The climate of Cardiff
In the heart of the
United Kingdom, the city of
Cardiff is recognized by the Köppen climate classification as having a Marine west coast climate, denoted by a warm summer (Cfb). Throughout the year, it is characterized by a typically mild, coastal climate with both temperature and humidity levels remaining fairly consistent.
Observing the temperatures in Cardiff, they range from a high average of 19°C (66.2°F) during the peak summer month of
July, to a low average of around 4.1°C (39.4°F) in the coldest month of
January. Humidity levels hover in the band between 81 to 86%, meaning the air keeps a substantial level of moisture throughout the year, contributing to its mild weather conditions. An interesting yet consistent pattern arises in Cardiff’s rainfall, with the highest levels of precipitation observed during the latter months of the year, particularly
October and
November with 31mm (1.22") apiece. While rainfall remains prevalent across all months, maximum levels occur through Autumn and early winter seasons.
Unique to Cardiff is its modest snowfall, with snow appearing occasionally in January,
February, and
December, amounting to no more than 1mm (0.04") and barely reaching a full day of snowfall during these months. Another intriguing attribute is the visibility averaging around 9km (5.6mi) to 10 km, promising fairly clear views throughout the year in this coastal city.
The best time to visit Cardiff
Considering weather elements such as temperature and sunshine hours, the best period to visit
Cardiff would be between
May to
September. During these months, the city experiences comparatively warmer conditions with high temperatures fluctuating from 14.7°C (58.5°F) in May, reaching a peak at 19°C (66.2°F) in
July before cooling to 17.1°C (62.8°F) in September. This period of warmth coincides with increased daylight hours, ascending to the maximum of 16.5 hours in
June, thus extending opportunities for extended outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Simultaneously, these months witness longer sunshine hours in a day. Notably, July leads with an average of 8.1 hours of sunshine. Moreover, UV index maintains a moderate level of 4, suggesting less potential harm from unprotected sun exposure. Besides, the city experiences a nominal rainfall amount from May to September, thereby reducing likelihood of disruptions for outdoor plans.
The worst time to visit Cardiff
If weather plays a major role in planning a visit to
Cardiff, it might be best to avoid the months from
November to
February. The temperatures during these months can fall to a low average of between 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 5.2°C (41.4°F). An increased rainfall, particularly in November and
December with recorded averages of 31mm (1.22"), coupled with a high relative humidity of up to 86%, can potentially dampen the overall travel experience.
Adding to this, the city receives less sunshine during these periods, with the lowest average falling to 3.9 hours in November. Snowfall, although scarce, happens in these months, making travelling slightly more challenging and cold.
Spring weather in Cardiff
Spring in
Cardiff, spanning from
March to
May, sees a gradual rise in temperatures from 9.8°C (49.6°F) in March to 14.7°C (58.5°F) in May. Relative humidity remains fairly constant, averaging around 81%. The rainfall amount decreases to its yearly low with 12mm (0.47") recorded in
April.
Sunlight begins to lengthen, offering increasing daylight hours from March’s 11.9 hours, peaking at May’s 15.6 hours. Correspondingly, residents and visitors are blessed with increased sunshine hours which, in May, stretch to an appreciable 8.2 hours a day.
Summer weather in Cardiff
Summer months in
Cardiff, between
June and
August, are marked by warmer temperatures peaking at 19°C (66.2°F) in
July, albeit accompanied by an uptick in rainfall, reaching a high of 22mm (0.87") in June. A slight uptick in relative humidity to 83% also takes place. Days in June are longest with an average daylight of 16.5 hours providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The city also experiences increased sunshine hours of up to 8.1 hours in July. Sea temperatures rise as well, warming to 16.6°C (61.9°F) by August, making it an ideal time for water-related activities.
Autumn weather in Cardiff
Autumn in
Cardiff, which lasts from
September to
November, witnesses a progressive dip in temperature from 17.1°C (62.8°F) in September to a cooler 10.4°C (50.7°F) in November. The relative humidity remains steady at 83%, while rainfall levels escalate to 31mm (1.22") in both
October and November.
Lighting conditions deteriorate with daylight reducing from 12.6 hours in September to 8.9 hours by November. Sunshine hours also diminish, dropping from 7.2 hours in September to a yearly low of 3.9 hours in November.
Winter weather in Cardiff
Winters in
Cardiff extend from
December to
February, featuring average high temperatures in the range of 7.5°C (45.5°F) to 8.6°C (47.5°F) and lows between 4.1°C (39.4°F) to 5.2°C (41.4°F). These months also register a higher relative humidity level, reaching 86%. The rainfall reaches 27mm (1.06") in December before scaling back to 16mm (0.63") in
January and rises back up to 22mm (0.87") in February.
Daylight hours are at their shortest, with December averaging just 7.9 hours a day, while the sunshine hours stay around 4.1 hours a day. Moreover, snowfall is occasionally observed during this period, though it remains minimal with only 1mm (0.04") registered in the months of January and December.
Weather in January
January in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, marks the beginning of the year with predominant wintery conditions. As temperatures can descend to 4.1°C (39.4°F), this month experiences the chilling winds, rushing with an average speed of 21.6km/h (13.4mph) maximising at 22.9km/h (14.2mph).
Weather in January » Weather in February
It is still wintertime in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, during the month of
February. Temperatures begin a slow climb from the
January low, reaching up to 7.8°C (46°F). February sees a notable 5mm (0.2") of snowfall, distinguishing it from the previous and proceeding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, welcomes spring in
March. With temperatures rising to 9.8°C (49.6°F), this month experiences a departure from the low temperatures of
February. Free of snowfall, March signifies a shift in seasons and brings about a palpable excitement in the air as the chill diminishes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, continues the pleasant trend of rising temperatures, reaching the high of 12.3°C (54.1°F), marking the onset of warmer weather. This is the first month of the year to completely steer clear of snowfall, signifying the definitive end of winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, is characterized by the pleasant warmth and escalating daylight hours. Mild temperatures continue to rise in May to a maximum of 14.7°C (58.5°F), indicating the arrival of summer from the comfortably warm spring.
Weather in May » Weather in June
It is summertime in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, in
June. With temperatures topping at 17.3°C (63.1°F), it’s clear summer is taking charge from the preceding spring. Long sunny days make June the perfect time for picnicking at Sophia Gardens, watching cricket matches or taking long coast-side walks.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, reaches the pinnacle of summer with temperatures peaking to the year's maximum of 19°C (66.2°F). This month offers 16.1 daylight hours, the highest all year, culminating in Cardiff summers' high point.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, is still in the Summer season. The weather parallels
July's conditions, with the highest sea temperatures being 16.6°C (61.9°F). Despite consecutive hot months of July and August, the city retains its charm with a constant 9km (5.6mi) visibility.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, marks the transition from balmy summer to cooler autumn. The temperature dips to 17.1°C (62.8°F), manifesting the initial traces of autumn as the warmth of summer begins to fade away. Enjoy the merging of seasons under the purple hues of the sky with 12.6 daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, is deep into autumn. This seasonal shift brings a decline in temperatures, which record a decrease from
September's 17.1°C (62.8°F) to October's 14.1°C (57.4°F). Along with shedding temperatures, this month records a surge in rainfall to 26mm (1.02"), making it relatively wet compared to the drier September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Cardiff,
United Kingdom, reveals the final phase of Autumn. As temperatures slide further to 10.4°C (50.7°F), this month brings the city closer to the threshold of winter. An increase in rainfall to 31mm (1.22") makes the city's scenery exceptionally lush and vibrant.
Weather in November » Weather in December