Welsh Countryside in October

May through September gives you the best shot at decent weather, but Welsh weather follows its own rules. You can get four seasons in one afternoon, so pack layers regardless of when you visit. May brings bluebells carpeting the forest floors and lambs bouncing through fields like they're on springs. The days stretch longer but the crowds haven't arrived yet. Perfect hiking weather if you don't mind the occasional shower. June and July offer the longest days and warmest temperatures — which means highs around 20°C (68°F) if you're lucky. The countryside explodes in green. Every flower seems to bloom at once. But this is also when everyone else discovers Wales, so book accommodations early. August brings festivals and events but also peak crowds and prices. The Edinburgh Festival overspill reaches Wales, and every B&B from Brecon to Betws-y-Coed fills up. September might be the sweet spot. The weather often holds, the crowds thin out, and the autumn colors start creeping across the hillsides. Harvest festivals celebrate local produce, and the pubs feel cozy without being stuffy. Winter has its own magic if you don't mind short days and persistent drizzle. The mountains disappear into clouds. Fires crackle in every pub. And you'll have the castles mostly to yourself, which is worth a little rain.