Ramsey Island
Island Wildlife-rich island off Wales' Pembrokeshire coast
An offshore island off western Wales popular for seabird colonies and marine life; day-trippers take boat trips for seal and birdwatching and walk coastal paths.
Ramsey Island (Ynys Dewi) is a small island nature area off the Pembrokeshire coast of southwest Wales, noted for its coastal wildlife and steep cliffs.
The island has a long history of seasonal use and small-scale habitation and has been managed for conservation in recent decades to protect its wildlife and habitats. Traditional farming on the island declined in the 20th century as conservation became the primary focus.
Ramsey lies off the coast near the city of St Davids in Pembrokeshire, separated from the mainland by Ramsey Sound and visible from the St Davids headland.
- Wildlife and access: The island is known for seabird colonies and grey seals; boat trips from St Davids are the usual access and trips can be weather dependent.
How to Get to Ramsey Island #
Ramsey Island is accessed by boat from St Justinian (the small harbour near St David’s, Pembrokeshire). Drive to St Davids (follow the A487 to the peninsula) and continue the short local road to St Justinian car park; local boat operators run wildlife and transfer crossings to Ramsey Island - the crossing is brief (roughly 10-20 minutes) and is subject to tidal/weather conditions. Landings and shore access are managed locally so check operator schedules and any guided-tour requirements before travelling.
Tips for Visiting Ramsey Island #
- Book a landing or wildlife-boat trip in advance through a licensed operator in St David's - Ramsey Island is an RSPB nature reserve with controlled access and limited daily landings.
- Plan your visit for late spring/early summer if you want the best seabird and seal activity; that period offers the highest likelihood of puffins, gannets and breeding seals around the cliffs.
- Follow RSPB guidance about landing points and routes ashore - sticking to approved landing sites and paths reduces disturbance to nesting birds and helps you see the island's wildlife more reliably.
Best Time to Visit Ramsey Island #
Best visited in late spring and early summer (May-July) for seabirds and reliable boat access; winters are windy with fewer services.
Weather & Climate near Ramsey Island #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (915 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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