Flat Holm Island
Small Bristol Channel island with lighthouse and wildlife
Small island in the Bristol Channel with a lighthouse and military fortifications; visited for seabird colonies, coastal walks, and day trips from the mainland.
Flat Holm at a Glance#
Address: Flat Holm, Bristol Channel, Wales (managed as nature reserve)
Website: https://www.flat-holm.org.uk/
Admission: Small landing or tour fees for visitor services (varies)
How to Get to Flat Holm#
Day trips to Flat Holm depart from Cardiff and Barry when weather permits; private boat charters are also possible. Landings are arranged through island organisations-check the Flat Holm Project website for schedules and booking information.
Tips for Visiting Flat Holm#
- Book in advance for seasonal boat or helicopter trips from Cardiff or Barry; landing permissions are strictly managed.
- Bring layered clothing-exposure to sea spray and tidal wind is constant.
- Visit the lighthouse viewpoint at low tide for the best chance of seeing grey seals hauled out on the rocks.
Best Time to Visit Flat Holm#
Best visited May-September when boat trips and volunteer-run days are most frequent.
Weather & Climate near Flat Holm#
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1047 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 105 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 79 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 4° | 89 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 68 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 69 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 11° - 18° | 14° | 69 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 62 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 87 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 14.4h |
| September | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 99 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 12° | 105 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Acceptable | 7° - 12° | 7° | 111 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Acceptable | 6° - 10° | 5° | 104 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
