.
School holidays versus term time
If you have the flexibility, the timing of your visit can make a real difference to both cost and atmosphere. The school summer holidays and the half-term and Easter breaks are the liveliest times, with the most family-oriented buzz — but also the busiest beaches and the highest prices. Term-time weeks, particularly in late spring and September, are quieter and often better value, with the weather still kind and the attractions fully open. For couples, retirees and anyone without school-age children, these shoulder weeks are something of a sweet spot. Families tied to the holidays can still find quieter corners by visiting popular spots early in the day.
The Torbay climate
The English Riviera earned its name for good reason. Sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly weather by its east-facing position, Torbay enjoys one of the mildest, sunniest climates in the country — mild enough for palm trees and other tender plants to thrive along the seafronts and in the gardens. This gentle climate extends the season at both ends, making spring and autumn genuinely pleasant, and keeps winters relatively soft. It is one of the reasons the bay has been a favoured holiday destination for so long, and why a visit can be rewarding at almost any time of year.
Frequently asked questions
When is the warmest time to visit Torbay? July and August are warmest, with the sea at its warmest from July into September.
When is the best value time to visit? Late spring and September often combine good weather, quieter beaches and lower prices.
When can I take my dog on the beach? On Preston Sands, dogs are welcome from October to April, making autumn, winter and spring ideal for dog owners.
Is Torbay worth visiting in winter? Yes — for peaceful beaches, dramatic seascapes, dog walks and cosy self-catering escapes, with a mild south-coast climate.
Open all year at Cranmore Lodge
Because Cranmore Lodge is self-catering and welcomes guests throughout the year, you are free to choose the season that suits you best — a buzzing summer family holiday, a peaceful autumn walking break, a cosy winter escape or a fresh spring getaway. Whatever the time of year, you will have the beach on your doorstep, sea views over the bay, free parking and a comfortable base with a guest activities room for any weather. Take a look at the apartments and check availability for your chosen dates.
Stay at Cranmore Lodge, Paignton
Whenever you choose to visit, Cranmore Lodge is a wonderful base for a Torbay holiday. View our apartments or check availability and book online.
To enquire, call +44 (0)1803 556278 or email enquiries@cranmorelodge.co.uk. Cranmore Lodge Holiday Apartments, 45 Marine Drive, Paignton TQ3 2NS.