Cardiff has a mild, wet maritime climate: winters rarely freeze and summers are pleasant rather than hot.
Season by season
Spring (March–May)
Bute Park blossoms and days lengthen. The Six Nations rugby matches in February and March make the city buzz.
Summer (June–August)
The best weather for Cardiff Bay and day trips. Concerts and festivals fill the calendar.
Autumn (September–November)
Often settled in September; rain increases later. Rugby internationals return in November.
Winter (December–February)
Christmas markets and an ice rink in the centre. Museums and the castle make good rainy-day plans.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high / low | Wet days | Daylight | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 3°C | ≈17 | ≈8.5 h | Good |
| February | 9° / 3°C | ≈13 | ≈10 h | Good |
| March | 11° / 4°C | ≈14 | ≈11.8 h | Good |
| April | 14° / 6°C | ≈12 | ≈13.7 h | Best |
| May | 17° / 9°C | ≈12 | ≈15.3 h | Best |
| June | 20° / 11°C | ≈11 | ≈16.2 h | Best |
| July | 22° / 13°C | ≈11 | ≈15.7 h | Peak season |
| August | 21° / 13°C | ≈12 | ≈14.3 h | Peak season |
| September | 19° / 11°C | ≈12 | ≈12.5 h | Best |
| October | 15° / 8°C | ≈15 | ≈10.7 h | Best |
| November | 11° / 5°C | ≈16 | ≈9 h | Good |
| December | 9° / 3°C | ≈16 | ≈8.1 h | Good |
Approximate long-term averages, rounded; daylight is the approximate time between sunrise and sunset mid-month. Wales is mild but wet, and the mountains are colder, windier and wetter than the coast: pack layers in every season.
Festivals & events
- February–March Six Nations rugby matches at the Principality Stadium.
- 1 March St David’s Day, the national day of Wales, with a parade in the city.
- Summer Cardiff Bay food and music events and outdoor concerts.
- November–December Autumn rugby internationals and Christmas markets.
Crowds & booking ahead
Cardiff is busiest on match and concert days, not in a particular season. Check the stadium calendar before you book a hotel.
