If you're planning to visit Wales in the middle of summer then you might be wondering what this means in terms of weather and crowds at tourist attractions?
July is the middle of summer in Wales and brings the best weather. It's the warmest month with temperatures around 17℃ and also one of the driest. However, school holidays begin in July when tourists flock to hotspots so be prepared for more crowds and higher prices. Look out for a range of festivals and events in July including the Royal Welsh Show.
So, what precisely might you be doing in Wales in July? Let’s dive in and find out!
What Will the Weather Be Like?
July is right in the middle of summer in Wales and with it comes some of the best weather making it a peak time to visit Wales.
Average temperatures are typically around 17℃ which is the warmest month in Wales
You should check the weather forecast because in recent years there have been heatwaves across the UK during July. This happened in 2019, 2021, and 2022 with each heatwave lasting between 3 days and a week.
This is Wales after all and with unpredictable weather, there is still the possibility of rain. For example, shortly after the 2021 heatwave, there were several days of heavy rain - from one extreme to the other, so it's worth bringing a light rain jacket. Still, with an average of 13 rainy days (where rainfall is >1mm) putting it among the driest months
You can see a full month-by-month weather comparison in my guide of when to visit Wales.
What Should I Expect?
With some of the best weather, July is very busy in Wales. The school Summer holiday in the UK starts halfway through July, with private schools breaking up a little earlier. This means that many families and tourists from all parts of the UK head to the Welsh coastlines, trails, and holiday homes across to kickstart their Summer getaways.
If you’re thinking of heading to popular family spots like Tenby or the Llyn Peninsula, you might want to book early and plan your days to get the most out of this busier period. If you can visit earlier in July, this would help a little, but still expect it to be busy on weekends.
What to Pack
It's the warmest month, so of course, you're going to need the summer essentials and swimwear if you're heading to the coastline.
Despite it being Summer, you still need to pack layers and rain gear, especially if you’re heading up the mountains on the trails. The weather can change very quickly and you don’t want to be caught out in poor conditions.
A lightweight raincoat that you can throw in your bag and quick-drying clothing can be a game-changer. It does get warm on parts of the trails, especially in exposed areas, so hats and suncream are still essential.
See my full guide of what to pack for Wales to find a full packing list.
Best Things To Do in Wales in July
Get the most out of Summer in this beautiful country with all the best things to see and do in Wales in July. From fun in the sun to history and culture to interesting festivals, you’ll find a little something for everyone.
1. Visit the Blue Flag Beaches in Pembrokeshire
It’s no secret that Wales is home to some truly spectacular beaches. All the way around the West Coast, you can find unspoiled stretches of golden sands, rugged pebbles, or winding coastal trails.
However, if you head down to Pembrokeshire, you can find a whole host of Blue Flag-certified beaches, perfect for families to let off some steam. Summer also means that many beaches have lifeguards on duty, so you can have peace of mind while everyone is off having fun!
A personal favourite of mine is Freshwater West where you'll find a large sandy beach and also a shrine to Dobby the house elf from the Harry Potter movies which used the beach as a filming location..
2. Ride the waves at some of the UK's top surfing spots
As well as relaxing on the beaches, some of them are also great for surfing. In fact, Wales is home to some of the best surfing beaches in the UK. Keep in mind that most will require you to bring your own surfboard. If you are looking to hire one, consider Outer Reef Surf School in Pembrokeshire.
Most of the top surfing beaches in Wales are found around the coast of Pembrokeshire in the west and around the Llyn Peninsular in the North. Some top spots include Freshwater West, Newgale, Manobier, Whitesands, and Hell's Mouth (Llyn Peninsular)
Alternatively, there's a manmade surfing lagoon right in the heart of Snowdonia national park. Find it at Adventure Parc Snowdonia along with a spa, hotel, rock climbing, and more.
3. Check out Pembroke Castle
Looking to inject some history and culture into your trip to Wales in July? Head across to Pembroke Castle, a medieval fortress that has some very famous former residents. Namely, Pembroke Castle was the birthplace of King Henry VII, the first Tudor King and the only Welsh King of England to date!
During the Summer months, Pembroke Castle has a ton of great activities and events for kiddos to enjoy while they sneakily learn about UK history. From treasure hunts to dressed-up tour guides to gruesome ghost stories, there’s plenty to entertain everyone at Pembroke Castle.
4. Head to Puffin Island
[image-missing src="https://walesguidebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/puffin-3661346_edited.jpg"]
July marks the end of the key Puffin season in Wales - yes that is a thing - but it offers the best weather to witness these wonderful creatures. Puffin Island in North Wales, just off the Isle of Anglesey is a protected puffin sanctuary that’s completely uninhabited by humans.
While you can’t go on the island without permission from the landowners, there are plenty of boat tours from the charming town of Beaumaris where you can get up to the coastline and see the hundreds of birds congregating on the cliffs - it’s a sight to behold!
5. Spot dolphins in Cardigan Bay
If you’re in mid-Wales and want to check out the local wildlife, book a boat tour with ‘A bay to remember’. Operating out of the gorgeous Cardigan Bay, this boat tour takes you out on the water to spot dolphins, porpoises, seals, and more.
The experienced guides will happily point out the popular spots for sightings, tell you more about the creatures themselves, and ensure that everyone has a great time!
6. Avoid the crowds at The Glyderau
With the kiddos being out of school, Wales’s national parks get ridiculously busy. The trails up and around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) are jam-packed, as are the popular peaks in the Brecon Beacons.
Instead, head to the Glyderau range in South Snowdonia, home to Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach. They’re a lot quieter than other Snowdonia peaks, and offer stunning views across the national park. Although not the highest peaks in Wales with only five peaks over 914m, they’re challenging enough for day hikes or easily combinable for multi-day adventures.
7. Imagine you’re on the Italian coast at Portmeirion
Whilst we can’t all be on the Italian Coast in the glorious sunshine, North Wales has its own answer to the colourful Italian towns of the Riviera. Portmeirion, located a short drive from Caernarfon, was designed to emulate an Italian Village and was built between 1925 and 1975.
The sunny weather that July brings makes it the perfect time to wander the streets and gardens, and pinch yourself that you’re still in Wales and not in the Mediterranean! If you’re into film and TV, this is also where The Prisoner was filmed, so see if you can spot the different locations while you’re there!
Events in July in 2023
Llangollen Eisteddfod - 6th-9th July 2023
Love Trails Festival, Gower - 6th-9th July 2023
Published: 17 February 2023