Does Snowdon Have Snow on Top? Wales' Highest Peak Year-Round

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) (1,085 m / 3,560 ft) is Wales' highest mountain. Snow on the summit is common but not permanent.

Snow Patterns

• Winter (Dec–Mar): Near-continuous cover; 30–100 cm depth; cornices, ice. Crampons/axe often needed.
• Spring (Apr–May): Patchy; lingers in gullies (Clogwyn Du'r Arddu), north faces.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Rare. Occasional June snowfall; melts fast. Summit often snow-free.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): First snows October; permanent cover by December.

Why It's Variable

• Maritime climate: Gulf Stream keeps temps milder than altitude suggests
• Wind: 100+ mph gusts scour snow off summit plateau
• Aspect: North/east faces hold snow; south/west melt fast
• Climate change: Snow season shortening; 1960s avg 140 snow days → now ~90

Checking Conditions

• Met Office Mountain Forecast: metoffice.gov.uk
• Snowdonia National Park webcams: Summit, Clogwyn, Llanberis
• Weatherline / MWIS: Daily winter assessments
• #Snowdon on Twitter/X: Real-time hiker reports

Routes & Winter Skills

Climate Change Signal

Snowdon's diminishing snow cover is a visible indicator of UK warming. The "Snowdon Lily" (Gagea serotina), an Arctic-alpine relict, is retreating upslope.

So: Yes, often—but not always. Check the forecast before you go.