Hay-on-Wye, England, United Kingdom: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Hay-on-Wye, England, United Kingdom? If you're planning to go to Hay-on-Wye, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Hay-on-Wye, England, United Kingdom

Based on the climate and weather in Hay-on-Wye, England, United Kingdom, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Hay-on-Wye, England, United Kingdom

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Hay-on-Wye, England, United Kingdom by month

January

In January, Hay-on-Wye can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Hay-on-Wye, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

February

If you are traveling to Hay-on-Wye in February, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change 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 large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. There is frost sometimes. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

April

If you go to Hay-on-Wye in April, you will notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May in Hay-on-Wye is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. 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 bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

June

June for Hay-on-Wye is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, 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 Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July in Hay-on-Wye is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Hay-on-Wye is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now 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 is sufficent for most locations.

  • 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

September

If you go to Hay-on-Wye in September, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October in Hay-on-Wye can be chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. 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 these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the right kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you visit Hay-on-Wye during November, you are likely to see that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

December

In December, Hay-on-Wye is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Hay-on-Wye, with several of the days of the month having rain. There is frost regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, United Kingdom has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Hay-on-Wye. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to find the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Hay-on-Wye, England, United Kingdom

Hay-on-Wye, also known as the "Town of Books," is a small market town located in Wales, close to the border with England. It has been a popular tourist destination since the 1960s when Richard Booth, a second-hand bookseller, declared Hay-on-Wye an independent kingdom of books. Since then, Hay-on-Wye has become a paradise for book-lovers and an exciting destination for tourists. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Hay-on-Wye:

1. Hay Castle

Hay Castle is a 12th-century castle that lies at the heart of the town. The castle has a rich history, and it has been restored several times. Visitors can explore the castle's history and learn about the people who lived and worked here. The castle has unusual architectural features such as the Jacobean staircase, the panelled rooms, and the original wooden roof trusses.

2. Bookshops

Hay-on-Wye is known as the "Town of Books" because it has more bookshops per capita than anywhere else in the world. Visitors are spoilt for choice with over 20 bookstores, including the world-renowned Hay Cinema Bookshop which stocks over a million books. Many of the bookstores are located in quaint old buildings, and some even have hidden rooms.

3. Hay Literary Festival

The Hay Literary Festival is one of the largest literature festivals in the world. It takes place annually in late May and early June and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. There are hundreds of events, featuring world-renowned authors, and plenty of chances for visitors to participate in discussions and book signings.

4. River Wye

The River Wye is one of the main attractions of Hay-on-Wye. It is the fifth-longest river in the UK and provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can take part in canoeing or kayaking trips down the river and explore the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

5. Black Hill

Black Hill is located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, a short drive from Hay-on-Wye. The hill is 640m high and provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take part in guided hikes or walk the circular route that takes them over the summit and along the ridge.

6. Hay Town Walk

The Hay Town Walk is a walk around Hay-on-Wye that takes visitors on a tour of the town's history and architecture. The walk takes visitors past some of Hay-on-Wye's most famous landmarks, including the castle, the bookshops, and the clock tower. It is an excellent way for visitors to learn about the town's history and architecture.

Hay-on-Wye is a charming town that offers visitors a unique experience. With its historic castle, numerous bookshops, literary festival, and beautiful surroundings, it is a must-visit destination for any book-lover or history enthusiast. Whether you come for the books, the scenery, or just to explore a charming town, Hay-on-Wye is sure to delight.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Placerville, California, United States of America, Castiglioncello, Italy, Bala Cynwyd, New Jersey, United States of America, Far Southern Tamil Nadu, India, Naftalan, Azerbaijan, London, England, United Kingdom, Nata, Botswana, Hazaribag, India, New Zealand, New Zealand, Somerville, Massachusetts, United States of America, and Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States of America.