Weather
July is the hottest month of the year in Wales, but we are talking pleasantly warm, not roasting. Temperatures hover between lows of 53°F (12°C) and highs of 70°F (21°C), leaping up to 86°F (30°C) during the occasional heatwave. Cardiff is a shade warmer than the country average, with highs of 71.5°F (22°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C), while things can feel a tad cooler on the coast of Pembrokeshire and in the mountains of Snowdonia, where it is breezier and more exposed. Being Wales, there’s never any guarantee of sun and there are still 10 days of rain on average in July, so pack layers and a light waterproof.
Moderate temperatures mean that even in July you can do more than just crash on the beach: heading out on coastal trails, enjoying watersports, and embarking on longer hikes in the mountains are all great options for this month.
Crowds & Costs
Wales slides into high season in July and reaches its peak late in the month when the schools are on vacation. Roads are busy, restaurants require advance reservations and accommodation is at a premium—the best rooms sell out in a flash, so if you want to pick and choose, you’re going to have to be very organized and book well in advance. Even camping and glamping sites can get booked solid, meaning you can’t just rock up and expect to get a pitch.
Prices skyrocket in July, with flights and hotels at their most expensive (sometimes double or even triple what they would be in low season). This is not a season for scoring deals. But if you’re happy to contend with higher crowds and rates, this is a great month to visit for outdoor activities and upbeat festivals. Pro tip: if everything is fully booked in popular towns, cities, and coastal resorts, turn your attention to quieter villages and remoter regions inland; it often pays to go one valley over.
Where to Go
Planning a trip to the beach? You are not alone. With the faintest glimmer of sun, much of Wales decamp to the beach in July, particularly at weekends and during the school vacation for boat trips, ice cream, and refreshing dips in the Atlantic. You might find coastal honeypots like Tenby, Llandudno, Gower, and Barry Island too busy for your liking. If their beaches are too packed, turn your attention elsewhere: try the quieter coves of North Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, the Llŷn Peninsula, and Anglesey. As a rule of thumb, the remoter you go (and the further you have to walk), the quieter the bay or cove. National Trust beaches tend to be pristine and offer a back-to-nature experience.
While the collective gaze is focused largely on the coast, this is a wonderful time to explore the valleys veining the peaks of the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia national parks and the little-visited Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales. Now’s a great time to hike and camp, with long days, dry trails, and reasonably stable weather.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
On blue-sky days in July, Wales really is your oyster, but if you’re road tripping you’ll want to get early starts to beat the worst of the traffic.
Beach hop until you find a bay that’s to your liking on the 180-mile (290-km) Coastal Way, which takes in the full sweep of Cardigan Bay, from St Davids in the south to Aberdaron on the western tip of the hook-shaped Llŷn Peninsula in the north. This route is Wales in a nutshell, taking in secluded coves, vast dune-backed beaches, castles, cathedrals, quaint harbor towns, prehistoric standing stones, forests, Snowdonia National Park—you name it.
The coast and mountains pulse with adventure in July, whether you want to try your hand at coasteering and sea kayaking in Pembrokeshire, white-water rafting, hiking and zip-lining in Snowdonia, or peak bagging, mountain biking, and wild swimming in the Brecon Beacons.
Events in July
Wales Airshow, Swansea Bay. All eyes are on the skies at one of Wales’ biggest and most popular free events, bringing vintage and military aircraft and aerobatic displays to Swansea Bay on the first weekend in July.
Gower Festival. Over two weeks in early July, the beautiful Gower Peninsula is the backdrop for this highly atmospheric classical music festival, which attracts a host of internationally acclaimed musicians to the region’s historic churches.
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Canalside Llangollen and its Royal Pavilion is the focal point for this big-name festival of music on the second weekend in July. It’s a feast of classical concerts, world choral music, and dance.
Royal Welsh Show, Llanelwedd. The highlight on Wales’ agricultural calendar, this four-day event on the fourth week in July takes over a vast showground in Llanelwedd in Mid Wales. Livestock competitions, sheep-shearing demos, food stalls, crafts, and live music are all in the mix.
International Snowdon Race. Hardcore fell runners tough it out in this 9.5-mile (15 km) dash to the top of Wales' highest peak, Snowdon, on the third weekend in July.
The Big Cheese, Caerphilly. Topped by an enormous medieval castle, the town of Caerphilly stages one of the summer’s hottest festivals at the end of the month, with a line-up featuring everything from medieval re-enactments to cheese tasting, live music, street food, and fireworks.
Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale. Hard rock and metal fans flock to a farm at the top of a mountain in the Ebbw Vale at this festival on the last weekend in July.
Landed Festival. One to whisper quietly about, this underground festival for music and art lovers is held on the Doldowlod country estate in Mid Wales. There’s live music from emerging artists, DJ sets, and a chilled vibe, as well as plenty to appeal to families.
National Eisteddfod of Wales. The National Eisteddfod is the biggest and most revered celebration of Welsh music and poetry, with plenty of pageantry and history thrown in. You don’t need to speak Welsh to enjoy the food stalls, craft stands, music, and events.
Traveling to Wales in July? Check out these great itineraries
Walking in Beautiful North Wales: Snowdonia & Anglesey - 8 Days. Discover North Wales' rugged highlands, beaches, and historic villages on this self-guided walking tour through Snowdonia National Park, the Llyn Peninsula, and Anglesey Island.
Culinary Tour of Wales - 5 Days. Hike the mountain grasslands of Brecon Beacons and taste local whiskey, then visit sleepy harbor towns and ancient monasteries in Pembrokeshire. Drive along the spectacular Cambrian coast, then end your trip in the jagged mountains of Snowdonia, where mountain views and medieval castles await.
More Helpful Information
Wales in June
Wales in August
Best Time of Year to Visit Wales
How Many Days to Spend in Wales