Want to know the best times to visit Wales? Our top picks of things to do each month will help you decide. Whether you want an idea for a romantic weekend, to see Wales’ largest colony of puffins or visit hidden historic buildings, certain months are best. We’ve also included the average temperature to give you an idea of what to expect. For any events and venues mentioned, please check dates and opening times before travelling.
Ready to book? Find your perfect cottage in Wales.
January is a fantastic month for a romantic weekend. On 25th January, St Dwynwen, Wales’ patron saint of lovers, is celebrated. Dwynwen was a 4th-century princess who was prevented from marrying her beloved so prayed to God for help.
She was granted three wishes, one being for true lovers to find happiness together. To show her gratitude, she became a nun and set up a convent on Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey.
It’s a stunning place for a walk with sea views and the atmospheric ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church to admire. Cosying up for a ‘cwtch’ beside the fire of your cottage afterwards, is the perfect way to end the day.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in January is 2 to 7°C.
It’s that time of year, when spring is not quite here, but nevertheless you might be itching for an adrenaline-inducing, outdoor adventure. One place to get your winter thrills is Zip World Fforest in the Conwy Valley.
A host of treetop adventures await you from the Zip Safari course to the Fforest Coaster ride. Up for anything? We dare you to try the Skyride 2, Europe’s highest giant swing that seats five people.
Meanwhile, Zip World Slate Caverns, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, is unrivalled for underground adventures. The star of the show is Bounce Below that’s set 100 feet below the ground and involves bouncing between six trampoline-style nets.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in February is 2 to 7°C.
As the weather begins to get better, visit the national parks. They are much quieter at this time of year compared to summer.
Snowdonia National Park, with its lush valleys and lakes, boasts Mount Snowdon. The summit can be reached via several walking routes or hop aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway (usually open from mid-March).
In the Brecon Beacons, Welsh Mountain Ponies roam free in the secluded uplands, along with a thriving population of red kites. Visit for the scenery, the waterfall trails and the legends.
Or take a walk along the coastal path in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park which will reward you with views of wildly beautiful beaches.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in March is 3 to 9°C.
There are many vintage train rides to embark on in Wales and springtime landscapes make them extra special. The Vale of Rheidol Railway offers a steam train trip that captures the Edwardian age of rail travel on a captivating journey through the Rheidol Valley.
Catch the train from Aberystwyth, pass through enchanting woodlands, and arrive at Devil’s Bridge. Learn about the legend of the bridge and walk to the famous Devil’s Bridge Waterfall.
If you are heading back by train and only have 1 hour, the short Punchbowl and Three Bridges route is the best choice.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in April is 5 to 14°C.
Festival season has begun, and the Hay Festival is one of Wales’ most famous. Dedicated to literature, the ten-day event is held in the olde-worlde town of Hay-on-Wye, internationally known as the Town of Books. Fantastic bookshops here include Booth’s Bookshop which is legendary.
For something different, the Big Retreat Festival in Pembrokeshire is marketed as a ‘Feel Good’ event and aims to ensure you leave feeling uplifted and re-energised.
Held over a long weekend, this family-friendly festival offers entertainment from bands, workshops talks and activities from yoga and wild swimming to foraging and turning your own wooden bowl.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in May is 9 to 17°C.
It’s summertime and the perfect excuse to head to the beach. From little coves backdropped by forests in Anglesey, to seemingly untouched shores of Pembrokeshire and Gower, Wales is blessed with many beautiful beaches.
However, at the beginning of the summer school holidays, there’s nothing like grabbing the family for a holiday full of building sandcastles, paddling and trying water sports. Not forgetting ice-cream and fish and chips by the sea.
Head to the Llyn Peninsula for an array of attractions including Abersoch with its sheltered golden sands, beach huts, family-friendly boat trips and the well-regarded Abersoch Sailing Club that offers tuition.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in July is 12 to 21°C.
Calling all sailors, sailing enthusiasts and those who love all things nautical. Regatta season is in full swing. The Menai Straits Regattas are raced over two weeks from late July to early August.
The Menai Strait separates the Isle of Anglesey from mainland Wales and many of the boats that compete are classics. The regattas include the iconic races from Beaumaris to Caernarfon through the Swellies and round Puffin Island.
Whether you’ve come to participate or you’re a spectator, do make time to explore the town of Beaumaris with its impressive castle and charming tea rooms.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in August is 12 to 20°C.
September is a fantastic time to discover some of Wales’ finest grand houses and cultural gems. From castles, of which there are over 400 including masterpieces like Conwy Castle, to stately homes such as Powis Castle.
What’s more, during September, CADW (the body that works to protect the historic buildings and heritage sites of Wales) offers free entry to over 200 sites. These include many places that are usually closed to the public.
September is also the month of the Gower Walking Festival which offers over 30 walks across nine days. Many follow the coastal path, making it a superb way to combine exercise with dramatic seascapes and the smell of salty air.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in September is 12 to 18 °C.
If the memories of your summer holiday to Italy are already fading, head to Portmeirion where they will soon come flooding back. This top Welsh tourist attraction in Gwynedd was designed to resemble an Italian village.
It has to be seen to be believed with its colourful houses, village piazza and sub-tropical gardens. Visiting in October is much quieter than spring and summer, and as the leaves begin to fall, many hidden gems are revealed.
The setting is beautiful too, on a private peninsula overlooking the coast and leading down to a sandy beach. Meanwhile, the woodlands are great for exploring and you may well stumble across the ruined castle and secret gardens.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in October is 7 to 12°C.
Now the nights have drawn in and skies are wonderfully dark, Luminate Wales is a magical, after-dark experience. This illuminated trail is designed for big and little kids alike to enjoy. There’s plenty of atmosphere provided by the ambient music, lighting effects and installations.
There are two winter trails to choose from, Margam Country Park and Castle or The Garden of Wales. So, book a ticket, wrap up warm and pack a flask for an evening of fun and wonder.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in November is 4 to 9°C.
Treat yourself to a pre-Christmas break full of shopping, fun and festivities. Stately homes are always beautifully adorned at this time of year and Powis Castle is no exception. The State Rooms are decorated with plenty of sparkle including ornately dressed Christmas trees, while gifts can be picked up in the on-site National Trust shop.
If you’re looking for small independent shops, try the charming towns of Hay-on-Wye or Conwy where you can buy local presents or delicious produce to make your own hampers.
Meanwhile, Cardiff and Swansea host a Christmas market with lots of stalls where you can buy traditional gifts made from slate.
As a guide, the average temperature in Wales in December is 2 to 7°C.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
Pudleston, Herefordshire 
12 
6 
6 
