When is the best time to visit Wales? Honestly, all year round.
With its rolling hills, dramatic coastlines and charming villages, Wales is a destination like no other.
Not only is it a great place to visit on a budget but offers something for everyone. With just a few hours here, you will easily see why all locals are so proud to be Welsh (myself included!).
To find the best time to visit Wales for your trip, use this guide to help plan and navigate this Celtic landscape.
This ultimate guide has everything you need to know about when to visit Wales. You will find a Wales Itinerary, the best places to visit in Wales and what this great place has to offer month by month.
So let’s dive in and look at the best things to do in Wales, all year round!
The Overall best time to visit Wales
Every month has its pros and cons wherever you go, Wales Included.
Many destinations you may plan a visit based on weather, however, you might not want to do that with Wales. Even if you book a trip here in the peak summer season, nothing can stop the rain if it wants to come.
If you want to explore with fewer crowds, springtime (March-May) is a great time to plan a trip here.
There is something really special about seeing Winter melt into Spring.
But be warned, the weather is really unpredictable during the spring, you could be hit with sun or snow on your trip.
You may be looking for warmer, slightly more predictable weather on your trip to Wales. if that’s the case, the summer months (June-August) are the best time to book your trip.
However, in these summer months, you will find more crowds.
You may also find that your accommodation options are slightly more expensive and there is no guarantee you won’t need your raincoat.
Just remember to bring some form of ID with you to check in to your hotel!
The Best Time To Visit Wales Month by Month
There are endless things to do on a trip to Wales. From exploring the unforgettable region of Snowdonia to cooling off in the Blue Lagoon in St David’s, you won’t be bored.
To make your trip truly epic, explore the best things to do month by month below.
January in Wales
The best time to visit Wales for lovers of the cold is January.
And what better way to see the new year in than joining the locals for some wild swimming and coastal walks?
Aberavon, Barry, Porthcawl and other beaches across Wales will see many welcome the new year in with a frozen plunge into the sea. Many of the swimmers are in fancy dress so is worth going, even if it’s just to watch.
And if you want a trip full of love, book your trip to Wales around January 25th. Join the locals and celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (Welsh Valentines Day).
Here are some of the best things to do in Wales during January:
✅ Visit one of Wales’ best beaches: Rhossili
✅ Celebrate Welsh Valentines day in Cardiff. Make your trip even better by staying in the capitals best hotels!
✅ Go Whiskey tasting at the Penderyn factory
Wales In February
Even though February will still bring cold and rain, it is absolutely the best time of year to visit Wales for sports fans. Stop by Cardiff and watch the six nations rugby championships.
This is a great way to grab a pint, sit back and watch the national sport of Wales. Some of the matches are played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. If you can get some tickets, it’s well worth it!
February is full of great events to enjoy during a visit to Wales. To make the most of your trip, here are some of the best experiences:
✅ Go to Cardiff and enjoy the atmosphere for the Guinness Six Nations Rugby tournament
✅ Stop by Bangor Music Festival
Why March is the best time to visit
There is no better time of year to visit Wales for many visitors is March.
Winter really melts away and reveals the incredible landscape Wales has to offer. In addition to this, St David’s day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant), the Welsh national holiday, falls on March 1st.
The month of March is full of life and celebration. One spot you should visit during March is St Fagans, the open museum of Welsh life near Cardiff.
March is one of the best times of the year to experience Welsh culture. Here are the best things to do in Wales in March to make your trip unforgettable:
✅ Celebrate St Davids Day on the first day of March at St Davids Cathedral
✅ Experience the largest choir event in Wales at the North Wales Choir Festival (make sure you book a log cabin when visiting here!)
✅ Spend a day at The Laugharne Weekend
✅ Visit one of the most popular vineyards in Wales, Lllanerch vineyard. This makes an amazing day out!
Wales during April
With spring in force, April is the best time for exploring Wales.
Throughout the Country, you will find all the natural landscapes and attractions in full bloom.
Whether your visit is full of rain or shine, one location you need to visit is the Brecon Beacons.
This national park is found in Mid/South Wales and is full of the most amazing walks with breathtaking views. You will also find the most amazing places to stay here!
April is a fantastic time to book a holiday in Wales. To make the most of Wales in the spring, here are some places you should visit:
✅ St Fagans open-air museum
✅ Brecon Beacons
✅ Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch
Visiting Wales in May
With days getting longer and warmer, rainfall becoming less and less and spring still in full bloom, May is wonderful in Wales.
For those wanting longer days and fewer crowds, May is the best time to stop by Wales for you!
To make the most of the longer days, you should add Llyn Padarn and Conwy in Snowdonia to your itinerary. There are so many amazing places to stay in Snowdonia National Park– the perfect getaway!
And if you are looking for a coastal spot in Wales to have a drink and a stroll in South Wales, visit Mumbles.
May is a great time to explore the outdoors of Wales. And if you want to visit Wales on a budget, it is even better!
Add these top spots to visit in May to your list for the ultimate getaway:
✅ Walk the Gower Coast and stop in the local pubs on the way
✅ Rent a paddleboard at Lake Padarn
Wales in June
June is the best time to visit Wales before the peak summer travel season starts. Even though a perfectly rain-free trip isn’t promised, it’s possible.
For the best trip to Wales, stop by the coastal town of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. This friendly town is full of great views, bespoke shops and wonderful places to eat with a sea view.
Also, if picnics are your thing, stop by Ogmore Castle and its ancient stepping stones in Bridgend. This off-the-beaten-track spot has some great views of the Welsh countryside.
To make any getaway to Wales during June the best, these are some more places you should consider visiting:
✅ Go chasing waterfalls in Neath
✅ Explore the streets of Tenby
✅ Go to Porthcawl beach and grab the best icecream at Fablas
✅ Rent a bike and take in the coastal views around Mumbles
Visiting Wales in July
Wanting to try and catch the best of the good weather in Wales?
Then July is probably the best time to plan a holiday to Wales for you.
Even though there is no guarantee that it won’t rain, the summer seasons in Wales can offer great weather.
If you are looking for some great spots to visit in July, add Snowdonia and the waterfall county of Neath to your list.
July is one of the best times to plan a trip to Wales for reliable weather. To enjoy the sites of Wales to the fullest, here are some places to visit during July:
✅ Spend a few days exploring Snowdonia national park
✅ Visit the amazing coastal chapel of St Govan
✅ Relax at Aberavon Beach
✅ Take the best photos at Henrhyd Falls, the famous batman cave
August- the ultimate time to book a trip to Wales
Longer and brighter days, warmer temperatures, Wales in August is great.
If you are wanting to explore the outdoors or try some new water sports, August is the ultimate month to visit Wales for your trip.
Even though it may rain, it won’t stop you from having the best time. Wales has adapted to expect rain at any moment so your adventures will continue rain or shine.
Add the blue lagoon near St Davids and the long sandy beach of Aberavon to an epic summer adventure.
Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Wales during August:
✅ Book a paddleboarding lesson at Saundersfoot beach
✅ Take the Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway to Devil’s Bridge
✅ Enjoy food and drinks with a view of Cardiff Bay
✅ Visit the seaside town of Aberystwyth (a personal favourite of mine!)
Reasons you should visit Wales in September
Looking for Summer conditions but fewer crowds?
If this sounds like your perfect trip, book your visit to Wales during September.
September is a great time of year so explore the rugged coastline of Wales.
For some breathtaking views, stop by Pembrokeshire National Park. But if you are looking for something truly unique to do in September in Wales, you need to go to the Elvis festival in Porthcawl, South Wales.
The Elvis festival is one of the best things to do when visiting Wales during September. But for the ultimate trip, here are some more things you should do:
✅ Book a boat tour to spot Dolphins, Seals and Puffins around Cardigan Bay
✅ Learn about Wales’ mining heritage at the Big Pit
✅ Get a true taste of Wales at Llandovery Sheep Festival
✅ Visit Bounce Below Park, the most unique trampoline park around
October in Wales
I love Wales In October!
This is the best month in Wales to see the leaves turn to autumn colours.
Throughout Wales, you will see trees covered in bright red and orange leaves.
And if you want to see Autumn like never before, stop by Tu Hwnt I’r Bont Tea Rooms.
Only a 9-minute drive from Snowdonia National Park, this amazing building changes with the seasons.
If you are a lover of homemade food and autumn, you need to visit here!
(To see the building change into its Autumn Colours, the best time to visit this part of Wales is the end of September/ October)
There are also lots of amazing Pumpkin picking spots around Wales to get you ready for Halloween. One of the most popular spots is the Gower in South Wales.
October is definitely one of the best times to visit Wales to enjoy Autumn. To make the most of your trip, consider adding these places to your list:
✅ Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
✅ Neath Food and Drink Festival
✅ Tintern Abbey
Planning a visit to Wales in November
If you love the rain, November is the time for you to explore Wales!
With the shorter days and colder nights, the best things to do are to explore the bespoke gift shops ready for Christmas.
Cardiff and Swansea are great shopping spots but if you are looking for more unique gifts, visit Carmarthen.
For the ultimate trip to Wales in November, here are the best things to do:
✅ Elan Valley Winter Fair
✅ Winter Wonderland at Swansea Bay
✅ Taste some local beers at Tomos Watkin Brewery
Make the most of the festive season and visit Wales in December
For all winter lovers, you will have the best time visiting Wales during December!
You are more likely to see rain than snow in towns and cities. However, if you head towards the mountains, that’s your best chance.
There are so many things to do in December throughout Wales. From festive lights to traditional activities, this is a great time to visit with families.
To get in the Christmas spirit why not visit Cardiff Christmas Markets and book a ticket to see a Pantomime?
For the best visit to Wales in December, here are some of the best activities to do:
✅ book to see a show in Cardiff Milenium Centre
✅ See a festive pantomime at Porthcawl Pavillion
✅ See the Christmas lights Bute Park
Best Places To Visit In Wales
Wales is full of amazing locations, all year round. The best time to visit Wales really does depend on your preferences.
But no matter when you decide to go here are a few of the best places to visit in Wales.
➡️ Cardiff
➡️ Pembrokeshire
➡️ Snowdonia
➡️ Brecon Beacons
Wales Itinerary
Your visit to Wales can be made better by having a great Itinerary.
No matter where you decide to stop in Wales, you will have a great time!
To make your trip the best, here are a few stops you don’t want to miss and how many days you should spend there:
➡️ Cardiff 2-3 days
➡️ Tenby 1 day
➡️ Pembrokeshire 2-3 days
➡️ Aberystwyth a few hours at least
➡️ Snowdonia 3-4 days
➡️ Anglesey 1-3 days
The best time to visit Wales FAQs
I’m sure you have a few more questions about visiting Wales.
So to answer all your questions and help you plan the best trip, here are the most frequently asked questions:
How many days do you need in Wales?
This honestly depends on how much you want to see Wales.
If you are looking to do an epic Wales road trip, you probably need 7 + days (but you can easily see a lot in 5).
However, if you want to see a few highlights, you can easily do this in 3-4 days or over a long weekend.
It takes around 5 hours to get to North Wales from South Wales, so if time isn’t your Friend, don’t try and do both.
What is the best month to visit Snowdonia?
The best months to visit Wales for a trip to Snowdonia are June- August so you can explore in the warmer weather. But, you will find attractions around Snowdonia during this time a lot busier than the rest of the year.
The weather may not be your main concern when visiting Snowdonia. If that’s the case for you, the best time to visit Wales and Snowdonia is September.
You will find the main attractions less crowded and accommodation slightly cheaper.
Is September a good time to visit Wales?
A trip to Wales in September is absolutely perfect for anyone wanting to avoid the crowds. September is also the best time to visit Wales for anyone wanting to catch the last of the longer summer days.
When is the best weather in Wales?
Like most destinations in Europe, June and July will typically bring the best Weather.
So if your trip includes exploring the natural wonders of Wales, this is absolutely the best time to visit Wales.
Just remember that Wales likes to keep you on your toes, so even on the sunniest days, it can rain.
The best time to visit Wales for many normally involves the best weather. To plan your ultimate and hopefully dry trip to Wales, check the Met Office for quick updates.
What is the wettest month in Wales?
If you haven’t guessed yet, Wales is a pretty wet country.
Even in the peak summer season, you can expect some rain. But if you want to explore Wales at its wettest and see its powerful waterfalls (or avoid the rain at all costs), December is typically the wettest month.
Which is the driest month in Wales?
It is very rare that there will be no rain for a month in Wales.
The spring and summer months promise less rain. From May to August you will see the weather forecast offers warmer and less rainy days. So for a drier trip, this is the best time to visit Wales.
What part of Wales has the least Rain?
Ceredigion is known as one of the driest places in Wales. You will want to stop by here anyway because of its incredible scenery, so it’s a win-win.
One of the best spots to visit in this area is the charming coastal town of Aberystwyth. The best time to visit this part of Wales is the summer months (June-August).
The best time to visit Wales sign off: Wales is full of amazing things to do all year round. If you are looking for adventure, incredible views and friendly locals, Wales has you covered. Use this guide to plan the best time to visit Wales for your next trip.
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
