Wales: best time for puffins and flowers?
 

This question no doubt answered somewhere on Fodors already, but here goes.

We are contemplating a trip to Wales in Spring 2018. We may do one of the country walks, perhaps part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for several days, then base ourselves in a couple to-be-determined small towns for maybe 5 nights each. Total trip of about 3 weeks.

We definitely want to see puffins. If we can manage to get a night on Skomer Island that would be ideal. And we want to see a lot of flowers in bloom, both in the wild and in cultivated gardens. Also interested in visiting castles and manor houses.

What would be the ideal time to go? I'm thinking late May to early June. Does that sound about right?

Thanks!

I went to Newfoundland mid-July last year to see puffins. I think you might be a bit early for the optimal time period.

Assuming that it is not a very late spring, the wild flowers will be at their peak from the end of May. In places the coastal footpath is a bit like walking through a rock garden with all the thrift.

The Puffins begin to arrive from late March/early April but the eggs usually hatch in June. The parents will be busy bringing food to the chick until July when they are ready to leave the nest and all the puffins leave.

Thanks much! So it sounds like we are on the right track, but perhaps err on the side of June instead of May. Looks like average rainfall decreases towards June as well.

I think if we wait for July then we miss the peak flowers(?).

Right now this is just speculation and seeing where it might fit in with some other plans.

Thanks again.

There will still be flowers around in July, but remember this is also likely to be busier.

June is better as it avoids the school holidays, usually it's better weather and you'll have puffins and flowers hopefully.

Thanks folks, we'll shoot for June if we decide to go.

ESW, I found your photos via your profile page. Really nice and informative. Bookmarked for future reference.