Welsh weather is famously unpredictable. If you’re learning Welsh, knowing how to talk about rain isn’t just useful - it’s survival. Here’s the vocab you need.
Basic Welsh Rain Terms
Glaw
/ɡlaːu̯/“Rain”
The standard word for rain. If you only learn one term, make it this.
Bwrw glaw
/ˈbʊru ɡlaʊ/“Raining”
Literally 'to throw rain'. Used like 'Mae’n bwrw glaw' (It’s raining).
Cawod
/ˈkau̯.ɔd/“Shower”
A rain shower. Often used in the plural ('cawodydd') because, well, Wales.
Types of Rain (Because Wales Has Many)
Glaw mân
/ɡlaʊ mɑːn/“Drizzle”
The light, misty rain that soaks you through over hours.
Glaw trwm
/ɡlaʊ trʊm/“Heavy rain”
The kind where you question your life choices.
Glaw rhewllyd
/ɡlaʊ ˈr̥ɛu̯ɬɪd/“Freezing rain”
Rain that’s so cold it feels like needles. Common in winter.
Rain-Related Phrases
- Mae’n wlyb iawn heddiw - It’s very wet today.
- Mae hi’n gwlyb tu allan - It’s wet outside.
- Dw i’n wlyb at fy nghroen - I’m soaked to the skin.
Pro tip: If you’re in Wales and it’s not raining, just wait. It will.
Regional Variations
North Wales tends to get more rain than the south. If you’re in Snowdonia, expect glaw trwm on the regular. South Wales, especially Cardiff, gets off lighter - but not by much.
Bonus: How to Pronounce Welsh Weather Words
Struggling with pronunciation? Check out our guide on how to pronounce Welsh place names - many of the same rules apply.
Final Thought
Welsh weather is a national pastime. Master these words, and you’ll fit right in - even if you’re soaked.
