Hello. My partner and I have a chance to visit Ireland (flying into Shannon, spending time on the west coast, train to Dublin for a few days), taking the ferry to Northern Wales. Spending a few days in Conwyn and flying out of either Manchester or Birmingham England. I've been told on another travel website not to bother going to Ireland/Wales in the first and second week of December, as the weather will be horrible. We're not one to sit in a bar and drink, preferring to walk around the city or countryside and tour historical sights, sightsee, museums, etc. In general, is the weather in the U.K. so horrible this time of the year that we should put off a visit? I lived in Scotland back in the 80's for a few years, but honestly can't remember the weather being horrible.
Thank you.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Nippy and some drizzle but nothing that will kill or drown you. Tale a rain shell and something to stick under it and you'll have a ball. Also figure out how to keep your feet dry. As far as northern Wales goes, you might want to split the time between Caernarvon and Conwy. If you do, make the former first for ease of access from Holyhead (train to Bangor, then a bus). If I had to pick one or the other, Conwy would hit the trash can first. For departure, use Manchester unless there's a big price differential or connection issue. It's closer and a more easy airport.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I have been there in December as well as February and the weather is cooler than summer, maybe some rain, but it can also be sunny and nice... as I had a number of days like this. It will probably be better than NYC. I really enjoy traveling off season and just make sure I have layers and dress appropriately. I always set my standards really low for the weather and then I am really happy when it surprises me. For the record, after 10m days in Ireland in Feb, I was a bit weary of the dreary weather, so we did move on to France... where the weather was no better. We did have a great time regardless, and again, it was the 10th day when I felt the need to move on. I would never listen to anyone who says 'not to bother' going to Europe no matter what time of year. I would always be able to find something in Europe that is better than staying home. Life is too short... just go and have a great trip.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
I've been in Wales in February and I was startled by how clement the weather was. Positively balmy some days! It must have gotten (almost?) into the 50s in the sun. I asked a guy in a pub and he said that the Gulf Stream flows by and brings heat with it... and that's why the winter weather in Wales doesn't get really icy and cold - and why the trees start to blossom in February - and there are actual palm trees! I don't know if he was spinning a tale, but I loved the weather. Damp, cool-but-not-cold, some sun, some clouds, everything still pretty green. I wanted to check my memory - the trip was over a decade ago - and found this website: http://www.wales.com/en/content/cms/english/about_wales/winter/winter.aspx I find it hilarious. See the picture on the landing page, with all the sparkling white snow? Now click "climate." Average high temps in the winter hover in the mid-40s! :-) I guess the Welsh Tourism Board wants to give off a "white Christmas in Cymru" vibe, but that just ain't so.
Posted by
OP
NYC, NY, usa
168 posts
Thanks for the replies. The rain doesn't bother me much. We were in Berlin, Paris and Garmisch Germany this past May into the first week of June and experienced quite a bit of rain, almost everyday. I agree with being able to take this opportunity to travel, we'll just dress appropriately. We won't be renting a car, instead relying on public transportation. Will that limit what we see in Ireland? Thanks again.