Wales is located on the peninsula in western part of Great Britain Island and lies in the zone of moderate climate but Atlantic winds bring some features of maritime climate. Overall weather is similar to the rest of the island, unless a bit colder. Usually there are no steep shifts of temperature through seasons. Significant difference is observed only between daytime and night.

Distinguishing features of weather in Wales are high humidity, year-round frequent precipitation and fogs. Summer is relatively warm and rainy and winter is mild and humid. Average temperature at July is 16 °C (61 °F) and at January 6 °C (43 °F).

 

Seasons

 

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Wales

It is quite hard to predict the weather of upcoming spring in the Wales. At March slight growth of temperature is expected but actual warmth is yet to come. Weather is shifting several times per day and calmness is followed by gusty winds. Dull sunlight is hidden behind heavy clouds.

At April temperature rises to 16 °C (61 °F) and daylight hours become longer. Period between April and June is driest time of a year. Colors of nature gain deeper shades and life of Wales recover somewhat. May is perfect time to visit this part of United Kingdom. At noon temperature may rise to 17 °C (63 °F). But by the onset of night temperature drops so it is necessary to have some warm clothes.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +10 °C (49 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (38 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 49 mm (1,9")

April Max average t°: +13 °C (55 °F) Min average t°: +6 °C (42 °F) Sundial in the day: 7,5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 45 mm (1.8")

May Max average t°: +16 °C (61 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (47 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 73 mm (2,9")

(Cardiff)

Spring Holidays

Easter celebrations with variable dates at March-April.
March 1 - St. David's Day.
March 20-21 – Alban Eilir.

May 1 – May Day.
May 28 – Late May Bank Holiday.

Summer in Wales

Summer in Wales is rainy but rather warm. South coasts are warmest location with highest temperature about 24 °C (75 °F). Inland plains and northern portion of Wales are colder with average temperatures in range between 14 and 20 °C (57-68 °F). Precipitation is higher but they are less intensive and fast.

At the middle of summer daylight hours are reaching their peak with 7 per day. It is getting darker late at about 22:00 (10:00 p.m.) which is exceptionally comfortable for tourists. Yet late evenings and hights are cold so some sweaters or jackets are necessary.

 

Climate of the Summer Months

 

June Max average t°: +19 °C (69 °F) Min average t°: +12 °C (51 °F) Sundial in the day: 8,5 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 64 mm (2,5")

July Max average t°: +21 °C (74 °F) Min average t°: +13 °C (54 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 57 mm (2,2")

August Max average t°: +21 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +13 °C (54 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 76 mm (3,0")

(Cardiff)

Summer Holidays

June 20-21 – Alban Hefin.
June 24 – St. John's Day.

Around 1 of August – Calan Awst.
August 27 – August bank Holiday.

Autumn in Wales

An umbrella, sturdy shoes and waterproof jacket are necessary minimum of clothes for visiting Wales at autumn. Precipitation is exceptionally frequent and intensive. West, north and mountainous center of the country are the rainiest regions. Humidity grows depending on altitude. Regarding variety of local relief weather may vary between closest locations.

Overall weather at September is still comfortable. Temperature in the capital is about 18 °C (64 °F) and even sunny days may occur. November and October are significantly colder with their squally winds. At October in hilly areas it usually starts to snow. Some mountain rivers are flooding closest villages due to high amount of precipitation.

 

Climate of the Autumn Months

 

September Max average t°: +18 °C (64 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 49 mm (1,9")

October Max average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Min average t°: +7,5 °C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 53 mm (2,1")

November Max average t°: +10 °C (50 °F) Min average t°:+4,5 °C (40 °F) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 70 mm (2,8")

(Cardiff)

Autumn Holidays

September 22-23 – Alban Elfed (Autumn Equinox).

October 31 – Nos Galan Gaeaf.

November 1 – Calan Gaeaf.

Winter in Wales

Winter in south and east coasts of Wales is mild with positive (above 32 °F) temperature due to smoothening influence of ocean. Range of temperatures is between 5 and 8 °C (41-46 °F). Towns on the coasts are occasionally covered in a thick blanket of fogs. Precipitation takes form of showers mainly but snow may occur too.

There is only one completely certain feature of the weather in Wales – its uncertainty. Winters in the capital many times were snowy with strong winds and glaze. On the other hand central and northern regions are used to snow drifts.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Min average t°: +3 °C (37 °F) Sundial in the day: 3,5 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 81 mm (3,2")

January Max average t°: +7 °C (44 °F) Min average t°: +2 °C (35 °F) Sundial in the day: 3,6 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 79 mm (3,1")

February Max average t°:+7 °C (45 °F) Min average t°: +2 °C (36 °F) Sundial in the day: 4,5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation:57 mm (2,2")

(Cardiff)

Winter Holidays

December 21-22 - Alban Arthan (Winter Solstice).
December 25 –Christmas.
December 26 – Boxing Day (Gŵyl San Steffan).

January 1 – New Year (Nos Galan).
January 25 - Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St. Valentine’s Day analogue).

February 2 – Mary's Festival of the Candles.