Best Time to Visit Wales | Intrepid Travel UK

The best time to visit Wales ultimately depends on what you want to experience, but May to September is when the country really shines. Rainfall is typically lower and temperatures are mild, which creates good conditions for enjoying the many beaches along the Pembrokeshire Coast or hitting the trails in Snowdonia National Park.

Autumn, winter and spring tend to be cool and wet, but you can still enjoy the windswept coast, cosy cafes and pubs, and lively rugby games (if you didn't know, rugby's a big deal in Wales!) — just don't forget your waterproof jacket.

Average temperatures in Wales

Month	Average high (°C)	Average low (°C)
January	7	2
February	7	2
March	10	3
April	12	4
May	16	7
June	19	10
July	21	12
August	20	12
September	17	10
October	14	7
November	10	4
December	7	2

Spring (March-May)

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

Wales is very pretty in spring. The landscape is extra lush and green thanks to the heavy rains, and the headlands are blanketed with snowdrops, cuckoo flowers, bluebells and daffodils. You also have a good chance of seeing adorable lambs and calves if you're out walking 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.

Summer (June-August)

Best for: weather, festivals, beaches, hiking

June through August is when you have the best chance of experiencing good weather. It’s prime time for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, hiking and surfing. Not to mention all the gorgeous beaches to explore. If you plan on visiting Snowdonia, just note the weather can be unpredictable any time of year and conditions at higher elevations can change rapidly.

Summer is a busy time in Wales’ festival calendar, including the highly anticipated National Eisteddfod (held every August). The annual competition showcases the country's best dance, music, poetry and theatre and draws in about 150,000 visitors. Other festivals to check out include Green Man Festival, Gower Festival and Big Cheese.

Autumn (September-November)

Best for: autumn foliage, Abergavenny Food Festival, wildlife

Autumn weather is a bit of a mixed bag. It could be clear and mild, or the winter could arrive early. The Welsh woodlands are a sight to behold in Autumn with golden scenes and carpets of crunchy leaves to stomp on.

It’s also a great time of year to see wildlife, including grey seal pups on the Ramsey and Skomer Islands. The annual deer rut starts in October, so you may be lucky to witness herds of male deer bumping heads (quite literally) to attract a female mate.

If you're a foodie, you may also be interested in the Food Festival, Gwledd Conwy Feast and Portmeirion Food & Craft Festival.

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 along the coast and up in the mountains, so a warm/waterproof coat and thermals are essential. Winter is a great time to enjoy brisk walks followed by cosy pub dinners.

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

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