Best Time To Travel To: Wales

Wales can basically be compared to the other countries in the UK, but there are gradual differences. Wales, for example, is warmer than Scotland throughout the year. Winters in Wales are on average milder than those in England, though slightly cooler than those in Northern Ireland. The climate in Wales is usually described as a mild temperate maritime climate, which is typical for the British Isles. Summers are warm (usually without the real heat) and winters are moderately cool (depending on where you are).

As for most parts of Great Britain, the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the influence of the Gulf Stream have an effect in Wales. The weather in Wales can change abruptly. However, the temperature fluctuations are kept within limits, large temperature jumps are not common with the exception in the mountainous regions.

Wales is on average one of the mildest (with the exception of the mountainous regions) but also one of the rainiest and windiest regions in the UK.

In winter from December to February, it is usually cool, wet and windy everywhere. Precipitation is quite high in winter, but snow is rare (except on the mountains) due to the high latitude. Towards the end of winter, precipitation and windy weather decrease significantly. At the beginning of winter, however, there is often the highest precipitation of the year. The mountains in Wales are among the coldest places in the UK in the winter, and snow can always fall there!

In spring, from March to May, it is usually cool but dry. The Atlantic Ocean has then lost much of its warmth over autumn and winter. Also in spring, the mountain regions in Wales are among the coolest areas in the UK.

In summer, from June to August, it can get very dry, but rainfall is always possible in Wales. Nevertheless, Wales surprises with many hours of sunshine. However, there are some valleys in the south of Wales, which basically get little sun.

In autumn from September to November it is usually very changeable, because cool air masses meet with warm air masses over Great Britain. Also in autumn the mountain regions of Wales are among the coolest regions in Great Britain.

The mountainous regions in Wales are often shrouded in fog and mist anyway. Overall, they are among the coolest and rainiest regions in the UK.

Wales can be described as rainier than England and Northern Ireland, but drier than Scotland. Although more rain falls in Wales than in Northern Ireland in terms of volume, it rains on fewer days in Wales. This is a clear indication that rainfall in Wales can be very productive.

Regardless, as mentioned, Wales is sunnier than Northern Ireland and Scotland. Only in England does the sun shine more often. The sunniest months in Wales are May and June.

When is the best time to travel to Wales

The best time to visit Wales is the period from May to September with the months May and September particularly attractive. In addition Wales is quite busy in the 'classic' summer holiday months.

Climatetable Cardiff/Wales

rainy days/M = days > 0,25mm precipitation