Crowds flocked to Weymouth beach over the weekend to soak up the autumn sunshine.

On Saturday, temperatures reached around 19 degrees and locals and tourists alike swarmed to the seaside to enjoy the October sun.

Plenty of beachgoers embraced a dip in the sea including Alice P who was visiting with her family.

Dorset Echo: Alice P (centre) was visiting Weymouth beach with her family and friendsAlice P (centre) was visiting Weymouth beach with her family and friends (Image: NQ)

She said: “We are going on the beach, and I have been playing with my friends, it’s been good.

“We have also been getting seashells and we went in the sea, it was cold.”

Sarah, Ross and Ruby Coombs were also visiting from Yeovil for birthday celebrations.

Dorset Echo: Ruby Coombs headed down from Yeovil with her familyRuby Coombs headed down from Yeovil with her family (Image: NQ)

Sarah said: “It doesn’t matter what time of year we come, it’s always lovely.

“We like it down here, it’s lovely. It’s a beautiful day and lovely weather.”

The warm weather also had a positive impact on local businesses as it encouraged an influx of trade.

Alan Collins, owner of Headley’s on the Esplanade said: “It has been a brilliant day, ice cream sales have been up - I’m really happy today, it’s been a good day.”

Mr Collins can often be seen sat outside the store playing the trumpet or guitar.

Dorset Echo: Alan Collins, owner of Headley'sAlan Collins, owner of Headley's (Image: NQ)

He added: “We don’t expect this sort of weather in October, and I hope long may it continue. It has been Weymouth at its best.

“We need this sort of weather during peak season when the children are off school and everyone is on holiday.”

Dorset Echo: There was still plenty of people on the beach at 5pmThere was still plenty of people on the beach at 5pm (Image: NQ)

Vikki Waring had come down from Gloucestershire to visit the Dorset coast with her mother and two children.

She said: “I have never been to Weymouth before. It’s a lovely, a beautiful beach. We also went to Lulworth this morning.”

Temperatures are expected to remain in the high teens with showers or longer spells of rain expected on Wednesday, then turning a little drier by Thursday.

The unseasonably warm weather is set to turn much cooler by the end of the week.

Dorset Echo: Mr WhippyMr Whippy (Image: NQ)

According to the Met Office, the average maximum temperature for the month of October is 15.49 degrees, whilst the average minimum temperature is around 10.42 degrees.

Plenty of visitors also descended on the seaside town to enjoy the annual pirate festival.