Skomer Island
Protected Welsh island famed for puffin colonies
Skomer Island off Pembrokeshire is known for dense seabird colonies-puffins and guillemots-and seasonal boat trips, narrow walking paths and opportunities to see grey seals ashore.
Skomer at a Glance#
Address: Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wildlife/skomer-island
Admission: Boat landing fees or guided tour costs vary; day-trip operators from St. David’s/Marloes offer variable pricing
About Skomer#
Skomer is a small offshore island off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales, noted for its large seabird colonies and coastal wildlife. It lies close to the mainland of southwest Wales and is a recognized nature reserve.
The island is most notable for dense populations of seabirds, especially Atlantic puffins and Manx shearwaters, which nest in burrows and on cliff ledges. Walks follow maintained paths that keep visitors away from nesting areas and viewing is concentrated on seasonally open trails.
Historically used for grazing and small-scale farming, the island was later managed for wildlife conservation and scientific study. Land use shifted from agriculture toward protected-status conservation to prioritise seabird colonies and maritime habitats.
Skomer sits off the Pembrokeshire coast near the headland of St David’s, reached by boat from nearby mainland launching points such as Martin’s Haven. The island is part of the coastal archipelago in southwest Wales and lies within sight of the Pembrokeshire coastline.
- Access: Day trips run from the mainland at Martin’s Haven; visitor numbers are limited and bookings are required in peak season.
- Best time to visit: Breeding seabirds are most visible in spring and early summer, with puffins present on the cliffs during the breeding season.
How to Get to Skomer#
Boat departures to Skomer run from Martin’s Haven or St. David’s (depending on operator). Boats are seasonal and weather-dependent; book with licensed operators in advance. Landing fees and National Trust entry rules apply.
Tips for Visiting Skomer#
- Book wildlife cruises in advance during the spring and summer bird-breeding seasons.
- Respect walking trails and cliff-edge signs - puffin and seabird colonies are fragile.
- Bring waterproof outer layers; Atlantic weather changes quickly and sea spray is common.
Best Time to Visit Skomer#
Best visited Apr-Aug for puffins and seabird colonies; book boat trips early.
Weather & Climate near Skomer#
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (919 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 5° - 9° | 2° | 98 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 73 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 9° | 3° | 70 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 6° - 11° | 5° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 5.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Good | 8° - 14° | 11° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 5.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.4h |
| June | Very Good | 11° - 16° | 13° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 5.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 13° - 18° | 15° | 52 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.0 m/s | 1.5 high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 13° - 18° | 15° | 75 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.4h |
| September | Good | 12° - 16° | 14° | 75 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 102 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 111 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 6° - 10° | 4° | 102 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
