Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Cardiff, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cardiff, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom by month

January

If you are traveling to Cardiff in January, you will notice that it is cold, extremely rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you are traveling to Cardiff in February, you will notice that it is brisk, very rainy and very hazy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in this region can be very chilly, extremely rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Cardiff during April, you will probably see that it is crisp, very rainy and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you vacation in Cardiff during May, you will probably find that it is relatively cool, very rainy and very hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the right type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

In June, Cardiff is balmy, very rainy and very hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Cardiff, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you go to Cardiff in July, you will notice that it is mild, very rainy and very hazy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you go to Cardiff in August, you will notice that it is balmy, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Cardiff is mild, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to pick the right type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you visit Cardiff during October, you are likely to notice that it is cool, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the necessary type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Cardiff is brisk, very rainy and somewhat hazy. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Cardiff, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 90%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Cardiff is cold, very rainy and somewhat hazy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    United Kingdom has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Cardiff. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are intending to visit the charming The Norwegian Church, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you go to the St Fagans National History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a bustling city that offers a variety of tourist attractions. From historical landmarks to scenic views, the city has something to offer for everyone. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.

1. Cardiff Castle: This iconic castle sits right in the heart of the city and boasts over 2,000 years of history. Visitors can explore the castle’s medieval walls, towers, and dungeons. The castle also offers guided tours and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about its rich history.

2. St. Fagan's National Museum of History: This open-air museum will take you back in time to explore the history of Wales. The museum features over 40 historic buildings which have been relocated from various parts of Wales, including a Victorian school, a medieval church, and a working farm.

3. The National Museum Cardiff: This museum is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum features a wide range of art and artifacts that tell the story of Wales from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibitions and events that showcase the works of local and international artists.

4. Cardiff Bay: Once a bustling dock, Cardiff Bay has been transformed into a vibrant waterfront destination. The bay is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre and the Norwegian Church Arts Centre. Visitors can also take a boat tour or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.

5. Bute Park: This expansive park sits right in the heart of the city and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. The park features over 130 acres of landscaped gardens, wooded areas, and walking trails. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic features, including the ruins of a medieval castle and the Bute family’s arboretum.

6. The Principality Stadium: This iconic stadium is home to the Welsh rugby team and also hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the changing rooms and tunnels, as well as access to the pitch and the stadium’s hospitality suites.

These are just a few of the top tourist attractions in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or outdoor activities, there’s something in the city for everyone to enjoy.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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