August is right in the middle of the British summer and its peak tourist time across much of Europe. So, what's it like to visit Wales at this time?
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, Welsh weather is unpredictable so pack a light rain jacket along with your beachwear.
So, what exciting excursions and events can you look forward to on your August trip to Wales? Let’s dive in and find out more!
What Will the Weather Be Like?
August is one of the warmest months of the year in Wales with average temperatures around 16℃
With it still being summer, there are almost 15 hours of daylight with the sun not setting until at least 9pm most days, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the great Welsh outdoors and relax in the evenings with a summer BBQ or beer garden.
However, Welsh weather can never truly be predicted far in advance. You can usually get a more accurate idea of the weather forecast about a week ahead which isn't ideal if you book trips months ahead.
August is one of the driest months, but this is Wales, so there is still a chance of rain. There are an average of 15 rainy days in August (where rainfall is above 1mm)
This doesn't mean it will rain for the whole day but be prepared for showers by packing a light rain jacket and checking the weather forecast. I have put together a full guide of what to pack for Wales each season which might be helpful.
Just a side note, over recent years, there has been a trend for extreme weather to hit the UK during summer which can last anywhere between a few days and a week. For example, in August 2022 there was an amber extreme heat weather warning across much of Wales whilst in late August 2020, Storm Ellen bought wind speeds as high as 79mph
You will hear about these in the news and in weather forecasts which will allow you to prepare and take precautions.
Below is a selection of photos that were all taken during August to give you an idea of the different types of weather you could encounter.
See my full guide on when to visit Wales for a month-by-month comparison of the weather.
What Should I Expect?
August is smack bang in the middle of the school Summer holidays, so it's the busiest time to visit Wales.
Crowds will be present all across Wales, from the coastal areas to the national parks, and big cities. Many people rent out chalets or holiday homes so they can get booked up way in advance for August dates, you're going to want to book well ahead if you have a specific place in mind.
Also, the prices of accommodation are generally higher during the summer months. It's a good time to consider camping or glamping as your chances of good weather are higher than in the rest of the year.
The biggest benefit of travelling during this period is that all of the tourist attractions will be open.
What's On in Wales in August 2023?
Here is a curated list of my favourite events in August this year:
The Green Gathering - A 4-day Earth-friendly music and poetry festival in Chepstoe with solar-powered stages (3rd-6th Aug).
National Eisteddfod of Wales - A celebration of culture and language (5-12th Aug).
Brecon Jazz Festival - Popular and up-and-coming jazz musicians perform at venues across the market town of Brecon (11-13th Aug).
The Pembrokeshire County Show - Pembrokeshire's biggest agricultural show with competitions, shows, play areas, food stalls, and more (16-17th Aug)
Dinosaurs in the Park, Cardiff - A family-friendly attraction with life-size dinosaurs hidden around Bute Park (17th Aug - 3rd Sept).
Green Man Festival - Mid-Wales biggest festival near Crickhowell with music, science, and arts (17-20th Aug).
Race the Train, Tywyn - Participants race against the trains along the Talyllyn Railway whilst spectators watch from onboard (19th Aug).
Open Air Cinema - Enjoy open-air films at iconic venues. In August, they will be at Margam Country Park (18-20th Aug)
Gŵyl Machynlleth Festival - A music festival with a focus on classical, world, folk, and Welsh music (20-26th Aug)
World Bogsnorkelling Championship - One of Wales' most unusual things to do where competitors snorkel through a literal bog (August Bank Holiday Weekend)
Best Things To Do in Wales in August
So, what are the best things to see and do in Wales in August? There’s a whole host of cool events, sights, and attractions to check out!
1. Visit the Blue Flag beaches across West Wales
There is no shortage of stunning beaches along Wales’s length coastline, many of which have earned the Blue Flag Award which recognises their cleanliness, safety, and sustainability. You can find a full up-to-date list over on the Blue Flag website.
Many of Wales' top beaches are also patrolled by RNLI lifeguards throughout August and the rest of peak visitor season for everyone’s piece of mind. Some of my favourite beaches to visit are Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire, Llanddwyn Beach in Anglesey, and Barmouth in Mid-Wales.
2. Hit the Aqua Park at Cardiff Bay
For the past few years, Cardiff Bay has hosted a giant inflatable water park throughout the summer months called the Cardiff Aqua Park. Expect water slides, jump bags, climbing, racing, and more.
The Aqua Park is in Cardiff Bay from 9th June to 15th September so you have all summer to enjoy it. Advance booking is required.
3. Explore the Bustling Town of Aberystwyth
[image-missing src="https://walesguidebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Aberystwyth-Promenade-1.jpg"]
Located along the coastlines of Mid-Wales, you'll find the university town of Aberystwyth. During term times, it's a haven for students who dominate the population, however, during summer, it's a great seaside town to visit in Mid-Wales.
There are lots of cultural attractions to explore in the town itself, such as the National Library of Wales and the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, which hosts a variety of live performances and events. I can also recommend heading over to Bwlch Nant-yr-Araian, a forest with walking and mountain biking trails.
There are two beaches in the town, but these are nothing to shout home about. Instead, if the August weather is promising, the beaches of Tan-Y-Bwlch, Ynyslas, and Borth are all just a stone’s throw away.
4. Spot Dolphins in Cardigan Bay
If you’re looking to meet majestic creatures of the sea, head to Cardigan Bay and join a tour run by the guys at A bay to remember.
The above photo was taken on my own trip with them last year so you can see just how close to the boa they came. You'll depart the stunning coastline from Cardigan and journey out into the open water where knowledgeable guides will help you spot dolphins, porpoises seals, and more.
It’s an unforgettable day trip out and the Summer months offer the best opportunities to see these animals in their natural habitat.
5. Enjoy a Welsh festival
[image-missing src="https://walesguidebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Best-Festivals-in-Wales-1024x512.jpg"]
With the improved weather and school holidays, the event calendar gets jam-packed full of amazing festivals in Wales, From music festivals to Welsh culture festivals to literary events to wellness retreats,
I shared a full list of events happening in Wales this month earlier in this article.
6. Climber Quieter Peaks at The Moelwynion
[image-missing src="https://walesguidebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Moelwynion.jpg"]
One of the best things to do in Wales is to go hiking. However, the best-known peaks in the National Parks get super busy during August to the point where you’re queuing for the top of the mountain. It’s not ideal.
Instead, head out towards Porthmadog in south Snowdonia and check out the Moelwynion mountain range. Home to the Welsh Matterhorn, Cnicht, this group of mountains has some spectacular routes that have views out across the coastline as well as inland towards Wales’s largest peaks. All that and you avoid the bulk of the August crowds.
Published: 20 February 2023 · Last updated: 27 July 2023