Are you thinking about visiting Cardiff, UK? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Cardiff worth visiting?
Cardiff is worth visiting for one to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Cardiff is the capital city of Wales. It has a long history with many local castles that you can explore. It's grown from a small town to the largest city in Wales and today it is a fun place to wander.
Cardiff
Reasons to Visit Cardiff
Museums
The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.
Shopping
Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.
Authenticity
Cardiff has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Cardiff worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Cardiff, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Cardiff
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| August | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| September | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Cardiff worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Cardiff. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 11°C (52°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and discover the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Cardiff
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| November | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| December | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Is Cardiff worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Cardiff. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Cardiff can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, and the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Cardiff
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| February | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| March | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
Is Cardiff worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Cardiff can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 9°C (48°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Cardiff, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Cardiff
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Cardiff
Food: Cardiff doesn't top the list for most foodies. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Cardiff might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Cardiff here or see if Cardiff is expensive here.
Related
What is Cardiff most famous for?
Cardiff is most famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. The city is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as green, industrial, and up-and-coming.
What is the most famous sight in Cardiff?
The most popular sight in Cardiff is The Cardiff Castle. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Cardiff on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Cardiff Castle and other attractions here.
How touristy is Cardiff? Is it a popular city to visit?
Cardiff is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $177
- Small Group Walking Tour Cardiff Bay: $38
- Complete Cardiff Doctor Who Walking Tour: $209
- Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
- Private Walking Half-Day Walking Tour of Cardiff: $190
- Sightseeing Tour Cardiff Bay and Vale of Glamorgan Full-Day Driver Guided: $127
- Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
How long should I spend in Cardiff?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Cardiff is one to three days. Since Cardiff has activities such as nightlife, shopping, and museums, most people visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cardiff? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cardiff?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.