So, you’re looking at the St Ives Cornwall weather forecast and seeing a bunch of grey icons. Honestly? Don't let them scare you off. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of watching the Atlantic batter this coastline, it’s that a "mostly cloudy" prediction in St Ives is basically just a suggestion, not a rule.
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, the town is sitting at a steady 47°F. It feels a bit nippier—around 41°F—thanks to a 11 mph breeze coming straight off the south. We’ve got a high of 48°F and a low of 46°F today. It’s that classic Cornish winter dampness, with humidity hanging heavy at 81%. You’ll probably see some light rain today (there's a 45% chance during the day), but it usually clears out to a "partly cloudy" vibe by tonight.
Why the St Ives Cornwall weather is a total liar
Microclimates are real, and St Ives has a weird one. You can be standing on Porthmeor Beach getting absolutely sand-blasted by a northerly gale while people over at Porthminster are tucked away eating ice cream in what feels like a tropical pocket.
The town is shaped like a cupped hand. Because of that, the "official" forecast often misses the nuance. Most weather apps pull data from Culdrose or Camborne. Culdrose is miles away and significantly higher or lower in elevation depending on where you stand in town. This gap between the sensor and the street is why the sun often pops out exactly when the Met Office says it should be pouring.
The light is the real secret
Artists didn't flock here for the 70-degree days. They came for the light. Even when the St Ives Cornwall weather looks grim on paper, the way the clouds break over the bay creates this crazy, high-contrast glow that you just don't get in London or even further up the coast in Newquay.
- Winter Swells: Today, the wind is coming from the south at 11 mph. For surfers, that's interesting because a southerly wind is "offshore" for Porthmeor. It grooms the waves.
- The Gulf Stream Effect: We’re basically the tropical annex of the UK. Frost is a rarity. You’ll see palm trees (well, Cordylines) in people's gardens while the rest of the country is scraping ice off their windscreens.
- Humidity: At 81%, everything stays damp. Your coat won't dry if you leave it in the car. Bring it inside.
What to actually wear today
Forget the big "polar" parkas. You’ll sweat through them the moment you hit the climb up towards the Island.
Layers are the only way to survive. A solid waterproof shell is non-negotiable because Cornish rain doesn't just fall; it moves sideways. Right now, with the "feels like" temp at 41°F, a thermal base and a decent fleece under a rain jacket is the sweet spot. If you’re heading to the harbor, remember that the granite piers soak up the cold.
The tide vs. the forecast
Most people check the rain but forget the tide. In St Ives, the tide is the weather. At high tide, the beach at the harbor disappears completely. If you’re planning a walk from the harbor to Bamaluz, check the tables at the RNLI Lifeboat Station.
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Storm watching is a local sport here. With the wind gusting up to 19 mph today, the waves at the Atlantic-facing side (Porthmeor) are going to be impressive. Just don't be that person standing on the pier when a "rogue wave" decides to say hello. The National Coastwatch (NCI) up on the Island keeps a literal eye on things, but they'd rather not have to call the lifeboat because you wanted a selfie with a swell.
Planning your move
If you're in town right now, take advantage of the "partly cloudy" shift tonight. The humidity is high, but the UV index is a flat 0, so no need for sunscreen. Honestly, the best move on a day like today is to find a pub with a fire—The Sloop or The Castle—and wait for the light rain to pass.
Next steps for your trip:
Check the Aspects Holidays or NCI St Ives webcams before you leave your accommodation. It’s the only way to see if the "mostly cloudy" forecast is actually a beautiful break in the weather. If the harbor looks dry, get down there before the 20% chance of evening rain kicks in.