North Wales is one of the UK’s most varied and beautiful regions from its ancient castles and dramatic coastlines to rugged peaks and peaceful villages. If you’re planning a holiday here, knowing the best time to visit North Wales can help you make the most of the landscapes, weather and seasonal activities.
In 2025, areas within North Wales such as Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy are amongst the UK’s most popular staycation regions for bookings according to the Sykes Staycation Index.
Whether you’re after hiking in Eryri Snowdonia, beach days on Anglesey or cosy pub weekends in Conwy, read on for a month-by-month and season-by-season guide on what to expect.
📆 Seasonal Overview
North Wales climate is typical of the UK’s oceanic weather, generally mild but changeable, with cool winters and warm but not overly hot summers. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, and temperatures vary from crisp winter chills to pleasant summer warmth.
The best time to visit North Wales is any time of the year, the variety of destinations and attractions that are available will suit anyone’s needs and wants. We have created a guide on the 18 must visit villages in North Wales that can help shape your itinerary and choose where to stay.
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❄️ Winter | December to February
If you enjoy a slower pace, quieter scenery and walks, winter can be the best time to visit North Wales. The shorter days and unpredictable weather aren’t a reason to miss out North Wales from your winter destination. The Sykes Staycation index shows that North Wales is in our top 10 most popular destinations in the UK.
Weather: Average highs around 8–10°C and lows 3–4°C. Expect rain, wind and snow likely to cover the higher mountains like Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon. However, it isn’t uncommon to experience the odd sunny day.
December
The historical town of Caernarfon is our most booked destination in December with our customers. The town itself is spread out around the seafront and the impressive 11th century Caernarfon Castle, which is classed as one of the ‘the greatest buildings of the middle ages’.
Fit for royalty and welcoming the late Queen and current king Charles, the town full of Welsh history and culture.
Having had a huge injection of funding, the town has seen some fantastic change recently including a regenerative renovation on the marine front to a Slate Quay ‘Cei Llechi’ that is now home to an artisan shopping village full of local independent businesses, galleries and coffee shops, a must visit for some last-minute Christmas shopping.
Caernarfon is also the starting point for the Ffestiniog & Welsh highland railway. Grab your tickets, hop on board this traditional Welsh steam train and enjoy a day sightseeing and exploring the Welsh highland.
January
Our customers love to ring in the New Year in Llandudno. This popular Victorian seaside town is steeped in history, is home to an impressive 2-mile-long prom, Venue Cymru with a range of shows and exhibits and has a great choice of cafes to indulge in.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Llandudno Land Train! The service takes passengers around the Orme and along the prom and Menai Holiday Cottages are a proud long time sponsor.
Although weather in January isn’t the driest, tog up and head out to the Great Orme Tramway. This tramway opened in 1902 and has been kept going ever since! The nostalgic journey goes through the Orme country park, nature reserve and then to the summit. A fantastic way to experience the Orme with a bit of shelter from the unpredictable weather.
February
Benllech is our top booked destination for February get away. With a school half term and a romantic weekend in the month of February, Benllech is a great location to place yourself on the island of Anglesey.
With its long stretch of golden sand beach, rugged coastal paths to explore and easy access beach to brave a winter wild swim, Benllech has you covered with all things coastal. Don’t forget your beloved dog, the beach is a perfect place to let them run free and live their best life.
You may think that February isn’t the right time to visit the beach, but I’m sure your four-legged friend would disagree! Our choice of dog friendly properties gives no excuse of when the best time is to visit north Wales.
Top Tip:
Think about your clothing! Dress in warm waterproof layers as the winter weather here can be unpredictable.
🌸 Spring | March to May
Spring breathes life into North Wales, with fresh green hills, blooming gardens and increasingly reliable weather. Spring can be the best time to visit North Wales, as it starts to wake up from the winter hibernation.
Lambs start dotting around the fields and the Puffins return to Puffin island off Anglesey, Spring is a great time to experience crisp sunny beach walks, alfresco coffee dates and epic early sunsets that paint the sky pink.
Weather: Average highs around 10-15°C and lows 4-6°C. During March there will be patches of rain and cooler weather, but as you ease into April and May, the sunshine ramps up, the days are longer and the rain slows down.
March
The weather is noticeably changing in March, the daffodils are popping up, and the air is becoming slightly warmer. In 2025, Pwllheli was our most booked destination in March. Pwllheli is based on the Llyn Peninsula which is an area of outstanding natural beauty and it’s not hard to see why!
With the weather easing, you must take a stroll along the coastal path and find coves and views of Cardigan Bay. Pwllheli is also a great location for visiting attractions such as Portmeirion, an Italian Riviera style village located on the side of a cliff.
Portmeirion is a great all round weather attraction as you can take a walk through the village dipping in and out of the beautifully curated shops and coffee stops if the weather takes a turn.
April
Warmer days have arrived, and locals would arguably say that April is the best time to visit North Wales. Our guests love to book and visit Abersoch in April and it was also one of the most popular destinations in 2025 for families. We have plenty of properties that fit families big and small, Abersoch and other places across North Wales.
Abersoch is known for its beach and water activities, with a huge range of equipment rental available from local suppliers. Why not have a go at sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, or just relax on the beach and build sandcastles with the kids. April’s warm weather makes for a pleasant experience regardless of the activity.
Two islands is a must visit when in Abersoch, their coffee shop runs alongside their homemade award-winning ice cream, making it a perfect pitstop for families!
May
Betws-y-Coed is our most booked North Wales destination in May. Known as the ‘Gateway to Snowdonia’, Betws-y-Coed is in the Eryri National park which means breath taking views and has Gwydir Forest as its neighbour.
With a mix of Welsh history and adrenaline fuelled adventures, is easy to see why this alpine village inspired destination is popular.
Looking to do something different? Make sure to check out Zip World Fforest to try out high-speed zip lines, treetop nets and the Fforest coaster, for an experience you won’t forget. If that’s not your speed (literally), there are plenty of beautiful walks in Betws-Y-Coed, starting in the village and into the surrounding forest to the breath-taking Swallow Falls.
If you’re looking for a day in the mountains there are plenty of walks close by that will provide you with elevation and views of Eryri.
Top Tip:
Make sure to check out the 2026 Eisteddfod yr Urdd (youth festival). It will be held on the Anglesey Agricultural Showground near Gwalchmai (Mona), from 23–29 May 2026. This 7-day event, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, is one of Europe’s largest youth festivals and is steeped in Welsh heritage and culture.
☀️ Summer | June to August
For many, summer is the best time to visit North Wales, thanks to the warmer weather and longer days. Research from our Sykes Staycation Index, ‘Summer stays are on the rise, with Sykes seeing a 9% year-on-year increase in bookings’.
Weather: Warm weather finally arrives in North Wales in summer with average highs 19–20°C, but don’t forget that we still are in the UK so some showers may occur! Long sunny days can be spent at the beach as the sun tends to set at nine o clock this time of year.
June
There are so many beautiful destinations to visit in North Wales during the summer, in June our customers favourite is the coastal town of Barmouth. Located in Gwynedd, this charming seaside town offers a beautiful large sandy beach, perfect for an ice cream and donkey ride and a historic 19th century bridge with views of the Mawddach Estuary, that you can walk or cycle over.
As the sun doesn’t set till 10pm in June, there is plenty of chance for a relaxing evening in a hot tub. We have a range of Barmouth properties available with hot tubs waiting for you!
Steeped in history, make sure you discover the Barmouth Heritage Trail that takes you around the village. With 500 yeas worth of history, this route takes you step by step around the beautiful village and surrounding area to learn more about its heritage and history. Maps for the trail are available in the tourist information hub and its an easy to follow route.
If following trails and walking is your idea of a great staycation, we have a guide to epic walks in North Wales that’s just been updated for 2026!
July
Calling all dog owners who love to take their four-legged family member on holiday, Trearddur bay is our most booked location in July and is in our top 5 most booked for pet friendly properties. This seaside village hugs the western Anglesey coastline which means it has the several choices of beaches for you to relax or take your best friend for an epic walk or sea swim.
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Remember:
The main beach in Trearddur Bay has restrictions during the summer period regarding dogs. Please familiarise yourself with them beforehand to ensure a stress-free visit.
After a day filled of relaxing, exploring and everything in between, Trearddur bay has a fantastic range of eateries to choose from. The Stores can accommodate any time in the day, the deli and restaurant is perfect for grabbing a morning coffee or smoothie after a run, a freshly made sandwich for the beach and then book in for pizza in the evening!
If you are more of a chef yourself and don’t want to eat out, don’t worry! The stores have a fabulous outdoor Tipi Bar that has a great atmosphere in the summer and is perfect for a pre-dinner tipple in the sunshine.
August
Known for its pastel-coloured seafront properties and picturesque setting, Beaumaris tops the list with our customers in August. Home to a historic castle, beaches, quaint shops and eateries, this seaside village on Anglesey is a great example of why August can be the best time to visit North Wales.
Situated on the edge of the village, the impressive Beaumaris Castle is a must visit. With a moat and draw bridge, this ancient Welsh castle is a perfect way to get lost in history and imagination.
Feel like being a kid again or looking for a family friendly destination?The Beaumaris pier is a great location for a sunny afternoon crabbing! Grab all your essentials at the kiosk at the entrance and spend hours of fun in the fresh air.
Go and celebrate your loot with a freshly made gelato ice cream from the Red boat. This ice cream shop is in the heart of the town and will he hard to miss as it usually has a quick orderly line outside! Beaumaris ranks high in our top 5 locations for families and its easy to see why!
🌊 Did You Know?
In June, the Menai Holiday Cottages Abersoch Triathlon is happening on the 20th of June. This epic event is for those who love to test their limits against the backdrop of this beautiful seaside resort. With Olympic and sprint distances available across beach, trail, and road terrain, it attracts athletes from all over the UK!
View Event Details →
🍂 Autumn | September to November
Autumn is often overlooked but can be the best time to visit North Wales, if you are looking for quieter trails, autumnal colours and mild weather. Don’t forget, the clocks change in Autumn which allows for an excuse to curl up in front of a fire in the evening.
Weather: Mild and pleasant with a few showers mixed in, weather can really take you by surprise during the Autumn months in North Wales. With highs of 17 degrees in September to lows of 4 degrees in November, Autumn shows a real shift and transition in the weather and slowly gets you ready for the winter months.
September
Gather your friends and family and head to Criccieth in September, our large properties in this quaint seaside town are our most popular properties to book in September.
Known for its 13th century castle perched on the cliff side, Criccieth is located at the base of the Llyn peninsula and is a great location for exploring that part of North Wales but also for having a relaxing weekend away at the beach.
Grab an ice cream from Cadwaladers and take a walk along the Victoria promenade that hugs the beach and has fantastic views of the Ceredigion Bay but be careful of the pesky seagulls, they love a Cadwaladers ice cream too!
October
Head to the Isle of Anglesey for an autumnal break. Our customers especially love Menai Bridge this time of year; the coastal town is home to the Thomas Telford built Menai Suspension Bridge and makes a great base for exploring the Island and Gwynedd.
Located right on the waterfront, there are many ways to experience and enjoy the Menai Straits.
If you are a foodie or want to experience the views and food from the comfort of a restaurant, try out Dylans. Located right on the water, Dylans has an incredible choice of locally sourced food and drinks and is perfect for a rainy afternoon.
If you are looking for something more thrilling, make sure to check out RibRide. Running tours and trips on the Menai Straits all year round (weather dependent), it is a great way to see the Island from the water! Or if you’re into something a bit steadier, the Anglesey Coastal Path runs through Menai Bridge and is a great way to see the sights and explore by foot.
November
Rhosneigr is a popular destination on Anglesey all year round, however our customers favour it in November. Located on the West of Anglesey, this golden sand beach location is renowned for its water sports.
Being November, there are still plenty of options for activities to participate in that won’t leave you shivering and wet (unless that’s what you’re in too, if so… make sure to check out Funsport Rhosneigr Surf Shop!)
Nestled in the dunes of Rhosneigr you will find Sawna Bach. This scenic wood fired sauna is located on Tyn Tywyn beach and is a perfect autumnal activity. Book your sessions online over on their website! After your relaxing sauna session, walk back into the village and you will find a range of coffee shop and eateries!
Café Notos, Mojos and the Sandy Mount House are all located on the same street so you wont be stuck for choice! A newly renovated Padel and Pickelball court has just been funded, head to the outskirts of the village by the golf course to find the state-of-the-art court!
Tips for Planning Your Trip
• Book ahead in summer and peak seasons: North Wales’ popularity, especially in 2025, means accommodation and activities fill up quickly.
We have a handy guide on our most booked properties!
• Pack layers and waterproof gear: weather shifts are common across all seasons.
• Think outside peak months: Autumn and Spring often offer dramatic scenery with fewer crowds.
Deciding the best time to visit North Wales depends on what kind of holiday you want, relaxed seaside days, high mountain adventures, or cosy indoor escapes. Summers bring warmth and long days, while spring and autumn offer memorable colours and quieter experiences. Winter has its own magic for those who relish atmospheric landscapes and roaring fires in traditional pubs by night.
Plus, with Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy ranked among the UK’s most popular staycation regions for 2025, North Wales firmly sits in the spotlight for a UK holiday full of variety and unforgettable scenery.
