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Weather in Snowdonia
Wild peaks and lakes of majestic North Wales
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About Snowdonia
Snowdonia's jagged peaks claw at Welsh skies—Snowdon dominates, but a thousand lesser summits offer equally thrilling views. Glacial lakes mirror mountains; slate quarries scar valleys; Welsh villages huddle in passes. This is wild Wales, accessible but uncompromising.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Snowdonia
Climb Snowdon by mountain railway or on foot
Hike the Llanberis Path or Pyg Track
Kayak on Llyn Padarn or Llyn Gwynant
Explore the slate mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog
Visit Caernarfon Castle
Cycle Mawddach Trail through river gorge
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
5C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
February
5C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
March
7C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
April
10C
Cool, with some rainy days.
May
13C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
June
16C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
July
17C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
August
16C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
September
15C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
October
11C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
November
8C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
December
6C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
Snowdonia is Wales at its most dramatic — Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself dominates, climbable via several routes or the rack-and-pinion railway for those who'd rather not walk, but the wider national park holds just as much: the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the colourful Italianate village of Portmeirion nearby, and waterfalls and lakes tucked into nearly every valley.
Best areas to stay in Snowdonia
Llanberis
The main base for climbing Snowdon, with the mountain railway, a slate museum and lakeside walks.
Betws-y-Coed
A pretty village amid woodland and waterfalls, popular for gentler walks and as a touring base.
Beddgelert
A charming stone village at the meeting of two rivers, near the Aberglaslyn Pass walk.
Portmeirion
A whimsical Italianate village on the coast, built as an architectural fantasy and famous from The Prisoner TV series.
Getting to Snowdonia
✈
Flights
Manchester or Liverpool airports are the nearest, around 1.5-2.5 hours by car depending on the part of the park.
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From London
~3-4 hours by train and bus from London via Crewe or Chester to Llanberis or Betws-y-Coed.
🚕
Getting around
A car is recommended for flexibility; the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog heritage railways link several towns scenically.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Snowdonia?
May to September offers the most reliable weather for hiking, though Snowdon's summit is frequently in cloud regardless of season — check forecasts before setting out.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker to climb Snowdon?
The Llanberis Path is a manageable, well-trodden route for reasonably fit walkers in good weather, while routes like Crib Goch require scrambling experience and should be avoided by beginners.
Can I get to the summit without walking?
Yes — the Snowdon Mountain Railway runs from Llanberis to near the summit, weather permitting, though it's popular and booking ahead is recommended.
What else is worth seeing in Snowdonia?
Portmeirion's pastel Italian-style village, the slate museum and zip lines at Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the waterfalls around Betws-y-Coed are all popular additions to a Snowdon trip.
Do I need a car?
A car is very helpful given the spread-out nature of the park, though some bus services and the Welsh Highland Railway connect key towns like Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed and Porthmadog.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Climbed Snowdon via the Llanberis Path and took the train back down — tough but completely worth it for the summit views on a clear day.
Rhys E. · July 2024
★★★★☆
Weather closed in on the mountain so we explored Betws-y-Coed's waterfalls instead — a great backup plan and beautiful in autumn colours.
Sophie A. · October 2023
★★★★★
Portmeirion was a surreal and lovely add-on to a Snowdonia trip, completely different vibe to the mountains but worth the detour.
Mateusz B. · May 2024
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