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Cardiff

United Kingdom · Coast · GBP · 51.481600, -3.179100
Family friendly 5.9/10 · Rank 1697 of 2 709
Best season: June-September

Best for

Suitable for families, couples, history and sports lovers

Best season

June-September

Daily budget
$137.00 (≈ 12 330 ₽ · ≈ 108 GBP)
For 7 days
$959.00 (≈ 86 310 ₽ · ≈ 758 GBP)
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, located on the coast of the Bristol Channel. The city is known for its impressive castle, the Millennium Stadium, and the scenic Cardiff Bay waterfront. It is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a rich Celtic heritage.
Summer
23.0°C
Winter
3.0°C
Sea
18.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Cardiff residents are friendly, proud of their Welsh heritage and hospitable

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Excellent restaurants
  • Close to the coast
  • Active cultural life

Cons

  • Rainy weather
  • Crowded on weekends
  • High prices
  • No direct flights from Moscow
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
17.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
20.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
23.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
5.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
8.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
3.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
17.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
18.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
October-January
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Whitmore Bay
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Beaches are generally safe, jellyfish possible in the warm season, watch for tides

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins inhabit the coastal waters of Cardiff, found on rocky bottoms and in the intertidal zone. They are part of the marine ecosystem of the Bristol Channel
  • Sea urchins do not pose a serious danger, but special swimming shoes are recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent off the coast of Cardiff in the Bristol Channel — the region belongs to temperate waters. Marine ecosystems are represented by rocky reefs, algae and temperate fish species
  • 74 species of sea anemones and corals have been recorded in British and Irish coastal waters, but they do not form reef structures

Jellyfish — details

  • Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) — most common species, stings are mild but unpleasant
  • Jellyfish are more common in July-August

Sharks — details

  • In 2018, a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) was spotted in Cardiff Bay — the second largest fish in the world, reaching 8 metres in length. It feeds on plankton and poses no danger to humans
  • Basking sharks are one of three plankton-feeding shark species, along with the whale shark and megamouth shark. They are often found in British waters during summer months
Attractions

Cardiff Castle

Medieval castle in the city centre with rich history and Victorian interiors

Cardiff Bay

Modern waterfront area with restaurants, theatre and promenade

National Museum Cardiff

Museum with collections of art, natural history and archaeology

Principality Stadium

National stadium of Wales, host of rugby and football matches

Bute Park

Large city park with gardens, a river and a castle

Best areas

City Centre

Historic centre with the castle, shops and restaurants

Cardiff Bay

Modern area with restaurants, theatre and waterfront

Pontcanna

Residential area with parks and cafes

Must-try food

Fish and Chips

Classic British dish — fried fish with chips

Welsh Pie

Traditional pastry filled with meat and vegetables

Welsh Cakes

Traditional Welsh cakes with raisins and spices

Seafood Platter

Fresh seafood from the Bristol Channel, served in local restaurants

Where to go next

Barry Island

Coastal town with a beach and amusement park 30 minutes away

Caerphilly

Town with a castle and historic centre 30 minutes away

Brecon Beacons

National park with mountains and hiking trails 1 hour away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Кардифф Аэропорт (CWL).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽ · ≈ 20 GBP
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 7 200 ₽ · ≈ 63 GBP
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 800 ₽ · ≈ 95 GBP
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 18 000 ₽ · ≈ 158 GBP
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$180.00
≈ 16 200 ₽ · ≈ 142 GBP
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$90.00
≈ 8 100 ₽ · ≈ 71 GBP
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽ · ≈ 12 GBP
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$35.00
≈ 3 150 ₽ · ≈ 28 GBP
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽ · ≈ 3 GBP
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$5.50
≈ 495 ₽ · ≈ 4 GBP
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 135 ₽ · ≈ 1 GBP
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽ · ≈ 9 GBP
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽ · ≈ 8 GBP
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽ · ≈ 4 GBP
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽ · ≈ 8 GBP
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽ · ≈ 32 GBP
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.50
≈ 225 ₽ · ≈ 2 GBP
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽ · ≈ 8 GBP
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽ · ≈ 40 GBP
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽ · ≈ 12 GBP
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$28.00
≈ 2 520 ₽ · ≈ 22 GBP
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽ · ≈ 32 GBP
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 6 300 ₽ · ≈ 55 GBP
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$90.00
≈ 8 100 ₽ · ≈ 71 GBP
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$20.00
≈ 1 800 ₽ · ≈ 16 GBP
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽ · ≈ 12 GBP
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Frequently asked questions
Cardiff: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Cardiff: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +23.0°C, during the day — up to +20.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Cardiff: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +3.0°C, during the day — up to +8.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Cardiff: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +18.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Cardiff: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on October-January. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Cardiff: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Whitmore Bay. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Cardiff: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Cardiff: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Beaches are generally safe, jellyfish possible in the warm season, watch for tides. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Cardiff: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $137.00 (≈ 12 330 ₽ · ≈ 108 GBP) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Cardiff: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $25.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $80.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $90.00 per night, a villa — $180.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Cardiff: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $15.00, dinner at a restaurant — $35.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $5.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Cardiff: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.50, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Cardiff: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Cardiff Castle — Medieval castle in the city centre with rich history and Victorian interiors; Cardiff Bay — Modern waterfront area with restaurants, theatre and promenade; National Museum Cardiff — Museum with collections of art, natural history and archaeology; Principality Stadium — National stadium of Wales, host of rugby and football matches; Bute Park — Large city park with gardens, a river and a castle. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Cardiff: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fish and Chips — Classic British dish — fried fish with chips; Welsh Pie — Traditional pastry filled with meat and vegetables; Welsh Cakes — Traditional Welsh cakes with raisins and spices; Seafood Platter — Fresh seafood from the Bristol Channel, served in local restaurants. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Cardiff: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Historic centre with the castle, shops and restaurants; Cardiff Bay — Modern area with restaurants, theatre and waterfront; Pontcanna — Residential area with parks and cafes. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Cardiff: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Cardiff: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Кардифф Аэропорт (code CWL). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Cardiff: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — GBP. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $137.00 (≈ 12 330 ₽ · ≈ 108 GBP). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Cardiff: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Cardiff: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Cardiff: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Barry Island — Coastal town with a beach and amusement park 30 minutes away; Caerphilly — Town with a castle and historic centre 30 minutes away; Brecon Beacons — National park with mountains and hiking trails 1 hour away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.9/10
Overall rank: 1697 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1009

Best season

June-September

Useful information

Currency: GBP
Coordinates: 51.481600, -3.179100