Wales in January-March

Winter through early spring is a cold, rainy time of year in Wales—with an average temperature of 44⁰F. Snow also makes its yearly appearance, but rarely lasts long in the lower lying parts of the country—it’s in the mountains where snowfall is significant, and can even close roads. All this precipitation causes waterfalls off the mountainsides to roar down at full force, which makes for a spectacular sight to see.

The Welsh don’t slow down during this chillier season, however. Winter sports like rugby, football (what we call soccer), and ice hockey keep spectators entertained, while pubs offer locals and visitors alike a cozy spot to warm up with friends over a pint and hearty dishes like lamb Cawl (a traditional Welsh stew) or rarebit (cheese on toast).

Holidays & Events

• January 13: Hen Galan; Welsh New Year. While the majority of the UK recognizes New Year’s Day as the first of January, the locals of Pembrokeshire in the Gwaun Valley celebrate the New Year on the 13th, which adheres the ancient Julian calendar (predating the more traditionally used Gregorian calendar). On this day, children sing to receive their Calennig—New Year gifts, which are usually fruit, candy, or money.
• March 1: Saint David’s Day; the feast day celebrating Saint David, patron saint of Wales.

Must See

Cardiff is the place to be for Near Year’s Eve in Wales. The capital city provides revelers old and young with plenty of outdoor festivities, such as a Winter Wonderland filled with ice skating rinks, fairground rides, and an Alpine Village of seasonal refreshments—culminating with fireworks at midnight.

New Year’s Day, on the other hand, is packed with opportunities to prove your mettle during one of the country’s annual wintertime swims. Participants, besides braving the icy water, also dress up in costume for their plunge, while raising funds for various charities. The Walrus Dip in Pembrey Country Park, Saundersfoot New Year Swim, and the Barry Island New Year’s Day Dip are a few ways the Welsh take a bracing swim for a good cause.

Wales in April-June

Spring in Wales can sometimes be a little unpredictable—a mild day can just as easily be followed by a sudden snow squall. But as the season soldiers on, trees and flowers begin to bloom and the days become both warmer and longer—with earlier sunrises and later sunsets.  

This season is also exciting for wildlife lovers. The countryside and coast bustle with life this time of year—from the return of migratory birds and the birth of baby deer in the forests to dolphin sightings, puffins hatching, and seal pups napping on the rocks along the shore. 

Holidays & Events

• May 14: Dylan Day; a day set aside to celebrate the life and work of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.
• May 24-June 3: The Hay Festival; not farm-related as the name suggests, but instead is an annual literature festival which attracts writers, poets, and other artists from across the UK.

Must See

As the weather becomes warmer in Wales, outdoor festivals pop up throughout the country. In May, for example, the Royal Welsh Spring Festival showcases myriad aspects of rural life—from livestock and horse exhibits to workshops on gardening, artisanal food to sample, and shooting and archery lessons. 

Wales in July-September

Summer is the most popular time to visit Wales. The sunny, warmer weather beckons travelers to explore the country’s various landscapes—from the lush, green mountains to the stunning coastline. The seas are calmest this time of year and the beaches are plentiful, so expect them to attract both locals and travelers. The Pembrokeshire coast in particular is a hot spot for summer tourists; the warm Gulf Stream helps to make the waters off these shores quite comfortable for swimming. 

Holidays & Events

• June 21: Summer Solstice
• August 4-14: National Eisteddfod Festival; an annual celebration of music, literature, and live performances. 

Must See

The last weekend of September each year, Cardiff becomes a haven for cheese lovers. The Great British Cheese Festival, a celebration of all things cheese, is a tasty event featuring stalls of the UK’s best cheeses, as well as local craft beers, wines, and ports—plus unconventional activities like cheese rolling and cheese-making demonstrations.  

Wales in October-December

October heralds in true autumnal weather in Wales, as September can still be relatively sunny and warm. Cool, foggy mornings give way to crisp, clear days perfect for leaf-peeping. Wales puts on a stunning color show each season, with trees in a vibrant array of red, gold, and orange.  

With schools back in session and the weather cooling down, tourists begin to clear out—making it a good time for a quiet visit. The seas can get rough this season, however, so take that into account if you plan to travel by ship. 

Holidays & Events

• September 22-23: Autumn Equinox
• October 27-29: Conwy Feast; an annual weekend festival of art, food, and music set against the dramatic backdrop of Conwy’s medieval castle.
• December 26: Gŵyl San Steffan; known as St. Stephan’s Day or Boxing Day throughout the rest of the UK. 

Must See

In the northwest of Wales, the intimidating Caernarfon Castle looms above the coast—its unusual polygonal towers striking an imposing silhouette against the sky. What better time to visit this well-preserved medieval castle than on Halloween? During this spooky season, the World Heritage site transforms into a haunted castle, where visitors are invited to explore the dark passages and creepy towers in search of a ghostly knight.