Honestly, if you're looking at a standard weather map for Wales, you're probably getting the wrong idea about St Davids. This tiny city—basically a village with a massive, glorious cathedral—sits right on the jagged edge of the Pembrokeshire coast. It doesn't just "have" weather; it lives and breathes the Atlantic.
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, it is 46°F in St Davids. That might sound chilly to some, but it's actually quite mild for mid-winter in the UK. The humidity is sitting high at 87%, which gives the air that classic, damp Welsh weight. You can feel it on your skin the moment you step out toward the Coastal Path. There's a 13 mph breeze coming in from the southeast, making the "feels like" temperature drop to a crisper 40°F.
The Microclimate Reality of the Pembrokeshire Coast
Most people assume St Davids is just a rain-soaked corner of the world. That's a mistake. Because it is surrounded by the sea on three sides, the ocean acts like a giant, slow-moving radiator.
While inland areas of Wales might be shivering under frost or even snow, St Davids stays remarkably stable. The Gulf Stream—that massive conveyor belt of warm water—is the reason you’ll see palm trees and Mediterranean-style plants growing in local gardens. It's weird, right? You're in a place famous for 12th-century stone cathedrals, yet the flora thinks it's in the South of France.
What the Next Few Days Look Like
If you're planning a walk at Whitesands Bay this week, keep your waterproofs handy.
- Today (Sunday): We're looking at a high of 47°F and a low of 44°F. It'll be mostly cloudy, though we've had some partly sunny breaks earlier.
- Monday: Slightly warmer at 48°F. Expect a mix of clouds and sun, but that southeast wind is picking up to 16 mph.
- The Mid-Week Turn: Tuesday is when things get interesting. A low-pressure system is moving in, bringing light rain and much stronger winds—gusting up to 29 mph. The temperature will actually hit its weekly peak of 49°F, but you won't feel it with that wind.
Weather for St Davids: Seasonal Surprises
Most travel guides tell you to visit in July or August. They aren't wrong, but they miss the nuance. July is officially the "driest" month, but in St Davids, "dry" is a relative term. You still have about a 23% chance of rain on any given day.
The real secret? May.
Historically, May is the sunniest month in Wales. In St Davids, the spring weather brings out the puffins and the Atlantic Grey Seals. The water is still freezing—don't let the blue sky fool you—but the visibility for coastal hiking is unmatched.
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Dealing with the "St Davids Mist"
There's a specific phenomenon here where the sea fret (a thick coastal fog) can roll in and swallow the cathedral in minutes. You can be standing on the cliffs in blazing sunshine and see a wall of white moving toward you. It’s eerie. It's beautiful. It's also dangerous if you're on a remote stretch of the path near St Justinian’s.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Layer Like a Pro: Forget one big heavy coat. You need a base layer for the dampness, a fleece for the wind, and a high-quality shell. The wind is the real player here, not the cold.
- Check the Tide, Not Just the Sky: If you’re heading to Whitesands or Caerfai, the weather matters less than the tide. High tide can cut off beach access even on a sunny day.
- The Cathedral Refuge: If the rain turns from "mizzle" (that fine Welsh mist-drizzle) to a downpour, head into the Cathedral. It sits in a hollow, sheltered from the worst of the coastal gales.
- Wind Direction Matters: A southeast wind—like we have today—is generally milder. If the wind flips to the North or West, prepare for a sharp, biting cold that comes straight off the Irish Sea.
Basically, St Davids is for people who love the drama of the elements. It’s a place where the sky changes every twenty minutes. One moment you're squinting against the sun reflecting off the Celtic Sea, and the next, you're watching a squall line race toward the Bishop's Palace.
For the most accurate experience, stop looking at the 10-day forecast. Look at the horizon. If you can see Ramsey Island clearly, the weather is fine. If you can't see it? It's already raining.
Don't let the 15% to 40% rain chances this week scare you off. The light in Pembrokeshire after a rainstorm is the kind of thing painters spend their whole lives trying to capture. Pack the boots, grab a raincoat, and just get out there.