Bournemouth in Summer

Bournemouth in summer is the town doing what it was built for. One of Britain's sunniest microclimates, seven miles of golden sand and a full events diary add up to the classic British seaside holiday, done properly.

Peak beach season

Between June and August everything revolves around the beach. The sea is warm enough for a real swim, deckchairs and beach huts run along the promenade, and lifeguards watch over the busiest sections. On hot days get down early to claim a spot, particularly near the pier. Our guide to the beaches helps you choose the right stretch.

The Bournemouth Air Festival

For several days at the end of August the Air Festival, the town's biggest event of the year, fills the sky above Poole Bay with flying displays. It costs nothing to watch, and it brings enormous crowds to the seafront.

Fireworks and evenings out

Summer nights come with regular fireworks on the seafront, live music and a busy run of cafés and bars. The land train trundles the full length of the promenade, and there are bandstand concerts in the gardens.

Plan ahead

This is the busiest and most expensive season, so book early. Look at what's on for the full run of festivals and events, browse things to do for ideas, and reserve your stay through our accommodation listings before the best places go.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Bournemouth Air Festival?

The Air Festival, the biggest event of the Bournemouth summer, takes place over several days at the end of August. Entry is free, the flying displays fill the sky above Poole Bay, and the seafront is packed for the duration.

How long is Bournemouth beach?

Roughly seven miles of golden sand run along the Bournemouth coast, backed by a promenade of deckchairs and colourful beach huts. In summer, lifeguards cover the busiest sections, above all around the pier at the centre of the resort.

When is the best time for a summer beach holiday in Bournemouth?

The main beach season runs from June to August, when the weather is warmest and the events diary fullest. It is also when Bournemouth is most crowded and most expensive, so book accommodation early for the pick of the places.

Can you swim in the sea at Bournemouth in summer?

Yes. Between June and August the water is warm enough for a real swim, and lifeguards keep watch over the busiest stretches of sand. On a hot day it pays to get down early to find a spot, particularly close to the pier.

What is there to do in Bournemouth on summer evenings?

Evenings in summer mean regular fireworks on the seafront, live music and a lively run of cafés and bars. The land train covers the whole promenade and the seafront gardens stage bandstand concerts, so the resort stays busy long after dark.

How do you avoid the crowds in Bournemouth in summer?

Walk. Most of the crush sits within a few hundred metres of Bournemouth Pier. Twenty minutes along the promenade in either direction, west to Durley Chine and Alum Chine or east to Boscombe and Southbourne, gives you the same sand with far fewer people.

Is parking difficult in Bournemouth in summer?

Near the seafront, yes. Central car parks fill from mid-morning on hot days and are effectively full during the Air Festival. If your accommodation has a space, leave the car there and use the promenade and the buses.