Today's weather for Cardiff, United Kingdom13th May 2008 02:20

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Weather Overview for Cardiff

Cardiff, Wales’ capital city, lies in the south west of the country adjacent to the Bristol Channel. The weather in Cardiff can be very unpredictable at times but has proven to be one of the most mild cities in the United Kingdom. There is rarely snow in the winter and rainfall is considerably lower than the upland areas of Wales. One thing you will notice about Cardiff when compared with London is the freshness in the air- the air in Cardiff feels significantly crisper than the humid air in London.

In general, the conditions are fairly temperate and resemble a maritime climate lacking any major temperature extremes. These mild weather conditions are also partly due to its sheltered position on the north side of the Bristol Channel.

Summer is a great time to visit Cardiff because it is very rarely excruciatingly hot, with the summer months of June to August seeing an average daily temperature of 15 degrees. The average high in the peak summer months of July and August sits at 20 degrees, while the minimum falls to 12 degrees. Rainfall and humidity are at their lowest levels during the summer months so the conditions are often very enjoyable.

Springtime is beautiful in the Welsh capital, as the trees are blossoming, the flowers are blooming and the city’s extensive parkland is lush and green. September sees an average of 14 degrees before falling to 7 degrees by November. However, if visiting during this time be sure to bring an umbrella as it is the wettest period of the year.

Winter sees daily highs of 7 to 8 degrees, and average minimums of 3 to 4 degrees. Rainfall is high in December and January before weaning of slightly by February. Cardiff, with an average annual rainfall of 1,065 millimeters, in fact has a relatively dry climate when compared with the rest of Wales.

Cardiff plays host to an ‘urban heat’ phenomenon which means that temperatures are sometimes 4-5°C hotter than the surrounding rural areas.

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