Autumn is the Best Season to Experience Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is a mountain for all seasons, but ask any of our guides when the mountain is at its most rewarding, and many will give the same answer: Autumn.

Autumn in Snowdonia (Eryri) brings a unique mix of conditions that transform the mountain into something truly special. From quieter trails to golden sunrises, here’s why Autumn is the perfect time to climb Wales’ highest peak.

Weather

Some of the best mountain days are found in Autumn. The intense heat of summer has passed and warm sunny days in September, October and November are perfect for hiking. Just like Goldilocks' porridge it isn't too hot or too cold.

Mornings in September can still be warm. Later in the season they are often cool, crisp, and still mild enough for enjoyable walking without the discomfort of summer heat or winter storms.

Afternoons are frequently pleasant and warm and you will find yourself walking in a t-shirt and perhaps shorts for much of the day.

Layers are your friend and you can strip them off or add as required throughout the day.

Autumn generally strikes that sweet spot between extremes.

Empty Miners Track in late September

Quiet Footpaths

One of the biggest draws of autumn is the peace. The summer rush on Snowdon's footpaths has gone, and with it the long queues for the summit cairn.

The main routes – Llanberis Path & Pyg Track & Miners’ Track – feel much calmer, and you might not see anyone on the quieter routes such as the Rhyd Ddu Path and Snowdon Ranger all day – making them even more tranquil. 

The stats don’t lie – autumn sees around a third of people climbing Snowdon (114,000) compared to summer (312,000). After August, each month sees visitor numbers drop off a metaphorical cliff. By November there are less than 14,000 visitors which is a fraction of the 116,000 in August. The number of people on Snowdon roughly halves each month from August to November. September sees 68,000 hikers, October 32,000 and November just 14,000.

Because of these quiet footpaths, mid week in September, October and November is one of the best times to climb Snowdon.

Walking in autumn gives you space to enjoy the mountain on your own terms, to pause, reflect, and soak in the landscape without the pressure of a crowd behind you. This quieter feel includes other mountains such as Crib Goch and Tryfan. 

The slower pace also extends to Snowdonia’s villages. Llanberis, Beddgelert, and Betws-y-Coed feel less hurried, allowing you to enjoy a more authentic side of local life – cafés with time to chat, outdoor shops with space to browse, and pubs that feel cosy rather than crowded.

Spectacular views on Ranger Path in mid October

Visibility

Autumn often brings some of the clearest visibility on Snowdon. The cooler air means less heat haze, and on the right day you can see as far as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, the Isle of Man, and even the Lake District.

The clarity of light adds drama to the surrounding ridges and peaks of Crib Goch, Glyderau, and Nantlle Ridge, making the landscape feel sharper, bigger, and more alive.

For photographers, this light is a gift: the warm tones of sunrise, the soft glow of late afternoon, and the possibility of morning mist hanging in the valleys all combine to make autumn one of the best seasons to capture Snowdon on camera.

Looking back at all my photos through all the years, the best visibility and clarity is in autumn, specifically late October and November. All of the photos in this blog were taken in Autumn.

Perfect for sunrise, sunset & inversions

Autumn transforms sunrise and sunset into some of the most magical moments you can experience on Snowdon.

Autumn makes sunrise and sunset on Snowdon more accessible and more beautiful than at any other time of year. The sun rises at a reasonable hour and sets early enough to enjoy without a late night, yet the quality of light is breathtaking.

The lower angle of the autumn sun casts long shadows across ridges and valleys, while rich tones of gold, red, and orange transform both sky and landscape for sunrise and sunset at this time of year. Mists often hang in the valleys at dawn, creating dramatic “inversion” views just like the picture above (taken 1st November).

Snowdonia in late October

Seasonal Interest

Autumn is when Snowdonia’s palette changes. Heather lingers on the hillsides, bracken glows bronze, and at the lower elevations the woodlands explode in a riot of fiery colour.

The landscape feels richer, softer, and more atmospheric. This is especially good on Snowdon’s (Yr Wyddfa’s) Watkin Path where you walk through an ancient Celtic Woodland before entering bracken covered slopes.

It’s also the perfect season for photographers, with natural light that seems designed for capturing the mountain at its best. Every ridge, crag, and valley seems more sculpted under the low autumn sun.

In conclusion

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) has its charms in every season, but autumn captures something rare: a balance of conditions that make the mountain feel both welcoming and dramatic. With warm afternoons, quiet paths, golden landscapes, starry skies, and colourful vistas, autumn isn’t just a good time to climb Snowdon – it’s arguably the very best.

Walk up Snowdon this Autumn with Walk Snowdonia

Let us worry about the details so you can simply enjoy climbing the mountain.

We are the Snowdon experts and have guided thousands of people to the summit of Snowdon all year round. We will send you a weather specific kit list and keep you safe on the day.

Get in touch to organise a guided walk up Snowdon or join one of our open Group Dates including sunrise or sunset walks.

FAQ’s

Is it safe to climb Snowdon in October?

With the right equipment and experience it is possible to summit Snowdon on most days in October. However, the weather at this time of the month is more extreme than previous months so close attention needs to be paid to the weather forecast.

Is it safe to climb Snowdon in November?

Snowdon normally sees it’s first snowfall in November. This makes the mountain look spectacular but is much more dangerous. In these conditions winter mountaineering gear will need to be carried and a very good knowledge of navigation is needed as the footpaths disappear under a blanket of snow.

Is Snowdon open all year?

Snowdon and it's car parks are open year round. There are no restrictions on days or times when it can be climbed with the onus falling on the individual rather than the National Park to decide whether they are equipped and capable.

Does Snowdon ever close?

No. The routes up Snowdon are all public rights of way through access land. Snowdonia -now Eryri National Park - was designated in 1951 with the aim of promoting public access and enjoyment. As a consequence, since then, there hasn't been any restrictions on public access to Snowdon.

How cold is Snowdon in October?

The average daytime temperature on Snowdon in October is around six degrees. It can get much colder and the feels like temperature is usually below zero.

What do you wear up Snowdon in Autumn?

The exact clothing depends on the weather on the day. Layering is essential with a moisture wicking base layer plus one, two or even three mid-layers. Gloves (plus spares) and a warm hat become increasingly necessary and are almost always essential by October. You should always take waterproofs.