Best time to visit Wales

The best time to visit Wales is between April and late August when rainfall is low and temperatures are milder.

But it depends on what you want to do and experience. If you want to enjoy Wales' many beaches or go hiking along the coast or in the mountains, you should plan your trip in summer. If you want to go chasin' waterfalls, spring is when you'll see the falls in their full glory. Late autumn and winter tend to be cold and wet, but it's an excellent time to see the landscapes turn golden colours, enjoy cosy getaways and rub elbows with locals at rugby games.

No matter when you visit Wales, you need to be prepared for a bit of rain. But one thing’s for sure, the rain certainly doesn’t dampen the locals’ friendly and welcoming spirit or the natural beauty of the country. It's thanks to the rain that Wales is so luscious and green!

Average temperatures in Wales 

What is the best month to visit Wales?

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Wales is during the summer between June and late August as there’s typically less rain and clearer skies. Summer in Wales is relatively short but the weather is drier (spoiler alert: you’re very likely to experience a fair bit of rain even in the summer) and there’s plenty of daylight. Wales isn’t known for consistently hot and sunny summer days. Average daytime highs hover around 20°C, but it can sometimes reach up to 32°C in July and August. When it is warm and dry, there’s no shortage of beaches to enjoy the weather, like those along the Pembrokeshire Coast. 

Spring is also a glorious time to visit.  It’s also the best time to see Wales' spectacular waterfalls like those in Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons.

Visiting Wales in spring (March-May)

Best for: wildflowers, waterfalls, wildlife, International Dylan Thomas Festival

There’s no doubt spring is one of the prettiest times to visit Wales. Heavy rain turns the land even lusher shades of green and the valleys and headlands are covered in blankets of snowdrops, cuckoo flowers, bluebells and daffodils. It starts to warm up from April and nature springs back to life. Animals rouse from their winter hibernation and you’re likely to see lambs and other newborn farm animals in the countryside. It’s also the best time of year to see Wales’ abundant waterfalls such as Pistyll Rhaeadr in Powys’s Berwyn Mountains and Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons. 

Visiting Wales in summer (June-August)

Best for: weather, festivals, beaches, hiking 

Wales really shines in the sun, and June through August is when you have the best chance of experiencing good weather. It’s prime time for outdoor activities such as cycling, walking, hiking, surfing and enjoying Wales’ gorgeous beaches. If you plan on hiking or walking, summer generally offers the best conditions. Note that in Snowdonia, the weather can be unpredictable throughout the year and conditions at higher elevations can change quickly.

Summer is a busy time in Wales’ festival calendar. The National Eisteddfod (held every August) is one of the biggest events of the year. The annual competition showcases the best dance, singing, poetry, theatre and music in Wales and draws in about 150,000 visitors. Other music and food festivals to check out include Green Man Festival, Gower Festival and Big Cheese.

Visiting Wales in autumn (September-November)

Best for: autumn foliage, Abergavenny Food Festival, wildlife  

The weather in early autumn is a bit of a mixed bag and it can either be mild, or the cool winter weather can arrive early. The Welsh woodlands are a sight to behold in Autumn with carpets of crunchy leaves and stunning orange, gold and yellow landscapes. It’s also a great time to see wildlife including super-cute grey seal pups on Ramsey and Skomer Islands. The annual deer rut starts in October and you can see big herds of male deer bumping heads (quite literally) to attract females for the mating season. Autumn is also a busy time in the foodie calendar including Abergavenny Food Festival, Gwledd Conwy Feast and Portmeirion Food & Craft Festival. 

Visiting Wales in winter (December-February) 

Best for: festive markets, Six Nations Rugby, St David’s Day 

January and February are the coldest, wettest and windiest months. It can feel bitterly cold out on the coast, down in the valleys and up in the mountains, so bring a warm/waterproof coat and plenty of layers. It’s a great time of year for cosying up in the pub, brisk walks in the countryside and rugging up to watch the rugby. It might be damp and cold, but the weather doesn’t dampen the locals’ spirits and their love for the sport.

If you’re around on 1st March you’ll also get to experience the vibrant St. David’s Day parades and celebrations (FYI St. David is the patron saint of Wales) where you'll see locals donning traditional Welsh costumes, red dragon banners and the flag of St David. 

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