Aultbea in the Scottish Highlands is UK's rainiest seaside town, data shows

13 February 2024 , 15:52

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Six in 10 Brits feel a UK staycation isn't complete without a bit of rain (Image: SWNS)

Met Office data has revealed the UK's top 20 rainiest seaside towns – with Aultbea, in the Scottish Highlands, topping the list.

The tiny fishing village, which is home to a population of around 400 people, is plagued by rain for an average of 17 days each month, or a whopping 209 days a year – seeing a monthly average of 121mm of rainfall.

And it is not the only coastal Scottish location to make the list, as Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, and Lochboisdale in the Outer Hebrides, also see rainfall for 17 days each month – averaging 106mm a month, and 100mm a month, respectively.

Elsewhere in the UK, St Bees in Cumbria typically records a monthly 92mm of rainfall, over 14 days each month – and the Welsh capital, Cardiff, gets rained on for 13 days each month, with an average of 100mm.

The data emerged from analysis of Met Office figures from 1991 to 2020 – which also revealed that, despite the stats, seaside towns and cities are typically drier than the rest of the UK. The average monthly rainfall further inland is 97mm – compared to just 75mm on the coast.

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The findings were compiled by Skyes Holiday Cottages, and former BBC weather presenter, Owain Wyn Evans, after research of 2,000 adults found 72% don’t let typical wet British weather get in the way of a good staycation.

In fact, 61% don’t think it would be a British holiday if it didn’t rain – with sightseeing (53%), strolls along the pier (37%), and tucking into fish and chips (30%), among the activities they would do regardless.

Tenby, in Pembrokeshire, Wales, sees rainfall for a typical 13 days each month, averaging a monthly 95mm (Dave Spencer/Instagram)

Graham Donoghue, chief executive at Sykes Holiday Cottages, which has also created a Rainy Day Guide to Seaside Towns, with wet weather activity inspiration, said: “Rain is often part and parcel of a UK holiday, but our latest research shows that wet weather isn’t necessarily a dampener on people’s staycation experiences.

“With our new Rainy Day Guide, we want to help holiday-goers make the most of their trips closer to home – come rain or shine.

“Whether that’s visiting a museum, or spending the day in a local paint-a-pot or board game café, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a packed staycation itinerary even when it’s raining.”

Owain Wyn Evans, former BBC weather presenter, said: “I love that even in the rain, holidaymakers will still embrace a Great British staycation. Us Brits won’t let a bit of wet weather keep us indoors – and I’d argue some activities can even be better with a few rain drops.

“Despite my experience as a weather presenter, the exact detail on rain, especially showers, can be hard to predict – so hopefully this analysis will give Brits some idea of what to expect and plan for if they’re heading to a seaside location this year.”

The study also found 34% have “rainy day” plans in their back pocket for a UK break – with visiting a restaurant or café, a local pub, or museums among the most popular choices.

But seaside towns and cities actually get around 20mm less rainfall each month, compared to elsewhere in the country (SWNS)

And despite knowing there’s a strong chance of rain during a staycation, half of holidaymakers are happy to book a getaway anyway, because they want to explore more of the UK.

Meanwhile, four in 10 rate the convenience of a holiday closer to home, and 30% find it’s easier to plan a staycation than a holiday abroad.

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The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 63% pack with rainy days in mind, as 75% expect to experience drizzle during a UK winter break. But it’s all about making memories – as 19% who have experienced a rainy staycation said it gives you more to look back on.

Funny stories of getting caught in downpours (38%), spending more time getting familiar with the local pub or café (35%), and unwinding in their accommodation (34%), are among the more favourable recollections of such trips.

Graham Donoghue, from Sykes Holiday Cottages, added: “We’ve found that rain can create lots of opportunity to do things UK travellers may not have otherwise considered.

“You don’t need to shy away from the wet weather while on staycation – in fact, you may find you get to know your chosen location better than you would’ve in the sunshine, by spending more time with the local community in pubs, restaurants, and local eateries.”

TOP 20 WETTEST SEASIDE TOWNS IN THE UK:

1. Aultbea, Scottish Highlands – averaging 121mm a month, over 17 days each month
2. Tiree, Inner Hebrides – averaging 106mm a month, over 17 days each month
3. Lochboisdale, Outer Hebrides – averaging 100mm a month, over 17 days each month
4. Helensburgh, Argyll & Bute – averaging 137mm a month, over 16 days each month
5. Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland – averaging 81mm a month, over 15 days each month
6. Fair Isle, Shetland – averaging 77mm a month, over 15 days each month
7. St Bees, Cumbria – averaging 92mm a month, over 14 days each month
8. Cardiff, Wales – averaging 100mm a month, over 13 days each month
9. Tenby, Pembrokeshire – averaging 95mm a month, over 13 days each month
10. Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire – averaging 90mm a month, over 13 days each month
11. Killowen, County Down, Northern Ireland – averaging 88mm a month, over 13 days each month
12. Morecambe, Lancashire – averaging 88mm a month, over 13 days each month
13. St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan – averaging 87mm a month, over 13 days each month
14. Mumbles Head, Swansea – averaging 85mm a month, over 13 days each month
15. Helens Bay, County Down, Northern Ireland – averaging 81mm a month, over 13 days each month
16. Aberporth, Ceredigion – averaging 77mm a month, over 13 days each month
17. Bude, Cornwall – averaging 75mm a month, over 13 days each month
18. Slapton, Devon – averaging 93mm a month, over 12 days each month
19. Aberdaron, Gwynedd – averaging 76mm a month, over 12 days each month
20. Blackpool, Lancashire – averaging 73mm a month, over 12 days each month

Martin Winter