November marks the month when Wales moves from Autumn to Winter. With low season well and truly underway, what's it like in Wales in November?
What's the Weather Like in November?
November marks the official start of Winter in Wales, so as you'd expect, the weather is not good.
With average temperatures sitting low at an average of 7℃ in November
You'll also need to account for the wet weather with an average of 18 rainy days across the month (where rainfall is greater than 1mm)
Plus, the days are noticeably shorter with just 8.6 hours of daylight on average so expect to do less daytime activities and plan for spending more evenings indoors.
There's also a chance of extreme weather. In 2021, Storm Arwen bought severe winds to Wales, even destroying some rare old trees at Bodnant Gardens
So, as far as the weather goes, November is not a great month to visit Wales. The best time to visit Wales for the weather is between June and August, whilst the shoulder months of April, May, and September are also okay.
What Should I Expect?
At the beginning of the month, you can still enjoy the Autumn colours across the country, but these are quickly replaced with bear trees as the month goes on.
The positive side to the worsening weather is that 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 Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), become more bearable. However, expect low visibility at the summit and maybe even snow.
Keep in mind that some tourist activities such as guided tours, boat trips and watersports, as well as campsites may have closed for the season during October after the school half term.
It's not all doom and gloom. As soon as Halloween is over, everyone's attention turns to Christmas festivities which is one of the highlights of visiting in November. Shopping centres and high streets will start to be transformed with lights and decorations. Check below for a list of Christmas markets happening too.
Best Things To Do in Wales in November
From exciting events to great indoor attractions to braving the elements to appreciate the positives of Winter in Wales, there are a lot of amazing things to do in Wales in November.
1. See the fireworks display at Conwy Castle
Remember remember the fifth of November! Bonfire night celebrations are a big thing across Wales, but if you want a great display, head to the North Welsh town of Conwy.
You can visit the legendary Conwy Castle, check out the town’s mead shop, and wander around Conwy’s independent stores before the firework display goes off over the top of the bay, illuminating the town, with the castle being the perfect vantage point!
2. Embark on a waterfall trail in Waterfall Country
One of my favourite places to visit in Wales is the area of the Brecon Beacons National Park known as Waterfall Country.
This is where you’ll find a large number of waterfalls due to several rivers running through the gorges of the national park. With the increasing rainfall that November brings, the waterfalls become even more impressive.
There are up to six waterfall trails to take, from moderate to more challenging routes. My favourite is the Elidir Trail but the most popular one is the family-friendly Four Falls Trail.
Of course, November is colder and wetter than the summer months so you'll need to wrap up warm and try to find a dry day, Although the trails are well-trodden, they are muddier during the Winter so hiking shoes are a good idea.
3. Visit Cardiff for rugby and festivities
Cardiff is one of the best places to visit in November since you have the start of Christmas festivities along with the buzz across the city as Wales takes part in the Autumn Rugby Internationals, some of which are held in the city itself.
Opening mid-November and running throughout the festive season, Winter Wonderland Cardiff is a huge Winter experience that takes place at Cardiff Civic Centre and Cardiff Castle. Complete with a funfair, ice rink, ice bar, and much, much more it’s a family favourite.
There's also the start of the Christmas markets, with huts lining the main shopping streets where traders can sell crafts and clothing that make perfect gifts. The city is filled with decorations, including the cute Victorian shopping arcades which are magically lit up.
Aside from the festivities, Cardiff is well equipped for rainy days with lots of indoor attractions including several museums, shopping centres, and many cool bars and restaurants.
4. Go stargazing in the national parks
November is actually an amazing time to experience the dark sky areas around Wales, particularly in Eryri (Snowdonia) and Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) which are both designated dark sky reserves and some of the top destinations in the world for stargazing.
Thanks to the shorter daylight hours, you don’t need to stay up quite so late to see the Milky Way in all its glory.
In November, you can see the Geminids which is a meteor shower that features up to 150 meteors every single hour. That’s pretty astounding. You can even stay in the dark sky zones in designated pods and glamping sights, so you can stay warm and cosy while you watch the magic happen.
5. Visit Swansea
Swansea is Wales’s second-largest city and is often known as the waterfront city because of its location right next to the coast. On the edge of the city is a 5-mile-long stretch of golden sand at Swansea Beach.
The city rose to fame thanks to the copper industry that once flourished here. Although its industrial days are long gone, it’s left a noticeable mark on the city and you can learn about its heritage in museums such as the National Waterfront Museum and the Swansea Museum, both of which are free.
The city is infamously the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, one of Wales’ most celebrated poets. You can learn about him at the Dylan Thomas Centre or spot many statues around the city dedicated to his work.
Starting in early November, you can visit the Waterfront Winterland with an ice rink, alpine food and drink area (mulled wine is a must), and fun fair attractions.
6. Go surfing
You might think I'm crazy to suggest watersports in Wales during Winter, but November is actually the peak surfing season when increased activity in the North Atlantic results in better waves towards the coastlines.
Don't underestimate how cold it will be and ensure you have a wetsuit, ideally a thick one at 5mm.
Some of the best surf spots in Wales can be found along the Llyn Peninsula (most notably the spot known as Hell’s Mouth) and down in Pembrokeshire in West Wales.
If you’re looking for lessons, my recommended surf school is Outer Reef in Pembrokeshire. They are open throughout November.
7. Experience Christmas markets and festivals across Wales
November is the prime time for Christmas markets in Wales. I've already mentioned Cardiff and Swansea kick off their daily markets during November whilst other towns and cities across Wales put on one or two-day markets.
Here are a few to keep in mind:
8. Go Husky Sledging in North Wales
Husky sledging is one of those activities you might associate with the Arctic, but, did you know you can go husky sledging in Wales too? It might be a little bit different without the snow, but thanks to a handy set of wheels, it’s close enough.
Just outside Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park near Llyn Brenig and Alwen Reservoir, you’ll find Mynydd Sleddog where Joe and the team have Siberian Huskies which have been bred for racing.
During the winter months, you can hop in the passenger cart and be drawn through the Welsh countryside by six dogs.
What to Pack For Wales in November
Fundamentally, you want to pack waterproof, warm clothing. Layers are your friend in November in Wales.
Investing in a decent warm and waterproof jacket with a hood is a must if you’re thinking of visiting Wales during Autumn or Winter. If you're getting out on the trails, I’d also recommend getting warm hiking socks and weatherproofed shoes or boots as they can get very muddy with the wet weather.
There is little need for swimwear at this time of year since the sea around Wales' coastline is too cold.
See my full guide of what to pack when visiting Wales for a full list of items to bring.
Published: 20 February 2023 · Last updated: 2 September 2023