Wales, like much of the UK, has unpredictable weather. But that shouldn’t put you off visiting! You can still plan your trip to increase your chances of having warm, sunny weather. So, when is the best time to visit?
The best months to visit Wales for the weather are June, July, and August. You'll have the greatest chance of warm, sunny weather and the days are long, with sunsets as late as 9.30pm. However, July and August are the busiest months in Wales due to the school summer holidays.
If you want a balance between good weather and fewer crowds, I recommend visiting in the shoulder months which are April, May, June, and September. The weather will be slightly more unpredictable but it won’t be as busy and most attractions will still be open.
October to February are generally the poorest months to visit Wales as the weather will be at its worst and some accommodations and tours will be closed for Winter. However, you can still have a good time by choosing your activities wisely, particularly over the festive season.
Keep reading below for recommendations on what to do in each month.
Things To Know
Welsh weather is unpredictable - No matter what time of year you visit Wales, there's a chance of rain so packing a lightweight raincoat is a good idea, even during summer. That being said, the least chance of rain is between April and August.
School vacations are busy times - July and August are the busiest months of the year in Wales with school summer holidays and good weather. Other school holidays can also be busy, particularly Easter and summer half-term in May/June.
Many tours and accommodations close for the winter - Major tourist attractions will be open year-round, however, there are many tours, activities and accommodations that only open during peak season. These will typically open around Easter and close near Halloween.
Daylight hours are significantly different between the seasons - The number of daylight hours can range from just 8 hours in December to as many as 17 hours in June. Keep this in mind as more daylight means you can do more with your day.
Month-by-Month Summary
| Month | Temperature (℃) | No. of Rainy Days* | Daylight Hours | Wind Speed (kph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4℃ | 18 | 8.2 hrs | 21.7 kph |
| February | 4℃ | 16 | 9.9 hrs | 20.9 kph |
| March | 6℃ | 14 | 12 hrs | 20.1 kph |
| April | 8℃ | 9 | 14.1 hrs | 17.8 kph |
| May | 12℃ | 12 | 16 hrs | 16.9 kph |
| June | 14℃ | 12 | 16.9 hrs | 15.9 kph |
| July | 17℃ | 13 | 16.4 hrs | 15.8 kph |
| August | 16℃ | 15 | 14.7 hrs | 16.2 kph |
| September | 14℃ | 14 | 12.6 hrs | 17.4 kph |
| October | 10℃ | 15 | 10.5 hrs | 18.8 kph |
| November | 7℃ | 18 | 8.6 hrs | 19.4 kph |
| December | 5℃ | 21 | 7.6 hrs | 20.4 kph |
Month by Month Breakdown
January
January in Wales is one of the coldest, wettest, and darkest months with temperatures around 4℃ and an average of 18 rainy days. It's probably one of the worst months to visit Wales.
Although there are few crowds, many accommodations remain closed and lots of tours have stopped for the winter. However, if you head to large towns and cities, there are plenty of indoor activities and you can take advantage of off-peak pricing.
Some of the best things to do in January are:
Visit the Botanic Gardens - January is a great time to see the plants from South Africa blooming into life as well as winter flowers like jasmines and viburnums. The extra rainfall that the winter brings will also ensure the lakes are brimming and the waterfalls are flowing.
Celebrate St Dwynwen's Day - January 25th is the day we celebrate St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers in Wales. A bit like a Welsh Valentine's Day. You can visit Ynys Llanddwyn where St Dwynwen lived or celebrate anywhere in Wales by simply spending time with loved ones.
Go Stargazing - Wales has three International Dark Sky Places (IDSPs). The early sunsets and crisp winter skies are great for stargazing. The Quadrantids meteor shower is often visible in Wales around January.
See my full guide to visiting Wales in January for more things to do.
February
If you're visiting Wales in February, expect the frosty winter weather to still be present so be sure to bring a thick coat with you! Much like January, the outside temperature will be quite cold and there might be ice on the ground, although there should be fewer rainy days than in December and January.
But in the hearts of the people of Wales a great fire will be burning strong as they celebrate the start of the Six Nations Rugby Championship.
The Championship, which is held over a few weeks, sees Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy rugby-it-out to win the Championship Trophy, and hopefully, the Grand Slam and the Triple Crown titles.
February is usually a busy time of year, not with tourists, but with eager locals who travel around Wales to enjoy the rugby games. So, be prepared for more crowds than usual, particularly in the heart of Cardiff, Wales’s capital city, and where the Welsh team plays (and win!), if you plan a visit around this time.
Events in February:
- Croeso Swansea is a two-day event held in the Swansea city centre. The event celebrates all things Welsh, so be prepared to sample Welsh cuisine and to sing and dance to Welsh music!
- Bangor Music Festival is a contemporary music festival where you can immerse yourself in the instrumental talents of performers.
- Half term takes place in February. Check what dates this week-long holiday is because it’ll impact how busy attractions get.
Find out more about visiting Wales in February
March
By March, winter will have decided to leave Wales, and the first signs of spring will start to show. And with this temperatures will start to rise, although don’t expect hot weather, the average temperature for this month is around 6℃
So it’ll be comfortable enough for you to go out and explore the blooming landscapes of Wales.
March is a popular time to visit Wales because the kids are still in school, so attractions like museums, theme parks and beaches will be quiet. You’ll have ample time to mull over the stunning sights.
Events in March:
- Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant (or Saint David's Day) is when Wales celebrates its Patron Saint of Wales, Dewi Sant. On the First of March every year children and adults dress up in traditional Welsh costumes to celebrate this National Day.
- Crickhowell Walking Festival is a week-long walking event that takes place in Mid-Wales.
Find out more about visiting Wales in March
April
In April in Wales, spring has well and truly sprung. With an average temperature of 8℃, and days starting to feel longer, with on average 14.1 daylight hours - it’s a sure sign that summertime is heading for Wales
April’s longer nights mean you have more time to tour Wales. Or you could find a quaint pub that serves local brews, something like Gower Brew, and you can sit and watch the sun setting.
April is a good month to visit Wales if you are looking to avoid the queues and find affordable accommodation but don't mind wrapping up warm or spending the occasional rainy day indoors. However, be sure to avoid the Easter holidays because it can get busy as locals take their first staycations of the year.
Events in April:
- The International Harp Festival is held annually in Caernarfon. Visitors can relax and enjoy the performances of some world-renowned harpists at this two-day event.
- Wonderwool is a must-visit event if you love knitting, crocheting and spinning. Over 200 exhibitors show off their hard work at the Royal Welsh Showground - it’s basically heaven for crafters!
- Half term usually falls during this month. Check the dates before you start travelling.
Find out more about visiting Wales in April.
May
Wales is one of the best months to visit Wales with warm temperatures of 12℃ and dry weather but without the large numbers of tourists that descend on the country during summer. Nights are also longer, so expect to see on average 16 hours of daylight
Expect the countryside to be dotted with wildflowers, the sea to be bearable for surfing and kayaking, and several food and cultural festivals taking place.
Whether it be attending a festival, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Coastal Path or finding a quirky pub to have lunch in - the month of May is ideal.
Events in May:
- The Hay Festival is a week-long festival that is graced by book lovers, artists and performers from all over the world. Workshops and talks are held during the week, and visitors can explore the local area and its many eateries.
- FOCUS Wales is held every year in Wrexham. It’s an event that showcases the musical abilities of new and existing talent in Wales and globally.
- The Urdd Eisteddfod is a touring festival that celebrates the literary, musical and performing talents of Wales’ youth.
- Half term can run into May, so factor these dates in before you travel.
Find out more about visiting Wales in May.
June
June in Wales brings long days and some of the best weather conditions, with little wind and warm temperatures. However, even the summer months in Wales can be unpredictable so there may still be rainy days.
In June, the event calendar really ramps up including outdoor adventures and cultural events. Beat the summer holiday crowds by visiting earlier in the month if you can. This is the last time you’ll be able to go on a quieter, slower-paced holiday before term ends. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until September when schools reopen!
Travelling during June, and over the rest of the summer months, will be more expensive in comparison to other ‘off-peak’ months.
Events in June:
- Tafwyl is a nine-day event held in Cardiff centre that celebrates the Welsh language. It’s suitable for all the family, there’s plenty to see, do and to eat, and you don’t have to book in advance!
- The Unearthed Festival is a spiritual festival that focuses on finding peace and getting to know your inner self better. There’s lots to do including, attending workshops, listening to live performances and sampling the cuisine.
- The Slateman Triathlon is an event held in Llanberis. Competitors get to choose which distance they’d like to travel, and then they swim, ride and run the entire gruelling distance.
Find out more about visiting Wales in June.
July
July is one of the warmest months to visit Wales and the best for visiting if you want near-guaranteed good weather (but it's never a certainty in Wales). With temperatures around 17℃ on average, and long days, it's perfect for travelling and exploring the country
However, July is also the month when schools finish for the summer holidays, so from the middle of this month until the end of August, attractions, pubs, cafes, and transport are going to get a lot busier.
But if you don’t mind being in the heart of the hustle and bustle, you'll be spoilt for choice on what to do in July because the month is packed full of activities and events!
Events in July:
- The Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod has been running for over 70 years, and during this time its stage has welcomed over 300,000 musical performers. It’s a feel-good, musical event that’s fun for all ages.
- The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show is a major agricultural-based event held annually in Builth Wells. Competitors compete in various competitions over the four-day period, tradespeople are ready and waiting to sell you their goods, there are rows of food huts you can dine in, and you can sit and learn about the agricultural world.
- Cardiff Food and Drink Festival is a festival that needs to be sampled by food-lovers! Housed in Cardiff Bay, the festival welcomes stallholders from all over Wales and beyond, and gives them an opportunity to sell their mouth-watering produce to hungry visitors.
- The Gower Festival is a travelling event, where musicians perform in churches around the Gower Peninsula over a fortnight.
Find out more about visiting Wales in July.
August
August in Wales brings the best weather with some of the top temperatures and least chance of rain.
However, it’s also the summer holiday so it’s the busiest time in Wales with accommodation getting booked up and prices being higher than usual.
Although it’s the middle of summer, a rain-free trip is never guaranteed and there have even been storms in August over recent years. So pack a light rain jacket along with your beachwear.
Events in August:
- The National Eisteddfod of Wales is one of Wales’s biggest events! The ever-moving event celebrates all things Welsh, including artistic, creative and performing talents.
- The Pembrokeshire County Show is an annual event held in Pembrokeshire. You can watch the competitions, savour the cuisine, and even try your hand in workshops. It’s fun for all the family.
- Green Man is a week-long event that’s one of Wales' best festivals. There are musical performers, comedians, kid’s activity centres and fine dining to enjoy! As well as being a big music festival, it's suitable for all ages.
Find out more about visiting Wales in August.
September
September in Wales is the beginning of Autumn and would be considered shoulder season, but with temperatures still reasonably warm at 14℃ on average, and a low number of rainy days compared to other months, it’s a great time to visit.
Children have returned to school so there are fewer tourists at the big attractions and popular hikes are quiet. It’s also the month of food festivals.
September is a great time to walk around the Welsh coast, around the Gower or even up Snowdonia. The lower temperature and less crowded areas make these types of activities much more pleasant.
Events in September:
- Various produce makers descend on Caerphilly Castle yearly for The Big Cheese Festival. Here you can get your hands on locally made cheeses amongst many other Welsh delicacies.
- Join new walkers and seasoned walkers as they take a walk around the Gower during The Gower Walking Festival. Not only will you meet new people but you’ll be able to immerse yourself in nature.
- Porthcawl’s Elvis Festival goes out of its way on a yearly basis to celebrate all things Elvis. Visitors turn up in the King’s iconic costumes, performers belt out some of his iconic tunes, and people travel from around the world to be at the event.
Find out more about visiting Wales in September.
October
Llanrwst
October in Wales brings a downturn in the weather with dropping temperatures averaging 10℃ and increasing rainfall with 15 rainy days. This is the start of low season so expect fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
Although temperatures are low, it’s still not Winter so expect around half of the days to be fairly dry and suitable for getting outdoors for hiking and adventures.
During October, some tourist activities will finish by the end of the month such as boat rides, island excursions, and white water rafting. However, many others such as caving, ziplining, and go-karting remain open year-round. Be sure to check before booking your trip if there are specific tours you’d like to do and when they operate.
As the night’s draw in, it’s the ideal time to rent a cosy cottage with a log burner, so you can cwtch up during the night.
Events in October:
- Llais is a five-day live performance-based event held in the Wales Millennium Centre.
- The Aberystwyth Comedy Festival showcases the talents of comedians across various locations in Aberystwyth.
- Half term falls towards the end of October and goes into November. Check dates before you travel.
Find out more about visiting Wales in October.
November
November in Wales is cold with temperatures averaging around 7℃. Expect the days to get noticeably shorter and an increase in the number of rainy days, you may even experience storms and flooding.
With the weather getting worse, there are few crowds at tourist hotspots in Wales in November. Beaches, national parks, and coastlines are quieter and even the main hiking routes such as Snowdon become more bearable. At the beginning of the month, you can still enjoy the Autumnal colours across the country, but these are quickly replaced with bear trees as the month goes on.
As soon as Halloween is over on 31st October, everyone’s attention turns to Christmas festivities. On weekends, expect shopping centres and high streets to be especially as people flock to do their Christmas shopping.
Although crowds are low and prices are cheap, it’s not a great time to visit a country like Wales which is best experienced when the weather is favourable.
Events in November:
- Luminate Wales is a spectacular after-dark event. Thousands of lights are creatively placed around a specific location to create incredible illuminating patterns in the darkness. It’s magical!
Find out more about visiting Wales in November.
December
By December winter will be well underway in Wales, so the temperature will be about 5℃, there’ll be plenty of rain to manage, and there won’t be much daylight
But, as unappealing as this may sound, December in Wales isn’t that bad.
It’s actually incredibly charming, especially when all the shops are decorated, when the streets are lined with colourful lights, and the Christmas stalls are in full swing.
Events in December:
- Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair is set in Portmeirion itself, the Italian-style village in north Wales. Bakers and crafters alike line the streets to sell their goods during the event.
- Hundreds of Boxing Day Swims take place around Wales on the 26th of December. And this is when people dress up and run into the freezing cold sea!
Find out more about visiting Wales in December.
What is the Rainiest Month in Wales?
The rainiest month in Wales is December which has an average of 21 rainy days (where rainfall is greater than 1mm).
Surprisingly, April is the driest month in recent years with an average of 9 rainy days, however, it can be unpredictable and generally April to July have the fewest rainy days.
What is the Hottest Month in Wales?
The hottest month in Wales is July, the average temperature during this month is 17℃. However, it's not uncommon for temperatures to soar into the late 20s, even early 30s, during this month. But these extra hot days don’t happen too often.
In contrast, the coldest months in Wales are January and February, they have an average temperature of 4℃, but the temperature can plummet into minus degrees on extremely cold days.
Published: 14 July 2022 · Last updated: 28 January 2024