886 m summit in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). 8 forecast days covering wind, cloud, rain and temperature, updated 14 November 2026 at 06:36 UTC.
A good day on Pen y Fan, though expect cloud coming and going on the summit.
Wind
On the summit expect a southerly wind of 15–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 35–45 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit early on. A few forecast models bring the cloud base down to around 600–900 m at times. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:25pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 3.2 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
71
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground.
68
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 45 mph). Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Saturday 14 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 45 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. The wind swings from southerly to southwesterly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Dry to pitch, then a little rain by morning, so you'll likely pack up in the wet. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp below about 600 m, so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 14 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 15 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
18 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low
5.1°C / 4.2°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
22 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low
3.8°C / 3.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
33% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
26 mph / 43 mph
Typical / low
2.0°C / 1.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
47% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 30–40 mph.Good79View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Good conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceProbably dryPeak gust30-40 mphRain0.0 mm
Main concerngusts of 30–40 mph
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-14. All times are UK local time.
Using the last available sky forecast, updated at 13:02 GMT on 14 Nov. Cloud conditions may have changed. Live aurora guidance is temporarily unavailable.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 15 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 14 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 15 Nov, 05:35 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
14 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
14 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
14 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
14 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
14 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
14 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 15 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
15 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
15 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
15 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:35 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 28% illuminated.
Moonset around 14 Nov, 20:00 GMT.
Full darkness: 14 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 15 Nov, 05:35 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Saturday 14 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A poor day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with the summit in cloud for most of the day and rain for much of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of 20–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 35–45 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 40–50 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 300–600 m in the early afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Visibility may drop briefly in showers.
Rain and ground
Rain for much of the day. Expect 5–10 mm in total. Some forecast models keep it drier in the morning.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -6 to -2°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:25pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Some of the detail could still change, so have a last look at the forecast in the morning before you set off.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 1 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the morning, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
39
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
21
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m (gusts of about 50 mph and a frost, down to -1°C). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground.19Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Sunday 15 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 50 mph around 900 m and nearer 35 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Expect some light rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -1°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 15 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 16 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
20 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low
3.2°C / 2.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 43 mph
Typical / low
2.1°C / 1.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
33% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
28 mph / 51 mph
Typical / low
0.1°C / -0.8°C · much of the night
In cloud
47% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 35–45 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 35–45 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust35-45 mphRain6.2 mm
Main factorsgusts of 35–45 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-15. All times are UK local time.
Using the last available sky forecast, updated at 13:02 GMT on 14 Nov. Cloud conditions may have changed. Live aurora guidance is temporarily unavailable.
Stargazing
Good sky conditions during the best available spell: 16 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 15 Nov, 21:10 GMT to 16 Nov, 05:35 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
15 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
15 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
15 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
15 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
15 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
15 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 16 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
16 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
16 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
16 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Good sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
16 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
16 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
16 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:35 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Crescent moon, about 36% illuminated.
Moonset around 15 Nov, 21:10 GMT.
Full darkness: 15 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 16 Nov, 05:35 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Sunday 15 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A mixed day on Pen y Fan, with sleet or snow on the tops and cloud coming down onto the tops.
Snow and navigation
Sleet or snow is possible on the tops in the afternoon, with small temperature changes affecting the mix. The air freezing level is roughly 700 to 900 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. Blowing snow may quickly cover paths and footprints and make navigation difficult. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.
Things to watch
Burns could rise quickly from the afternoon into the night. Timings are rough. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of 5–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 25–35 mph at the windiest. The wind turns southerly around midday. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. A wind like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 40–50 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.
Cloud and visibility
The tops start clear, but the cloud comes down onto them in the early afternoon. The cloud base could be as low as 400–700 m mid-afternoon.
Rain and ground
A band of sleet and snow moves in around midday and becomes heavier through the afternoon. Expect 5–10 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -4 to 0°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 700–1000 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still two days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 2.5 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
ExcellentSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
89
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorMore rain is expected. Summit winds around 10-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later. Rain is forecast during this period. Some forecast models bring rain during the afternoon, while others keep it mostly dry.
35
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m (gusts of about 50 mph and around 18 mm of rain). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground.19Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 16 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 50 mph around 900 m and nearer 35 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. The wind swings from southeasterly to westerly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Expect a wet night, around 18 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -1°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 16 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 17 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
23 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low
6.8°C / 1.9°C · several hours
In cloud
20% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
28 mph / 43 mph
Typical / low
5.9°C / 0.5°C · several hours
In cloud
67% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
34 mph / 51 mph
Typical / low
4.7°C / -1.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
100% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 25–35 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust25-35 mphRain10.6 mm
Main factorsgusts of 25–35 mphwet rock likelySnow is likely to be lying on high ground, with further snowfall possible during the day
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-16. All times are UK local time.
Using the last available sky forecast, updated at 13:02 GMT on 14 Nov. Cloud conditions may have changed. Live aurora guidance is temporarily unavailable.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 16 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 16 Nov, 22:30 GMT to 17 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
16 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
16 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
16 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
16 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
16 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
16 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 17 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
17 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
17 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
17 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
17 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
17 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
17 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Around half moon, about 46% illuminated.
Moonset around 16 Nov, 22:30 GMT.
Full darkness: 16 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 17 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Monday 16 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph westerlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mphFeels like-4 to 0°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate25%Cloud base through day500-800 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:35 · Sunset 16:20 · 8.8 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A poor day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with a blustery wind and cloud coming and going on the summit.
Wind
On the summit expect a westerly wind of 20–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 40–50 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m first thing. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
Drizzle for much of the day. Some forecast models keep it drier in the morning. It will be wet underfoot after recent rain.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°C, feeling like -4 to 0°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still three days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 1.4 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the morning, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
43
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
51
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind: gusts of about 35 mph and a frost, down to 0°C.49Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Tuesday 17 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 35 mph around 900 m and nearer 25 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Look for shelter from the west. The wind swings from westerly to northeasterly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. It should stay dry. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A frost up around 900 m, down to about 0°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 17 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 18 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
16 mph / 26 mph
Typical / low
5.3°C / 2.8°C · several hours
In cloud
13% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m49 · mixed
Wind / gust
19 mph / 31 mph
Typical / low
3.4°C / 1.1°C · much of the night
In cloud
67% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
22 mph / 37 mph
Typical / low
1.6°C / -0.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
73% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 30–40 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust30-40 mphRain1.3 mm
Main factorsgusts of 30–40 mphwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-17. All times are UK local time.
Using the last available sky forecast, updated at 13:02 GMT on 14 Nov. Cloud conditions may have changed. Live aurora guidance is temporarily unavailable.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 17 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 17 Nov, 23:45 GMT to 18 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
17 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
17 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
17 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
17 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
17 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
17 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 18 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
18 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
18 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
18 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
18 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
18 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
18 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Gibbous moon, about 56% illuminated.
Moonset around 17 Nov, 23:45 GMT.
Full darkness: 17 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 18 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Tuesday 17 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-20 mph easterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0015-25 mphFeels like-8 to -4°CPrecipitationLittle or noneCloud-free summit estimate20%Cloud base through day600-1,600 mFreezing level700-1,000 mDaylightSunrise 07:37 · Sunset 16:19 · 8.7 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A good day on Pen y Fan, though expect the summit in cloud for most of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect an easterly wind of 5–20 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 15–25 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base lifts through the day. The cloud base could be as low as 600–900 m first thing. A few forecast models bring it lower still, to around 400–700 m. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Any sunshine is more likely on lower ground than on the summit.
Rain and ground
Mostly dry, but some forecast models bring rain in the morning. It will be wet underfoot after recent rain.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. It's still four days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 6.8 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Some forecast models bring rain during the morning, while others keep it mostly dry.
71
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
GoodSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
78
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 45 mph and a frost, down to -2°C). Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 18 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 45 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Dry to pitch, then some light rain by morning, so you'll likely pack up in the wet. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -2°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Views of the Moon may come and go through cloud breaks. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 18 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 19 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m53 · mixed
Wind / gust
13 mph / 31 mph
Typical / low
2.1°C / 1.8°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
16 mph / 37 mph
Typical / low
1.1°C / 0.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
40% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
19 mph / 46 mph
Typical / low
-0.8°C / -1.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
73% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. After recent rain the rock may still be wet in places, especially shaded holds and drainage lines. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceDry overhead; seepage uncertainPeak gust15-25 mphRainPossible · 72%
Main factorsdamp or incompletely dried rock possibleSub-zero temperatures and moisture may leave icy patches on exposed rock
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-18. All times are UK local time.
Using the last available sky forecast, updated at 13:02 GMT on 14 Nov. Cloud conditions may have changed. Live aurora guidance is temporarily unavailable.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 18 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 19 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
18 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
18 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
18 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
18 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
18 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
18 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 19 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
19 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
19 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
19 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
19 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
19 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
19 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Gibbous moon, about 66% illuminated.
Moonset around 19 Nov, 01:00 GMT.
Full darkness: 18 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Wednesday 18 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Serious conditions on Pen y Fan, with snow on the tops and strong, gusty winds. Think carefully before heading high.
Snow and navigation
Snow is forecast on the tops during the morning and afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 700 to 900 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. The forecast model suggests around 6 cm of fresh snowfall at around 900 m between 08:00 and 17:00 (local time). The amount settling is uncertain and will vary with melting and drifting. There is a risk of blizzard conditions during the morning and afternoon, when snow and strong winds coincide. Paths and footprints can quickly disappear beneath falling and blowing snow. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.
Wind
On the summit expect an easterly wind of 30–40 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 40–50 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 65–75 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 400–700 m in the early afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Where snow covers the ground, the sky and hillside can merge into a featureless white view, making it difficult to judge slope or direction. Do not rely on following a visible path. Avoid exposed routes if you cannot navigate safely in these conditions, and turn back before visibility deteriorates.
Rain and ground
Snow for much of the day, turning lighter later. Some forecast models keep it drier in the morning. It will be wet underfoot after recent rain.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -12 to -8°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:20pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Cloud heights are particularly hard to pin down today. It's still five days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Below zero means severe hill conditions. More negative scores indicate more severe forecast weather. Read the hazard details before making plans. Below zero means severe hill conditions. More negative scores indicate more severe forecast weather. Read the hazard details before making plans.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
Severe hill conditionsSummit winds around 30-40 mph. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. Rain is forecast during this period. Some forecast models bring rain during the morning, while others keep it mostly dry.
-4
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 30-40 mph. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. Rain is forecast during this period. Some forecast models bring rain during the afternoon, while others keep it mostly dry.
0
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 45 mph and about 3 mm of rain). Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 19 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 45 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Expect about 3 mm of rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -1°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 19 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 20 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m56 · mixed
Wind / gust
19 mph / 29 mph
Typical / low
3.1°C / 2.8°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
23 mph / 35 mph
Typical / low
1.6°C / 1.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
40% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
31 mph / 44 mph
Typical / low
0.2°C / -0.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
47% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 40–50 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust40-50 mphRain10.6 mm
Main factorsgusts of 40–50 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaForecasts disagree about rain or haze, so it could be murkier than this looks.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-19. All times are UK local time.
Using the last available sky forecast, updated at 13:02 GMT on 14 Nov. Cloud conditions may have changed. Live aurora guidance is temporarily unavailable.
Stargazing
Very good sky conditions during the best available spell: 20 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT.
Forecasts disagree about rain or haze, so it could be murkier than this looks.
Moon-free dark sky: 20 Nov, 02:15 GMT to 05:40 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
19 Nov, 18:15 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
19 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
19 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
19 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
19 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
19 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 20 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
20 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
20 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
20 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Good sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
20 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Good sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
20 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Very good sky conditions
Forecasts disagree about rain or haze, so it could be murkier than this looks.
Forecast models disagree.
20 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT
Very good sky conditions
Mostly clear.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Gibbous moon, about 75% illuminated.
Moonset around 20 Nov, 02:15 GMT.
Full darkness: 19 Nov, 18:15 GMT to 20 Nov, 05:40 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Thursday 19 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
On the summit expect a south-easterly wind of around 15–25 mph first thing, easing to 5–15 mph by mid-afternoon, with gusts of 25–35 mph at the windiest. The wind turns southerly in the early afternoon. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit around midday. A few forecast models bring the cloud base down to around 400–700 m at times. The cloud base sits close to summit height, so the top could go in and out of cloud at short notice. Patchy mist is possible in sheltered valleys early on. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views whenever the tops come out of the cloud.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry. It will be wet underfoot after recent rain.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still six days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 8 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
GoodSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
72
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
ExcellentWinds ease compared with the morning. Summit winds around 5-20 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground.
85
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain: a frost, down to 0°C.59Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Friday 20 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the rain. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 20 mph. Expect some light rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Up around 900 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A frost up around 900 m, down to about 0°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 20 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 21 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
9 mph / 15 mph
Typical / low
4.0°C / 3.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
11 mph / 18 mph
Typical / low
4.0°C / 3.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
14 mph / 22 mph
Typical / low
0.9°C / -0.4°C · much of the night
In cloud
87% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Poor conditions for exposed scrambling. After recent rain the rock may still be wet in places, especially shaded holds and drainage lines. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 25–35 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceDry overhead; seepage uncertainPeak gust25-35 mphRain0.3 mm
Main factorsgusts of 25–35 mphdamp or incompletely dried rock possibleSnow is likely to be lying on high ground, with further snowfall possible during the day
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-11-20. All times are UK local time.
Using the last available sky forecast, updated at 13:02 GMT on 14 Nov. Cloud conditions may have changed. Live aurora guidance is temporarily unavailable.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 20 Nov, 18:15 GMT to 19:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 21 Nov, 03:35 GMT to 05:45 GMT.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
20 Nov, 18:15 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
20 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
20 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
20 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
20 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
20 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 21 Nov, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
21 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
21 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
21 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Limited model coverage.
21 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Limited model coverage.
21 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
21 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:45 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Gibbous moon, about 84% illuminated.
Moonset around 21 Nov, 03:35 GMT.
Full darkness: 20 Nov, 18:15 GMT to 21 Nov, 05:45 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Friday 20 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-30 mph southerlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mphFeels like-4 to 0°CPrecipitationLittle or noneCloud-free summit estimate15%Cloud base through day700-1,000 mFreezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:42 · Sunset 16:15 · 8.6 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A poor day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with the summit in cloud for most of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect a southerly wind of 15–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 700–1000 m mid-afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
Dry through the daylight hours, but rain arrives after dark. Some forecast models bring rain, so don't count on it staying dry.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -4 to 0°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
A short day, with only about 9 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still seven days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
54
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground.
30
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA poor night to camp on open ground: gusts of about 35 mph and around 13 mm of rain.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Saturday 21 November 2026
Full overnight outlook
A poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 35 mph around 900 m and nearer 25 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Look for shelter from the south. The wind swings from southerly to westerly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Expect a wet night, around 13 mm of rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Up around 900 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A cold night, down to about 1°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 21 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 22 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
14 mph / 25 mph
Typical / low
5.5°C / 4.3°C · a brief spell
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
16 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low
5.5°C / 4.3°C · a brief spell
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m30 · poor
Wind / gust
19 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low
3.9°C / 1.0°C · much of the night
In cloud
93% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Snow is likely on the rock and ledges, so it becomes a winter route. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust30-40 mphRain2.1 mm
Main factorsgusts of 30–40 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Saturday 21 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
