Wales has a real spring in its step in March, with daffodils in the hedgerows and warmer, lighter days on the horizon. While you can still expect the odd downpour, this is a fine, quiet month to combine a city stay with a tour of the coast and countryside. Read on to learn more about traveling to Wales in March.
Weather in Wales during March
Spring’s gentle touch is undeniably in the air as March arrives in Wales, yet it’s essential to remember the unique character of this captivating country. Preparation is key when venturing into Wales during this transitional month. Mud and rain are common companions, so packing layers of clothing, reliable waterproof gear, and sturdy boots or wellies is always advisable. While the days are growing longer and brighter, the weather can still be unpredictable.
Statistically, March sees an average of 11 days graced with rainfall. As winter’s grip loosens, temperatures begin their gradual climb. In Cardiff, you can anticipate lows around 41°F (5°C) and highs reaching approximately 52°F (11°C). However, venturing into the elevated terrains of the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia presents a different climate picture. In these mountainous regions, temperatures can dip below freezing, and the majestic summits may still be adorned with a dusting of snow.
The west coast offers a milder experience when the sun graces the sky, creating pleasant conditions for coastal exploration. However, be prepared for a stark contrast on stormy, blustery days, when the coastal winds can carry a biting chill that penetrates even the warmest layers.
Crowds and Costs in March
March exists in that sweet spot just before the peak tourist season truly kicks off in Wales. While the number of visitors is gradually increasing, the large crowds associated with summer remain absent. This makes it an opportune time for travelers seeking a more tranquil experience of the Welsh landscape and culture.
Accommodation rates tend to fluctuate in March. You’ll typically see a spike around Mother’s Day and, naturally, during the Easter holidays if they happen to fall within the month. However, outside of these specific periods, March often presents an excellent opportunity to secure attractive deals on hotels, charming bed and breakfasts, and self-catering accommodations. Similarly, flight prices tend to be more reasonable during this time, provided you avoid traveling during school holiday periods.
For many coastal towns and villages, Easter signals the true beginning of the tourist season. Establishments that may have been closed for the winter months, including attractions, hotels, and restaurants, begin to reopen their doors, welcoming visitors with renewed enthusiasm.
Where to Venture in Wales in March
Although the weather remains somewhat unpredictable, the lengthening days and gradually rising temperatures make March a wonderful month to combine a stimulating city break with immersive experiences in the great outdoors. Consider spending time in the vibrant capital city of Cardiff, exploring the literary history of Swansea, a city favored by Dylan Thomas, or relaxing in the laid-back coastal atmosphere of Aberystwyth.
Cardiff goes all out for St David’s Day celebrations on the first day of March, with parades, exhibitions, and festivities filling the city’s streets.
The Welsh landscape undergoes a stunning transformation in March as it awakens from its winter slumber. Daffodils, the national flower of Wales, burst into bloom, adding splashes of vibrant yellow to the hedgerows lining the narrow country lanes. To witness the spring blooms at their absolute finest, head to the magnificent National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire. Even on a rainy day, you can seek refuge inside Norman Foster’s architectural masterpiece, the Great Glasshouse, where you can marvel at an extraordinary collection of botanical wonders in a sheltered environment.
Activities to Enjoy in Wales in March
With the promise of milder days on the horizon, March can be an excellent time to plan scenic road trips through the remote valleys and embark on invigorating day hikes in the untamed moors and mountains of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, as well as the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. If you’re planning a visit to the Brecon Beacons, try to coincide it with the annual walking festival held in the picturesque Georgian village of Crickhowell, nestled along the banks of the River Usk. A highlight of this week-long celebration of hiking is the popular trek up Table Mountain.
When the sun shines in March, the Welsh coast beckons with irresistible allure. Consider heading south to the stunning Gower Peninsula near Swansea, where you can enjoy bracing walks along expansive bays. Alternatively, you can hike along a section of the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast Path, traversing gorse-clad cliffs and passing through traditional kissing gates to discover your own secluded cove.
Sheep vastly outnumber people in Wales, with an estimated 11 million sheep roaming the countryside. In March, you’ll be serenaded by the delightful bleating of lambs in fields wherever you travel. For an opportunity to get up close and personal with the lambing season, pay a visit to the open-air heritage museum of St Fagans near Cardiff, where you can observe newborn lambs and learn about traditional Welsh farming practices.
Notable Events in Wales during March
**St David’s Day, Nationwide:** On March 1st, the entire nation of Wales erupts in a vibrant celebration of its patron saint. Expect to see daffodils and leeks adorning lapels, traditional Welsh costumes proudly displayed, and a general outpouring of national pride. The heart of the action is undoubtedly in Cardiff, with its lively parade and captivating concerts at St David’s Hall. Alternatively, you can make a pilgrimage to St David’s in Pembrokeshire, the birthplace of the saint in 500 AD.
**North Wales Choir Festival, Llandudno:** Wales is renowned as a land of song, and this grand choral event showcases the nation’s rich musical heritage. Concerts and community performances fill the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno during the first weekend in March, creating an atmosphere of harmonious celebration.
**Crickhowell Walking Festival, Crickhowell:** Situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, the charming town of Crickhowell hosts a fantastic nine-day walking festival starting in the second week of March. The festival offers a diverse range of guided hikes, informative workshops, and engaging evening events for walking enthusiasts of all abilities.
**Laugharne Weekend:** This unique literary and musical festival takes place in the Carmarthenshire coastal town of Laugharne, where the celebrated poet Dylan Thomas once lived, loved, and created his timeless works. Held on the fourth weekend in March, the festival brings together a talented array of writers and musicians, creating a vibrant atmosphere of artistic expression.
**Cardiff Half Marathon:** On the last Sunday of March, runners from across Wales and beyond converge on the capital city to participate in the Cardiff Half Marathon, pounding the city’s streets in pursuit of personal bests and a sense of collective achievement.
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