Mountain weather
Snowdonia Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers on most days. Also for winds to be easing. Moderate confidence for intensity and frequency of showers on most days.
This evening forecast
It will be largely dry with bright or sunny spells this evening, but with cloudy conditions on the summit. It will be windy on the summit, with gusts up to 35-40mph.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
Gales
Gale force winds (gusts over 50mph) make walking difficult and strenuous with a potential to be blown over by gusts. There is often a marked increase in winds through cols or on exposed ridges and summits. Distances can take longer to cover and compass bearings become harder to follow accurately.
Poor visibility
Poor visibility presents challenging route finding conditions. Visibility could be significantly less than 50 metres in all directions with few or no visual references, especially on featureless moors or plateaux. Distances become hard to judge and cliff or cornice edges can be difficult to recognise. These conditions require good navigational skills. There is a risk of white-out conditions when mist or fog is combined with extensive snow cover.
Strong sunlight
Harmful UV levels from sunlight increase with altitude giving a greater risk of sunburn and eye damage, even on some overcast days. On breezy days, the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin may disguise any feeling of sunburn until it is too late. If there is snow cover, glare increases the effect of UV rays especially on the eyes. It is advisable to wear sun block, protective clothing such as a long-sleeved top and hat and have good quality eye protection.
Mountain weather forecast
A mixture of sunny spells and occasional showers. Breezy.
| 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
00% | 00% | 00% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 60% | 30% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
SW
33
|
SW
31
|
SW
34
|
SW
30
|
SW
31
|
SW
31
|
SW
32
|
SW
27
|
| 600m |
SW
23
|
SW
22
|
SW
23
|
SW
22
|
SW
23
|
SW
24
|
SW
23
|
SW
20
|
| 300m |
SW
12
|
SW
11
|
SW
11
|
SW
12
|
SW
14
|
SW
14
|
SW
12
|
SW
10
|
| Valley |
SW
12
|
SW
11
|
SW
12
|
SW
13
|
SW
15
|
SW
14
|
SW
12
|
SW
11
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 42 | 40 | 43 | 40 | 42 | 43 | 42 | 36 |
| 600m | 31 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 35 | 37 | 33 | 28 |
| 300m | 28 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 32 | 33 | 28 | 25 |
| Valley | 27 | 25 | 26 | 29 | 32 | 32 | 28 | 25 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
8°
|
7°
|
7°
|
8°
|
8°
|
9°
|
8°
|
8°
|
| 600m |
10°
|
9°
|
9°
|
10°
|
11°
|
11°
|
11°
|
10°
|
| 300m |
12°
|
12°
|
11°
|
13°
|
14°
|
14°
|
13°
|
13°
|
| Valley |
13°
|
13°
|
13°
|
14°
|
15°
|
16°
|
15°
|
14°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,900m
|
1,800m
|
1,700m
|
2,100m
|
2,000m
|
2,000m
|
2,100m
|
2,100m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
2°
|
2°
|
1°
|
2°
|
3°
|
4°
|
3°
|
4°
|
| 600m |
6°
|
5°
|
5°
|
6°
|
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
| 300m |
10°
|
10°
|
9°
|
10°
|
11°
|
12°
|
11°
|
11°
|
| Valley |
11°
|
11°
|
11°
|
12°
|
13°
|
13°
|
13°
|
12°
|
Additional weather information
Weather
It will be a cloudy start to the day, with occasional showers. It will brighten up from mid-morning and into the afternoon, with some sunny spells developing. However, there will be occasional showers, which could possibly be heavy at times, especially during late-afternoon and into the evening.
Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m
60% with cloud bases down to 600-700m through the morning, increasing to 80% during the afternoon, but occasionally lowering onto the summits in any heavier showers.
Ground conditions
No recent ground conditions report available. For archived reports see - http://www.snowdonia.gov.wales/visiting/walking/ground-conditions
Visibility
Good views of distant hills between the showers, up to 30km away, but falling to just a few kilometres in showers.
Meteorologist's view
A brisk southwesterly wind, which could gust to near gale (45-50mph) on peaks and ridges, will make it feel on the cool side across the summits. Therefore, it is advisable to take an extra layer if you're spending any length of time walking or hiking in the hills. It may be slippery underfoot after any passing showers, so suitable footwear is also advisable.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Further showers overnight into Monday. It will be another day of sunny spells and occasional showers. The showers are likely to be heavy and possibly thundery at times.
Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m
60% with cloud bases down to 500m during the morning, increasing to 80% during the afternoon, but occasionally lowering onto summits in heavy showers.
Maximum wind speed expected
West south-westerly 20-25mph, gusting 30-35mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 5 Celsius, becoming Plus 7 Celsius.
- Valley Plus 7 Celsius, becoming Plus 18 Celsius.
- Freezing level Above the summits.
Visibility
Good views of distant hills between the showers, up to 20km away, but falling to just a few kilometres in heavy showers.
Mountain weather information
Tuesday 20 August
Sunrise:
Sunset:
After a cool start, It will be another day of sunny spells and scattered showers, possibly heavy and thundery at times. Winds will be lighter compared to recent days.
Wednesday 21 August
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A cool and bright start, with perhaps some mist and fog patches in the valleys first thing. Otherwise, it will be another day of sunny spells and scattered showers.
Thursday 22 August
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A band of showery rain will move quickly eastwards overnight. After a wet start on Thursday it should become largely dry with bright or sunny spells developing. It will be on the cool and breezy side.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
Key
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
The Snowdonia mountains are made up of 90 mountain peaks including the tallest mountain in Wales, Snowdon, standing at 1,085 metres.
The region can be divided into four areas with the northernmost area the most popular, including peaks such as Moel Hebog, Mynydd Mawr and the Nantlle Ridge. Many hikers tend to concentrate on Snowdon itself regarding it as a fine mountain. However it can become quite crowded, with the peak welcoming around half a million visitors every year, of which four fifths scale the peak on foot, while the remainder choose to take the train instead.
One of Snowdon’s main attractions is the sheer number and variety of paths that reach the peak. This means that everyone from mountaineering novices to climbing experts should find a way up the mountain that will suit their abilities or provide them with a sufficient test. The easiest is the Llanberis path which, being the longest, has the most shallow ascent. In contrast, the Watkin Path is widely seen as being the most demanding ascent, despite also being considered the prettiest.