Signs of Spring Along the Pembrokeshire Coast

There’s something special about spring in Pembrokeshire. It doesn’t arrive all at once. Instead, it slips in quietly — between the last winter gales and the first busy bank holiday — bringing subtle changes that locals know to look for. Here are the tell-tale signs that spring is unfolding along our coast.

1. Earlier Sunrises Over the Sea

One of the first clues is the light. Morning dog walkers and early surfers start noticing that dawn creeps in a little earlier each day. Over in Tenby, the pastel skies begin to glow over the harbour before most of the town is awake. In St David's, the cliffs catch golden light that feels softer and warmer than winter’s steel-grey glare. The days stretch out. Evenings linger. And suddenly, it feels possible to sit outside again.

2. Calmer Seas (Between the Storms)

Winter brings drama — towering waves and roaring winds — especially around Newgale Beach. But by early spring, the sea begins to settle into gentler rhythms. You’ll spot: Paddleboarders cautiously returning Kayaks reappearing in sheltered coves Fishing boats heading out in calmer windows It’s not quite summer serenity — but the edge is softening.

3. Lambs in the Fields

Drive inland just a few miles and the countryside tells its own story. Newborn lambs dot the green hills around Fishguard and beyond. Their wobbly legs and playful leaps are one of the most joyful markers of the season. Hedgerows begin to bud, and the landscape shifts from muted winter browns to hopeful greens. Spring in Pembrokeshire isn’t just coastal — it’s woven through farm and field too.

4. Seabirds Return to the Cliffs

One of the most dramatic signs of spring is the noise. By March and April, the cliffs along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path come alive with seabirds returning to nest. Around Skomer Island, puffins begin to appear, drawing wildlife lovers from far and wide. Guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes reclaim their cliff ledges, and suddenly the coastline feels busy again — not with tourists, but with wings.

5. Coastal Wildflowers Begin to Bloom

Look closely along the clifftops and you’ll see the first colour pushing through. Primroses, thrift and early bluebells begin to brighten the edges of the path. Even the windswept headlands near Strumble Head soften with new growth. It’s subtle at first — but once you notice it, you see it everywhere.

6. Outdoor Tables Reappear

Cafés start wiping down outdoor tables “just in case.” Ice cream shutters creak open on sunnier weekends. Harbour benches fill with locals enjoying that first brave cup of coffee in the open air. There’s still a chill in the breeze — this is Pembrokeshire, after all — but the optimism is unmistakable.

7. That First Proper Warm Day

It happens every year. One day — often unexpectedly — the temperature climbs, coats are abandoned, and beaches that were empty just days before suddenly host picnics, sandy shoes and laughter. It might not last. But it’s enough to remind us of what’s coming.

A Season of Quiet Magic

Spring in Pembrokeshire isn’t loud or showy. It’s found in light shifts, returning wildlife, and small rituals — a longer walk, a harbour sunset, the sound of lambs in the distance. Before the summer crowds arrive, there’s a window of calm. A time when the coast belongs mostly to locals and those who know to look for the signs. And if you pause for a moment on a clifftop path, breathing in that fresh Atlantic air, you’ll know:

Spring has arrived.

About us

Based in South Pembrokeshire, Puffin Cottage Holidays are a family run business, with a wealth of knowledge on the area and the local attractions and have been successfully letting holiday accommodation for over 15 years.

We aim to provide our customers with excellent service before, during and after your holiday, making your break away from home as enjoyable, relaxing and hassle free as possible. We understand that you may lead a busy life which is why we make ourselves available out of hours and on weekends, so that we can help you find your perfect holiday at a time convenient to you and if there is anything we can do to make your holiday more special just let us know.

Remember we specialise in all sorts of properties whether you are looking for Sea Views, Pet Friendly, Character, Rural, Hot Tubs, Lodges, Apartments, Cottages, Pods and keep close to our website for the best late deals.

If you have a property you are looking to holiday let, please see our Property owners page and contact us for more details. Our current properties are predominantly based in Tenby, Saundersfoot, Penally and surrounding areas therefore access to Pembrokeshire’s award-winning beaches is never too far away!

Photo by Kumiko SHIMIZU on Unsplash Photo by Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash Photo by Elin Melaas on Unsplash