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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 13 June 2026 by the Insight Britain weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Cardiff’s weather is typical of south Wales: mild, damp and changeable thanks to its maritime position. The live forecast above shows current conditions, while the detailed outlook below helps you plan ahead for rain, wind or sunshine.
What does the live forecast show for Cardiff?
The live conditions above update automatically from Met Office data. You can see the current temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, visibility and pressure. A rain radar gives a real-time picture of any showers moving in from the Bristol Channel. For a fuller picture, switch to the hourly view to spot when rain is likely — especially useful if you are walking in the city centre or along Cardiff Bay.
What is Cardiff’s typical climate through the year?
Cardiff has a temperate maritime climate, meaning mild winters, cool summers and rain spread fairly evenly across the year. The city is one of the warmer parts of Wales, but it rarely gets extreme heat or cold.
Spring (March to May)
Daytime highs range from 9 °C in March to 16 °C by May. Frosts are possible early in spring, especially in rural parts of the Vale of Glamorgan. Showers are frequent, but longer dry spells become more common from late April. Daffodils bloom in Bute Park and temperatures slowly lift.
Summer (June to August)
Average maxima sit around 19–21 °C, with occasional days reaching 28 °C. The city is often a couple of degrees warmer than the Welsh hills. Rain is still possible — about 10–12 rainy days per month — but summer is the sunniest season. Sea breezes off the Bristol Channel can keep the coast a little cooler.
Autumn (September to November)
September often holds pleasant conditions (17–19 °C), but by November daytime highs drop to 10–12 °C. October and November are among the wettest months. Atlantic low-pressure systems bring wind and rain, and the city can see flooding around the Taff and Ely rivers after prolonged downpours.
Winter (December to February)
Daytime temperatures hover between 6 °C and 9 °C, with overnight frosts occurring a few times each month. Snow is rare in the city centre — perhaps one or two dustings a year — but the surrounding hills often get a covering. Gales are more common, especially in December and January.
How does the maritime weather affect Cardiff?
Being in the west of the UK, Cardiff feels the full force of Atlantic weather systems. The Gulf Stream keeps winter temperatures milder than inland areas of England, but it also makes the air damp. Rain can arrive at any time, and the forecast can change quickly. That is why checking “weather in Wales 10 days” or “Wales weather forecast 14 days” gives you a trend, but local updates from the live conditions above are more reliable for the next few hours.
Is there a local microclimate around Cardiff?
Yes — Cardiff Bay and the city centre can be noticeably warmer than the northern suburbs such as Caerphilly or Pontypridd, which sit in the shadow of the South Wales Valleys. The coast around Penarth and Barry is often a degree or two cooler in spring and summer owing to onshore breezes. The “Cardiff urban heat island” effect means overnight temperatures in the city centre stay a couple of degrees above those in open countryside.
Best time to visit Cardiff and what to pack
The best time for pleasant weather is late spring (May) to early autumn (September). Temperatures are comfortable for walking the waterfront or visiting the castle, and daylight hours are long. If you want to avoid the largest crowds, aim for May or September — June to August sees more visitors and higher hotel rates.
Packing advice: a waterproof jacket and an umbrella are essential year-round. In winter add a warm coat, hat and gloves. Summer needs layers — a light jumper or fleece for evenings, plus sun cream for the odd sunny day. Sturdy, water-resistant shoes are sensible for exploring the city or the coast path.
How changeable is the forecast for Cardiff?
Because Cardiff lies in the path of Atlantic fronts, the forecast can shift within 24 hours. A spell of rain may clear to sunshine, then cloud over again. The BBC Wales weather live service and the live radar above help you track these changes hour by hour. The BBC Wales weather forecast video (available on the BBC website) provides a regional summary, but for Cardiff itself the localised data in the widget above is often more useful. For planning trips further ahead, use our 10-day forecast for a reliable trend, and always check UK weather warnings if storms are forecast.
What will the weather be like in Cardiff tomorrow?
Tomorrow’s conditions are shown in the hourly breakdown of the live forecast above. Generally, expect a mix of cloud, some rain and a light westerly breeze. Typical daytime highs will be in the range shown for the current season — the widget updates every few minutes with the latest observations and short-term predictions.
Is Cardiff a rainy city?
Yes, Cardiff receives about 1,100 mm of rain a year, which is above the UK average. Rain falls on roughly 140–150 days annually, though many days see only light drizzle. The wettest months are between October and January. However, the city also gets around 1,500 sunshine hours annually, so dry spells are frequent enough to enjoy outdoor activities most of the year.
Can I rely on a 10‑day or 14‑day forecast for Cardiff?
A 14‑day forecast gives you a broad trend of temperatures and general weather patterns, but accuracy drops significantly after about seven days. For detailed planning, trust the 5‑day outlook and the live radar. Our weather in Wales 10 days page is updated daily and provides a useful guide for outdoor events and trips across south Wales.
Does Cardiff get snow?
Snow is infrequent in Cardiff city centre — typically one or two days a year with lying snow. The surrounding hills and valleys, such as the Brecon Beacons, get much more. When snow does fall in Cardiff, it often melts within a few hours. Check the live conditions above for the latest radar if you are worried about wintry showers.