How cold is it up Snowdon?

Myshkin

Myshkin

Myshkin

Associate
Joined
13 Aug 2009
Posts
20
Location
Surrey, UK
I'm going camping at the foot of mount Snowdon on Friday and I want to know what clothes to pack! Thinking of walking to the summit on one of the days. Has anyone else been there and done that?
 
Depends on the day.

Take good walking boots and take a light waterproof jacket. Decide on the day what you should wear, just make sure you have enough layers if you should need them.

You need layers mostly rather than specifically warm clothing.
 
From what I remember of being up there assume that it is going to **** down and dress accordingly, or at least carry the necessary clothing to deal with lots of rain.
The weather there has a tendancy to change quickly and often.
 
A useful rule of thumb, is to expect the temperature to drop by 1 degree for every 100m climbed.
 
Been up a few times, only once had good weather. Other times it was terrible and very very cold/wet, although these were in winter. Be prepared even in summer though! Can be quite warm near the bottom but once up in the wind it really can get you cold. If in doubt, don't worry about turning back, better safe than sorry.

Waterproofs essential, warm hat to keep head warm, gloves, good walking boots, proper walking socks. Layers are better than one big coat, I normally have wicking base layer, fleece, outer shell, but another fleece in bag. More layers/thickness depending on forecast. Whistle is essential too in case you need to attract attention.

Take lots of water, food (good excuse for lots of chocolate). Make sure you know the route. I can't navigate so always do the Llanberis route, pretty easy and can't really get lost. Any questions shoot away.
 
Take a light waterproof jacket, gloves and hat just incase

If it's windy or low cloud cover then it will feel really cold on the extremitites
 
Expect the weather to change. Carry a few layers (one waterproof) and wear good boots.

Also as AcidHell says don't do the Llanberris path as it will be packed. Try the Pyg if you're a first time Snowdon climber. Just make sure you don't take the turn for Crib Goch as you'd be in for a nasty surprise, especially if it is windy!
 
div0 said:
A useful rule of thumb, is to expect the temperature to drop by 1 degree for every 100m climbed.
Click to expand...

So the temperature at the top of snowdon depends entirely on what temperature it is at the bottom which is a completly usless fact to the guy lol
 
Naamiko_O said:
So the temperature at the top of snowdon depends entirely on what temperature it is at the bottom which is a completly usless fact to the guy lol
Click to expand...

No its not.

Its 1000m tall snowdon, so assuming 6.5C (lapse rate I was thought in geog!) decrease per 1000m makes the temp up there 13.5C if its 20C at sea level.

Although it is almost certainly going to be colder than that up there.

So I'd pack for it being 0-5C Wind Chill factor (5-10C actual temp)
 
LordSplodge said:
Expect the weather to change. Carry a few layers (one waterproof) and wear good boots.

Also as AcidHell says don't do the Llanberris path as it will be packed. Try the Pyg if you're a first time Snowdon climber. Just make sure you don't take the turn for Crib Goch as you'd be in for a nasty surprise, especially if it is windy!
Click to expand...

Or scared of heights like my housemate :D I've never quite managed to make it to the snowdon summit as we always pick silly times like the end of Jan to try and its sheer ice leading up to the summit, but I climbed Pen Y Fan last Oct and once we hit the summit we were in freezing fog and snow when we left our camp it looked like a cloudy but warm day so just pack plenty of layers you can always strip down if needs be
 
I did snowdon 2 weeks ago and iirc it was 0deg at the summit, or just below. We started in shorts and t shirt and finished in about 5 layers. As said, dont do the llanberis route as its very busy. There is a new cafe up top that is quite nice. Pack a rucksack and you'll be fine!
 
Just use a standard layering system, e.g. base layer, microfleece/soft shell and a waterproof shell. Pack gloves and a hat too.
I think when I did it (also in summer), I wore my base layer and lightweight trousers while walking and kept my soft shell and waterproofs in my bag for when we stopped or if the weather changed.
AcidHell2 said:
don't go up the main route, it's full of people and annoying.
Do one of the other routes.

I'm pretty sure I did this one (3. A Roller Coaster - The Moel Eilio Ridge - Moel Eilio, Foel Gron, Moel Cyngorion and Snowdon) extremely quite.
http://www.hightrek.co.uk/snowdonia/routes.htm
Click to expand...
I can only echo this, although I haven't done the main route, the one and only time I did Snowdon we started at Pen y Pass and went via Crib Goch, was good fun. Don't go that way if you're inexperienced, don't like heights or if it's blowing a hoolie.
 
Naamiko_O said:
So the temperature at the top of snowdon depends entirely on what temperature it is at the bottom which is a completly usless fact to the guy lol
Click to expand...

Only useless to someone with zero intelligence.

Ever heard of a weather forecast? It usually tends to give you an idea of what the temperature at sea/ground level is expected to be at different places around the country.
 
Last edited:
Thanks everyone for the advice - I guess the main things to remember are 1) layers and 2) not taking the main Llanberis path! :p

For the two sardonic posters attempting wit: I assumed everyone would know that by Snowdon I meant Mount Snowdon, and yes I have heard of a weather forecast but wanted to see what experienced people had to say. Also, this may come as a shock to you, but it's actually quite nice to make idle conversation sometimes :eek:.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom