Visit Pembrokeshire in Winter

To visit Pembrokeshire in winter is to strip life back to the simple pleasures: there’s nothing quite like cold air whipping against your face on a wild, windblown walk, or the crunch of frosty grass and icy puddles underfoot before going indoors, shedding your layers with frozen fingers and heading straight for a seat by the fire. Winter here in Pembrokeshire makes you feel alive. The contrast between being weather-beaten and exposed to the elements, then cosy and warm, is a wonderful part of its character and a welcome tonic to our busy, hectic lives and shorter days.

Outside, huge Atlantic waves formed by storms miles out to sea batter the coastline and provide ample entertainment from the coast path. They slam into the cliffs with impressive force, so stand back if you don’t want the spray to reach you! It’s difficult to describe the invigorating feeling that comes with a winter hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast path.

Whatever the weather, the people of Pembrokeshire love the beach – whether that means long strolls along the sand, riding the surf or swimming in the waves. That said, the beaches are far from busy during the winter months. The water is cool, getting colder as the winter months progress, but with a wetsuit or drysuit - or a swimsuit if you’re feeling brave - a cold water swim is a buzz you’ll want to repeat once you’ve tried it. One thing to note: there are no lifeguards during the winter months, so make sure you know what you’re doing or have the support of a tour guide.

Occasionally, the winter storms also bring snow to Pembrokeshire. The white-dusted countryside becomes an incredible sight to behold, and you can be out all day exploring the magical landscapes. Colder, crisp temperatures usually mean better visibility and views for miles - perfect conditions for a stomp up the Preseli mountains.

Perhaps you like to finish a walk in a cosy pub with an open fireplace and feel your cheeks glowing as you cradle a hot chocolate, tea or Welsh ale. Or maybe you’d choose to snuggle up on the sofa wearing some winter woollies and relax, cwtched under a blanket in the warm and dry.

Whatever your preference, we have the perfect selection of cosy cottages and homely hotels to keep you safe from the elements, often with wood burners and hot tubs, and many pubs and restaurants where you should try a traditional Welsh Cawl which will certainly warm you through!

Winter is also one of the quietest times to enjoy Pembrokeshire – you can often get landscapes and places entirely to yourself, and find plenty of availability and offers on winter stays or restaurant bookings.

Christmas and New Year are a little busier, but it’s the perfect place for a special gathering with loved ones. After a long beach walk, you’ll find plenty of pubs and restaurants open for Christmas dinner to avoid doing the washing up yourself! If you’re in the north of the county in January, you might also stumble on some traditional Hen Galan celebrations too. Perhaps holidaying at this time of year offers you the kind of peace you might long for after the excesses of December.

Though it’s tempting to cosy-up and hibernate, there’s still plenty of nature to see, and those with beady eyes will find activities like winter birdwatching a satisfying pastime. Whilst it’s not the right weather for sunbathing, winter is the perfect time for stargazing, as the milky way becomes visible with the naked eye in the many dark sky spots dotted around the county on a clear night.

We recommend you travel with a positive mindset, packing enough toys, games and books to make the most of any enforced downtime, but with the usual beach apparatus, wellies and an enthusiasm for brisk walks that will ensure you don’t waste your time on the stunning coastline. A wintertime visit to Pembrokeshire is guaranteed to be a peaceful, cosy and unique holiday.