The Best Time to Climb Snowdon
Standing at 1,085 metres above sea level, and surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of gorgeous north Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is the tallest mountain in Wales and one of the UK’s most beloved natural landmarks. So it is no surprise that Yr Wydffa receives its fair share of visitors. In fact, around 700,000 hikers reach the summit every year.
If you are thinking about becoming one of those 700,000 annual visitors, you are probably looking for guidance. For first-timers, one question pops up very frequently. When is the best time to climb Yr Wyddfa? In this article, we look at the best time of day to scale the mountain, whether some days are better than others and how the experience changes throughout the year. If you have any other questions about climbing Yr Wyddfa, check out our Snowdon for Beginners Guide.
Why are you climbing Snowdon?
So, you want to know when to climb Yr Wyddfa. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. It depends on what you want to get from the experience, what your interests are and the walking experience you have accumulated. An experienced mountain leader who has participated in international expeditions might feel relatively comfortable climbing Yr Wyddfa in the middle of winter. But someone with relatively little experience would be putting themselves in grave danger if they attempted it.
With this in mind, we will explore several key factors most walkers must consider when choosing the best time to climb Yr Wyddfa, then look at a few specific cases. In most instances, climbers choose a time to climb the mountain based on three things:
- Availability
- Weather
- Crowds
Often, climbing Yr Wyddfa means finding a compromise between these factors. For instance, most people work during the week and are only free to climb the mountain on the weekends. But this is when Yr Wyddfa is busiest and there are the biggest crowds. Similarly, there are fewer crowds in the winter. But the weather is often less predictable and can compromise your enjoyment. This article aims to help you strike a balance and find the best time for you.
What time of day should you climb Snowdon?
Let’s start with the basics. When you climb Yr Wyddfa, what time should you set off? It may help to know that it typically takes six to seven hours to get up and down the mountain. Of course, this will vary depending on your pace, fitness level and how long you spend at the summit.
It is always a good idea to factor in a little extra time, as things do not always go to plan. You do not want to put yourself in a tricky position by still being on the mountain when the sun sets. If you do set off later in the day, pack a torch. It might save you if something goes wrong.
It may also help to know that the summit is usually busiest between 11:30 and 14:30. If you want to avoid the crowds (particularly during the summer), we recommend planning your climb so you arrive outside these hours.
Your precise departure hour will depend on the time of year. The longer days in summer mean leaving at an earlier hour is more feasible. It also gives you a few extra hours to play with at the end of the day. At Climb Snowdon, we are big fans of setting off early, even if that means doing the first part of the walk in the dark. First, it ensures you are down and off the mountain long before the sun goes down. Second, you get to catch the spectacular Snowdon sunrise as you climb.
What day of the week should you climb Snowdon?
The Snowdonia National Park Authority collects detailed visitor data throughout the year, so it is possible to get a pretty detailed breakdown of what days of the week are busiest. Unsurprisingly, weekends draw the biggest crowds. In fact, around one in three people climb to the summit on a Saturday (Snowdonia National Park).
Bank holidays are also particularly busy, as families and friends make the most of the three-day weekend and head to the mountains for an outdoor adventure. Similarly, you can expect more people during the summer holidays. To avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful walk, the best time to climb is a weekday during term time.
Though we will talk about the weather at greater length later in the article, it is worth mentioning that the conditions in the days leading up to your walk may impact your ability to climb. For instance, if it has been bucketing down non-stop the week before your walk, it does not matter if the actual day of your climb is bright and dry. The ground will still be sodden, the trails tough underfoot, and some sections more dangerous. You may need to reconsider your plans.
What time of the year should you climb Snowdon?
Summer is your best bet if you want to climb Yr Wyddfa in the most pleasant weather possible. But, as we already know, this is also when the mountain is at its busiest. If you are willing to get up early, you can beat the worst of the crowds, though it will never be as quiet as other times of the year.
Climbing Yr Wyddfa in the winter should only be attempted by experienced hill walkers and mountaineers. Snow, ice and treacherous conditions mean inexperienced walkers could put themselves in grave danger should they try to reach the summit. Often, the winter snow disappears by the end of April, though it can extend into May.
That leaves the shoulder seasons. September can be breathtaking. The autumnal colours arrive and the trails quieten down. It is a great time to enjoy some pre-winter walking, as it is a little cooler, too. By October, the weather is becoming unpredictable and the chance of storms increases dramatically. Yr Wyddfa is well known for its changeable weather and this is the time of year when things turn quickly. Unless you are sure of the weather, are confident and competent in your abilities in poorer conditions, or are accompanied by an experienced guide, we would be wary of taking on Yr Wyddfa from October onwards.
When the weather is right and the snow has melted, April and May are simply glorious months to climb the mountain. While you may not have the summer heat and the skies may be a little more overcast and drizzly, Yr Wyddfa is quiet(er) and the turning of the seasons and the arrival of spring makes for a magical experience. If you get a good day, grab the opportunity with both hands. It’s probably our favourite time of year in Eryri.
Best time for…
Now that we have covered the best time of the day, week and year to climb Yr Wyddfa, we will look at specific cases. If you are climbing the mountain for a particular reason or purpose and want to know what time of year best suits your activity, get in touch and ask. We will happily update this section if we get a lot of people asking for similar information.
Best time for nature and wildlife
As all animal lovers know, the best conditions for nature spotting depend on plenty of quiet and a distinct lack of people. In Eryri, that generally means the height of summer is not the best period. However, there is an abundance of peaceful spots away from the Yr Wyddfa crowds where you are likely to encounter the local fauna. Why not try one of our alternative short walks in Eryri instead?
For the team at Climb Snowdon, April, May and September are the best months for nature lovers. The mountain is quieter, the animals more relaxed, and everyone is busy emerging from or preparing for winter.
If you are particularly interested in local wildlife, we recommend the following spots in Eryri. Check out the RSPB’s Glaslyn Osprey Project at Pont Croesor, Coed-y-Brenin for deer and grouse, and Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve for polecats, bats and barn owls.
Best time for experienced mountaineers
Experienced mountaineers will love Yr Wyddfa any time of the year. It is impossible not to! Crib Goch is one of the greatest ridgeline scrambles in the UK and poses a unique challenge for those with the skills required to traverse it safely. While summer may not be as appealing a time to visit due to the crowds, winter is a great opportunity to put on your crampons, pack your ice axe and enjoy the empty, snow-covered mountainside. If you want to brush up on your winter mountain skills, check out our sister company’s dedicated winter skills course.
Best time for photographers
Eryri and Yr Wyddfa are picturesque throughout the year, so it depends on what you want to photograph. Get up early or avoid the summer months for pictures from the summit. Otherwise, you may struggle to get a clean shot. The fiery reds and oranges of Eryri in autumn are particularly striking and the snow-covered peaks of winter can be difficult to capture but look fantastic. That said, our top tip is to set off while it is still dark to catch the sunrise. It is a truly phenomenal sight and makes for a great photo.
Best time for avoiding the crowds
To avoid the crowds, your best bet is a weekday outside of the school holidays. However, getting a bit of peace is just as much about the path you choose as the season. While the Llanberis Path will almost always be busy, Rhyd Ddu is often the quietest. The two often offer wildly different experiences, even when tackled on the same day.
The other thing to note is that the queue that forms at the top on busy days is for people who want to take a selfie next to the summit pillar. If you are not bothered about a selfie or don’t mind taking it somewhere else on the summit, skip the queue and go wherever you please. You don’t need to queue to enjoy the wonderful sense of accomplishment.
Transport considerations
When planning your trip and thinking about what time of year you want to climb the mountain, there are a few transport practicalities to consider. First and foremost, between April and the end of October, the Pen y Pass parking operates on a pre-booking system via JustPark. Places usually sell out quickly, so make sure you book early. From November to March, it is a first-come, first-serve model and the car park fills up quickly. You either need to be there early or get lucky.
Local public transport also runs on a similar seasonal schedule. While buses run between October and March, they are far less frequent than during the busier summer months. If you plan on using public transport (we recommend you do!), check the timetable in advance. The Snowdon Sherpa is an excellent service and a great choice for visitors who do not want to add to local traffic congestion.
Finally, after an extended absence for renovations, the Snowdon Mountain Railway returned to action on the 1st of April, 2023. It traditionally runs during the warmer months and closes for the winter. You can find more information on the Snowdon Mountain Railway website.
What next?
Hopefully, this article provided you with all the information you need to plan your climb and reach the iconic Yr Wyddfa summit. Choosing the right time means finding the right balance and prioritising particular elements of the experience. You rarely get quiet trails when there is a better chance of bright sunshine, for instance. However, we strongly believe you should go out and embrace the opportunities available. If the only realistic option is a weekend in the height of summer, do it. It is better to have climbed Yr Wyddfa on a busy day than never at all.
If you have any further questions about timing your trip or want to learn more about climbing Yr Wyddfa with one of Climb Snowdon’s experienced mountain leaders, don’t hesitate to get in touch via 01286 870870 or our dedicated contact form. We are a friendly, professional and experienced team that knows Yr Wyddfa and Eryri like the back of our hands. We would love to help you experience it.