Snowdonia ('Eryri' in Welsh) covers an area of 823 square miles and is Wales' largest National Park.
You can visit Snowdonia National Park all day, every day throughout the year. The peak season is during the summer months. Whilst most businesses and attractions remain open all year, some close over the winter period so check each company's website individually.
Consisting of 9 mountain ranges, 23 miles of coastline and 1497 miles of routes to explore, it welcomes around 4 million visitors every year.
When is the best time of year to visit Snowdonia?
The summer months are by far the most popular time to visit Snowdonia National Park. With longer days and statistically better weather, it is perfect to enjoy the great outdoors.
School holidays, especially the summer one see a peak in visitor numbers.
August is the most popular month as it is the perfect time for family fun, camping and activities like white water rafting.
When is the best weather in Snowdonia?
June is the driest month with 108mm of rain and the lowest wind speeds of 12mph. June is also the second warmest month so overall is the best weather in Snowdonia.
Statistically, at an average of 14°C, August is the warmest month in the Snowdonia National Park. It is also the wettest summer month by some margin with 198mm of rain.
When is the quietest time of year to visit Snowdonia?
Albert Einstein once said... "What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right".
If you want to enjoy the main attractions, such as Snowdon, without the crowds then you might want to opt-out of a summer trip.
November to March see the least visitors to Snowdonia National Park.
Does Snowdonia ever close?
National Parks in the UK, including Snowdonia, are open year-round and anyone can visit at any time for free.
The only time Snowdonia has 'closed' was during the Covid Pandemic but this was due to a nationwide government-imposed lockdown.
Whilst most businesses within the National Park such as hotels and pubs remain open other businesses are seasonal and close during the off-season.
Welsh Highland Railways for example don't operate from November to March. It is best to check first.
When is the best time of year for climbing Snowdon?
June is the best month to go up Snowdon. It is driest month so you are most likely to get cloud free summits and good views from the summit. It is also the second warmest and least windy month making it perfect for walking.
Consequently, it is one of the more popular months with around 80,000 hikers using Snowdon's footpaths.
As you can see from the chart, if you want to summit Snowdon without the crowds, then November to March are the quietest.
Please be aware that the mountains can be dangerous places at any time of the year especially in winter when specialist equipment and knowledge is needed.
How to avoid the crowds on Snowdon
Apart from going in a quieter month, if you want to avoid the crowds, then choosing the less popular routes up Snowdon will help.
For more information about all of the routes to summit Snowdon then please take a look at our guide to the Paths up Snowdon.
Does Snowdon ever close?
Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, is open year-round just like the rest of the National Park.
It is just the summit building and visitor centre that close after the last weekend in October until spring.
What is Snowdonia like in Autumn?
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Snowdonia National Park.
Nature puts on a glorious annual display as Snowdonia's 11,000 hectares of native woodland light up with autumnal fiery reds, chocolate browns, rusty copper orange and butterscotch yellows.
The bracken paints whole swathes of mountainside rich golden brown and the heathers splash vibrant purple from hill to hill. For this reason, Autumn, particularly October and November has spectacular views and consequently are great inspiration for local artists.
How busy is Snowdonia in Autumn?
September, October and November see a significant drop in visitor numbers after the peak summer season.
It is easier to find a table in a café or restaurant, car parks are less busy and accommodation is more reasonably priced.
Read our blog article on The best places to stay in Snowdonia.
The sea is at its warmest in September as the water takes longer to heat than air so this can be a good month for a watersports adventure.
What is the best month to visit Snowdonia?
October can be the perfect month. Visually, autumn provides the richest, most vivid and varied colours plus pleasantly sunny afternoons warm your skin and provide perfect hiking weather.
As the sun sets and cold creeps down the valley, there is nothing better than settling down next to a log fire and reminiscing about the great day you've just had.
The National Park is much quieter and more peaceful without the hustle and bustle of summer as visitor numbers are less than half of August.
Is Snowdonia good in winter?
Absolutely! The Snowdonian mountains transform into alpine-looking peaks of pristine snow and ice and can be at their most majestic at this time.
They are perfect for winter walking but you need to know what you are doing.
Even if winter mountaineering isn't your thing, winter walking in the valleys is a real pleasure.
Winter also sees the fewest visitors so if you want to beat the crowds then it is the perfect time to visit.
Most attractions such as Plas Tan y Bwlch and Conwy Castle are open year-round.
Are all walking routes open in Winter?
The walking routes are open but may not be safe. Easy summer routes are a completely different prospect in winter conditions (covered in snow and/or ice).
Avalanches, cornices and ice-covered convex slopes have all claimed lives.
There have been numerous fatalities over the years on Snowdon, with Clogwyn Coch and the zigzags on the PYG & Miners being particularly treacherous.
Winter mountaineering clothes, specialist equipment and specialist knowledge are needed in winter conditions.
Alternative Walks
There are usually plenty of alternatives if your footpath is covered in the snow such as the Moelwyns.
When to avoid Snowdonia?
Snowdonia National Park is an amazing place year round but might not be to everyone's taste all the time.
If you want to climb a mountain but are not into winter mountaineering, then you might want to avoid the winter months.
If you don't like crowds and higher prices, then summer, particularly July and August, would be good months to miss.
If you are planning a beach holiday, the sea is really chilly in the spring because it takes a long time to warm up.
If you can be flexible, then choose a time when the weather is favourable.
Conclusion
Snowdonia National Park is open all year with August being the most popular month. If you want the most reliable weather then June is a safe bet.
Autumn is an underappreciated time with October being particularly good for low visitor numbers, good weather and amazing scenery.
Plan your hike with Walk Snowdonia today!
