Watching the sunrise over the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) is a memorable experience. The best view is from the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the highest mountain in Wales and is an excellent place to watch the sunrise. Careful planning and preparation are key to a successful experience with footpath choice, appropriate kit and time management important considerations.
Why watch the sunrise on Snowdon?
Watching the sunrise is a life affirming, majestic and dazzling spectacle. Those who forgo a nights sleep or drag themselves out of bed in the middle of the night then walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience and (hopefully) incredible views.
The summit, which can be busy during the day, is really quiet when the sun rises so is an excellent time to experience the solitude and majesty of the mountains.
How to prepare for a Snowdon sunrise
Preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable hike especially when you plan to watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain.
Choose a suitable footpath, check the weather forecast, take appropriate equipment, know where to park and allow plenty of time.
You can also join a group or hire a guide and let them organise all of this for you.
Snowdon routes
Choose a route based on the ability of the group, the conditions on the day, and what you want to see.
Llanberis Path is a gradual and safe route so is a good choice for sunrise and sunset hikes. Please be quiet when walking through the village especially at unsociable hours.
The other main paths: Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, and Ranger Path. Each has its's own challenges and scenic views.
Which footpath is best for Snowdon sunrise?
The Llanberis Path is usually best footpath for sunrise. The gradual incline and well engineered footpath make it the safest option. It normally takes 3-4 hours to walk up the 7.2km footpath to the summit so allow plenty of time.
The PYG or Miners Track are also a good choice as they are on the eastern side of the mountain which is the same side as the sunrise. Both footpaths are challenging to navigate and are on steep and unforgiving terrain.
Find a car park
Once you have decided on a route then research where to park. Some of the car parks such as Pen y Pass operate a pre-booking system whilst others close at certain times.
Check the weather forecast
Check the Snowdon summit forecast before you set off. The Met Office have the most up to date weather information for the summit. The Mountain Weather Information Service provide information on the 'chance of cloud free summits' which is really useful to know how likely you are to get a good view.
Pay particular attention to the 'feels like temperature' in addition to the wind speed, temperature and likelihood of precipitation.
Essential Gear for Snowdon sunrise
The temperature is usually significantly colder at night than during the day so plenty of warm clothes are usually needed. A head torch and spare batteries are essential for finding your way in the dark.
In addition to all the normal mountain hiking gear you may want to consider the following for a sunrise hike...
Waterproof over trousers
Flask with a hot drink
Something to sit on
Warm hat and gloves
Group first aid kit and emergency supplies
Trekking poles (optional).
Allow plenty of time
Start to climb Snowdon in the early hours to watch the sunrise. Allow 3-5 hours to reach the summit, depending on your pace and the route. In the summer a good time to set off is usually between midnight and 2 am. Check sunrise times and adjust your start time accordingly.
Final Considerations
Walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) with an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader from a reputable guiding company for added safety and navigation.
Be mindful of local communities and keep noise levels down when passing through residential areas.
Stay together as a group and keep an eye on each other’s progress.
Sunrise guided walks
We offer regular sunset and sunrise guided walks up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to watch the sunset and sunrise.
Alternatively, choose your own date and book one of our experienced Mountain Leaders as part of our Private Guided service.
FAQ's
Is Snowdon better for sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise and sunset are incredible sights. They are broadly similar and if you are lucky enough to witness either then you will not be disappointed. Some people prefer sunsets as they are at more sociable hours whilst other people like the romanticism of greeting the day by watching the sun rise.
The sun rises in the morning from the east. When viewed from Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) this occurs over Moel Siabod and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). The colours of sunrise tend to be colder with more blues and pastel pinks.
The sun sets in the evening towards the west. This is over the Irish sea and the mountains of Moel Eilio and Mynydd Mawr when viewed from the summit. Sunsets look warmer and are more red and orange. This is caused when the blue and violet particles in the air at sunset are ‘blocked’ while the warmer visible light wavelengths, reds, oranges etc continue through to the eye (and camera).
Benefits of sunset
Sunsets have the benefit of being at sociable hours. Even on the summer solstice you are likely to be back down before midnight and if you watch the sunset in November through to March you could even make it back down in time for a drink and bite to eat.
Is Snowdon safe in the dark?
Like many activities in life mountain walking carries inherent risks. The dangers associated with hiking up Snowdon are increased in the dark.
Visibility is obviously worse in the darkness and this makes walking more challenging with slips and trips more likely. Navigating is considerably more challenging making it easy to get lost. Head torches are essential to help you see when it's dark.
Tiredness is also an issue with sunrise and sunset hikes taking place at times that most people are normally relaxing or sleeping, especially in summer. Tiredness and fatigue is a contributing factor to many Mountain Rescue incidents.
Consider hiring a guide or joining a walking group to reduce the risks & stress of hiking in the dark whilst increasing safety.
What time is sunrise on Snowdon?
The sunrise time varies significantly throughout the year. On the summer solstice and the days either side of the longest day, sunrise is at 04:49am. Sunrise on the winter solstice is nearly 4 hours later at 08:29am.
When is the best time of year to watch the sunrise?
The summer months are warmer but sunrise is much earlier meaning you have to trek through the night. The winter months have the benefit of later sunrises but winter conditions make the mountains more dangerous.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for sunrise and sunset as the weather is favourable and the times are reasonable.
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