If your schedule isn't confined to the school holidays, then September is one of the best months to visit Wales. So, what can you expect?
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.
Keep reading for a more detailed rundown of the weather, what to expect from crowds, and some recommended events running through the month.
What Will the Weather Be Like?
September is the official start of Autumn in the UK
Welsh weather is unpredictable, no matter what time of year it is, so it's difficult to plan too far ahead.
Overall, you should expect moderate temperatures, averaging 14℃ across the month, although this is likely to be higher in early September. The daylight hours are noticeably starting to reduce so those late evening BBQs might no longer be possible, however, with an average of 12.6 hours of daylight across the month, there is still plenty of time and opportunity to explore.
On average, you can expect 14 rainy days in September
All of these images were taken in September in Wales:
What Should I Expect?
Past the first week of September, the children are back in school across the UK so there are fewer holidaymakers in Wales. This means that there are fewer crowds across the popular tourist sites, making them much more enjoyable.
As a result, accommodation is often cheaper, as they’re winding down for the season and you might be able to snag yourself a bargain.
If you're a foodie, then you're in luck as it's also the month when many food festivals take place across Wales. See the end of the article for a list of those with confirmed dates.
Best Things To Do in Wales in September
September is a great time to visit Wales, there’s so much to see, do, and enjoy all across the country. So, what kind of things can you get up to? Let’s find out!
1. Visit Over 200 Attractions For Free As Part Of 'Open Doors'
In September, over 200 attractions are taking part in an event called Open Doors which is parts of Wales’ contribution to the European Heritage Days initiative.
This will give you free access to venues that would otherwise have admission fees such as CADW castles and National Trust properties, as well as some landmarks which aren't usually open to the public.
Find a full list of venues taking parts and the specific dates that they will be opening their doors for free here.
2. Go Tubing at Cardiff International White Water
A lot of the Summer attractions close for the season in September. This means it’s the last chance to experience a lot of things for another year. One of those things is going tubing at Cardiff International White Water. Located in the beautiful Welsh capital, you can go white water rafting or tubing at the Olympic standard white water centre.
The increased rain during September can make the white water even more ferocious to ride down, making it way more fun! Of course, you need to book a slot in advance and bring a change of clothes - you’re definitely going to be cold and wet after this adrenaline-fuelled adventure!
3. Put on your blue suede shoes and celebrate Elvis
Every year in September, thousands of Elvis fans flock to Porthcawl for the Elvis festival, one of the largest of its kind.
The town holds panel discussions, competitions, parades, and concerts with fans flocking from across the country and beyond donning white jumpsuits and suede shoes in honour of the king.
Here are the dates for the festival:
- Porthcawl Elvis Festival: 22th - 24th September 2023
4. Enjoy Owain Glyndwr Day in Harlech
Owain Glyndwr is known as the last Welsh Prince of Wales. He’s celebrated on the 16th of September on Owain Glyndwr Day, the day way back in 1400 when he was pronounced the Prince of Wales by his followers. The festivities include processions, parades, music, and readings.
Head to the beach town of Harlech, home to the iconic Harlech Castle that was taken by Glyndwr in 1404. As it’s such an integral part of the Glyndwr legend, the town goes big with events, processions, and music. It’s the perfect place to embrace Welsh history and culture.
5. Eat Your Bodyweight at a Welsh Food Festival
If you're a foodie, September is the month when many of Wales' most renowned food festivals take place, not least The Big Cheese Festival at Caerphilly Castle (shown above). What better opportunity to indulge in some local delicacies and pass it off as being cultural?!
Here are some food festivals and their dates for 2023:
- The Great British Food Festival, Margam Park: 2nd - 3rd September 2023
- Big Cheese Festival, Caerphilly: 3rd - 4th September 2023
- Abergavenny Food Festival - 16th - 17th September 2023
- Mold Food Festival: 16th - 17th September 2023
- Narbeth Food Festival 23rd - 24th September 2023
6. Hike the Coastal Path on the Llyn Peninsula
If you’re looking for a picturesque hike, either for the day or for a more long-term project, head to the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. Cropping out into the Irish Sea, the peninsula has its own microclimate that often makes it warmer than other parts of the country. The coastal path takes you around the cliff tops, down to secluded coves, and through charming towns.
In September the weather is still pretty great for hiking, the crowds have dispersed, and you may still spot baby seals in the water off the coastal path - it’s a popular migration spot for newborns!
7. Have a Laugh at Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Each year, the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival takes over the coastal town of Aberystwyth in Mid-Wales with over 100 performances including stand-up and comedy shows by comedians from Wales and across the UK.
The shows take place at a variety of venues across the town ranging from the seafront bandstand to Aberystwyth Arts Centre over at the university campus (pictured above). You only need to buy tickets to the shows you want to see which makes it very flexible.
Find out the dates of this year's festival and expected lineups over on the official website.
8. Go Walking in the Gower
Each September sees the Gower Walking Festival return with a bunch of organised walks across the peninsular. The festival usually lasts about a week and a half, with several walks each day to choose between from easy to strenuous.
You can visit the official site of the festival to find out more about the walks and to book them.
Even if you don't manage to attend during the festival dates, this is a great time of year to go walking in Wales, with temperatures still quite reasonable. Although, remember to pack a rainjacket just incase.
9. Get Selfies With Sunflowers
Although August is typically the best season for sunflower fields in Wales, you can still visit in September to get those insta-worthy photos. Plus, with families getting back to normality, you might not have as many crowds to deal with when getting the perfect shot.
There are plenty of sunflower fields that are open to visit across Wales, but a few of the best-known ones are:
- Rhosili Sunflowers, South Wales
- Pembrokeshire Sunflowers, West Wales
- Porth Farm, Mid-Wales
I'm currently unaware of any sunflower fields in North Wales but let me know if you discover any.
Note: The sunflower season can change, especially if there are more heatwaves causing them to bloom early each year. Check the social media pages of the sunflower farms before you visit to be sure.
10. Celebrate Halloween early at Bluestone Resort
With the summer holidays over, the next big event on our minds turns to Halloween. This might not be until October, but you can celebrate early at Bluestone Resort with festivities beginning in early September thanks to their Bwbach festival.
'Bwbach' doesn't have a direct English translation, but roughly means 'little scare'. Expect scarecrow hunts, pumpkin carving workshops, spooky science workshops, and lots of trick or treats.
The festival starts in early September and runs right through until the fright night itself.
You will need to be staying at Bluestone Resort in order to book any of these activities but they do have some epic last-minute deals this time of year.
What to Pack
As with a lot of places in the UK in September, Wales’s unpredictable weather can make packing difficult. I’d recommend you pack layers for the changing temperatures and quick-drying clothing in case you get caught in a downpour.
Temperatures can drop fairly quickly so bringing a warm coat is beneficial.
The end of the main adventure season is in September, so if you’re hiking, make sure to bring sturdy walking boots as well as waterproof hiking clothing like trousers, mid-layers, and coats.
See my full packing list for Wales for tips according to each season.
Published: 16 February 2023 · Last updated: 27 August 2023