Condition Analysis
AI-powered assessment using site data and 14-day weather history
Despite gabbro's non-porous nature and fast drying, today's 100% humidity, active rainfall from mid-afternoon, and saturated conditions from recent days mean the rock will be wet and slippery. The coming week offers no meaningful dry window, with rain forecast every day through June 20th.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Gabbro is non-porous so there is zero structural risk from climbing wet, but the surface will be extremely slippery when coated in moisture — especially on steeper problems where friction is critical.
- Semi-tidal access means some boulders may be cut off regardless of conditions; with persistent SW winds and swell, wave wash on lower boulders is likely.
- The exceptionally rough gabbro texture offers better-than-average friction in marginal dampness, but at 100% humidity the surface will carry a persistent moisture film that negates this advantage.
- The SW aspect faces directly into the prevailing wind and rain direction this week, meaning the rock receives the full brunt of incoming weather systems rather than being sheltered.
Warnings
2
- Rock surfaces will be slippery despite gabbro's rough texture — falling from height onto poor landings in wet conditions poses a serious injury risk.
- Do not rely on the morning dry window today; humidity is 100% throughout and rain arrives by mid-afternoon.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from 5.6mm of rain today with 100% humidity persisting all day, and residual moisture from 19mm on June 11th and intermittent showers since has kept surfaces damp.
Although gabbro dries rapidly and the exposed SW aspect normally aids this, sustained 96–100% humidity and 100% cloud cover are preventing any effective evaporation, so surface moisture is not clearing.
Gabbro is non-porous and extremely hard — there is no risk of structural damage or hold breakage from climbing in wet conditions.
Early summer should offer improving conditions, but the current Atlantic weather pattern is delivering persistent frontal rain and high humidity typical of an unsettled June spell.
Contributing Factors
6
Rain is falling from 15:00 onwards today with 5.6mm total, and humidity has been at 100% for most of the day.
Gabbro does not absorb water and cannot be structurally damaged by climbing when wet, removing the ethical concern.
Humidity at 99–100% all day prevents any surface drying and leaves a persistent moisture film on the rock.
The prevailing SW wind drives rain directly onto the SW-facing boulders rather than providing a drying benefit in these conditions.
The coarse crystalline surface provides better residual friction than smooth rock types even when damp, widening the usable window slightly.
Rain has fallen on most of the last 10 days totalling over 27mm in the past week alone, keeping the environment thoroughly damp.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for a sustained dry window — gabbro dries quickly, so even a few hours of lower humidity and breeze will bring conditions back, but that window is not available today.
- Check tide times before any visit this week; SW swell from persistent onshore winds may make lower boulders inaccessible even at low tide.
- Monitor forecasts for June 21–22 when drier conditions with a NW wind shift may finally offer a usable session.
Previous Analyses
Marginal — Assess Conditions
70%
2 days ago
The gabbro at Porth Ysgo has had three full dry days (12th–14th) plus a mostly dry today following heavy rain on June 11th (19mm), and the non-porous rock will have shed surface water quickly in the strong westerly winds. However, persistent high humidity (80–90%), overcast skies, and coastal salt moisture mean some sheltered surfaces and seepage zones may still carry a film of dampness — a visual check on arrival is sensible before committing, especially as 22mm of rain is forecast for tomorrow.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Some lower boulders are semi-tidal and may be wave-washed or inaccessible regardless of weather — always check tide tables and swell forecasts before descending to the beach.
- The gabbro's extreme roughness destroys skin rapidly in humid conditions when fingers soften; tape up early and keep sessions short.
- Cliff-top seepage from saturated grazing land above can persist for days after prolonged wet spells, creating localised damp streaks even when the rock face itself is dry.
- The exposed SW aspect and strong prevailing winds dry surfaces quickly, but salt spray and high humidity can leave a thin slippery film on the rock that is hard to detect visually.
Warnings
2
- Heavy rain (22mm) is forecast for tomorrow June 16th, followed by further unsettled weather — today may be the last reasonable climbing window for several days.
- Semi-tidal access: do not get caught out by incoming tides on lower boulders; always plan your session around tide tables.
Reasoning
The non-porous gabbro will not have absorbed any water from recent rain; three consecutive dry days with moderate-to-strong winds should have cleared surface moisture from most faces, though persistently high humidity (78–90%) may maintain a thin moisture film in sheltered spots.
The SW aspect receives good June solar radiation and the site has been exposed to 20–30+ km/h winds through the drying window, giving excellent surface drying despite overcast conditions and high ambient humidity.
Gabbro is extremely hard and non-porous — there is zero risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from moisture.
Early June offers long daylight hours and reasonable temperatures (13–17°C), but the current spell of unsettled Atlantic weather is keeping humidity very high and delivering frequent frontal rain.
Contributing Factors
7
Gabbro does not absorb water and dries rapidly, so the three dry days since the 19mm event on June 11th are more than sufficient for surface drying on exposed faces.
No measurable rain from June 12th–14th with strong 20–33 km/h winds provides a solid drying window for non-porous rock.
Humidity has averaged 84% over the past week and remains around 72–82% through today's climbing hours, which can maintain a subtle moisture film on rough gabbro surfaces.
22mm of rain forecast for June 16th means today offers the best window before another prolonged unsettled spell.
Consistent 15–20 km/h winds today accelerate surface evaporation and help offset the high ambient humidity.
The exposed SW coastal position means salt-laden moisture can deposit a thin slippery film, particularly on lower boulders closer to the waterline.
Hourly forecast shows no rain until a trace at 21:00, giving a solid daytime window from mid-morning through late afternoon.
Recommendations
3
- Aim for the mid-morning to mid-afternoon window (09:00–16:00) today when humidity is lowest (70–74%) and conditions are best; avoid climbing into the evening as humidity rises sharply toward 100%.
- Check tide times and swell forecasts before descending — some boulders will be inaccessible or wave-washed at higher tides regardless of rock dryness.
- Bring plenty of tape and limit session length — the gabbro's abrasive texture is especially punishing on skin softened by humid conditions.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
75%
3 days ago
Three dry days following heavy rain on June 11th (19mm), combined with strong winds and the non-porous nature of gabbro, mean the rock surface should be dry. However, persistently high humidity (~85%) and recent repeated wet spells may leave residual moisture in seepage zones and sheltered areas, so a visual check on arrival is advisable.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The 19mm downpour on June 11th was substantial, but gabbro's zero porosity and three subsequent dry, windy days (20–33 km/h) should have cleared surface water from exposed faces.
- Cliff-top seepage from saturated coastal grazing land above may still be trickling down after the very wet period from late May through mid-June (77.7mm in 28 days).
- The SW aspect catches afternoon sun well in June, but recent average temperatures have been cool (~12.7°C) and humidity high (~85%), which slows evaporation of any pooled or seepage water.
- Semi-tidal access means some lower boulders may have been washed by waves or spray regardless of rainfall — check tide times and swell forecasts before descending.
Warnings
2
- Seepage from saturated ground above the crag may persist on some faces despite the rock itself being non-porous — avoid visibly wet streaks.
- Atlantic groundswell from recent storms may still be elevated; check marine forecasts as large swell can make the beach and lower boulders inaccessible or dangerous.
Reasoning
The gabbro surfaces themselves will not retain absorbed moisture, but pooled water in textured hollows, seepage from saturated ground above, and salt spray from recent SW storms could leave localised damp patches.
Three consecutive dry days with moderate-to-strong winds (21–33 km/h) and a SW aspect receiving good June sun provide solid drying conditions, though persistently high humidity (78–90%) tempers the drying rate.
Gabbro is extremely hard and non-porous — there is no risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from moisture.
Early June offers long daylight hours and reasonable solar angles for a SW aspect, but this has been an unusually wet and cool spell for the season, keeping the surrounding ground saturated.
Contributing Factors
6
No measurable rain since June 11th gives gabbro ample time to shed surface water.
Gabbro does not absorb water, so surface drying is the only concern and it happens quickly.
Winds of 21–33 km/h over the drying window actively strip surface moisture from exposed faces.
Average humidity around 85% over the past week slows evaporation and can leave a thin moisture film, especially in sheltered spots.
33mm in the last 7 days and 78mm over 28 days has saturated the ground above the crag, increasing seepage risk.
Recent strong SW winds and swell may have deposited a thin salt-moisture film on lower, exposed boulder faces.
Recommendations
3
- Check tide times and Atlantic swell forecasts before heading down — some boulders are only accessible around low tide and groundswell can make the beach dangerous.
- Visually inspect holds and landings for seepage streaks or residual dampness, particularly on north-facing facets and in textured hollows that trap water.
- Bring plenty of finger tape — the gabbro is notoriously skin-shredding, and any residual moisture will increase friction-burn on already rough rock.
Likely Safe to Climb
85%
4 days ago
Non-porous gabbro at Porth Ysgo has had two full dry days with strong westerly winds and an exposed aspect, which is more than sufficient drying time for this rock type. Despite a wet preceding week, the rock surface should be dry and ready to climb today.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Semi-tidal venue: some boulders are only accessible around low tide — check tide tables for today before setting out, as this determines which problems are available.
- The SW-facing aspect has received good solar radiation during the dry spell, but persistent high humidity (79–90%) and coastal salt spray may leave a thin moisture film on shaded or north-facing boulder faces.
- Gabbro's exceptionally rough texture will shred skin rapidly, especially in warm conditions — bring finger tape and plan session length carefully.
- Landings at Porth Ysgo are notoriously poor; bring multiple bouldering pads and ideally a spotter, particularly on the tidal boulders where seaweed-covered rock surrounds the base.
Warnings
1
- Beware of seaweed-covered rock around tidal boulder bases — extremely slippery underfoot and a serious slip hazard.
Reasoning
Two consecutive dry days with strong winds (25–33 km/h) on non-porous gabbro mean the rock surface should be fully dry, despite 19mm of rain on June 11.
The SW aspect and exposed, windy position at low altitude provide excellent drying conditions; gabbro's zero porosity means surface water sheds and evaporates within hours rather than days.
Gabbro is extremely hard and dense with no porosity — there is zero risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from moisture.
Early summer conditions with reasonable temperatures (13–17°C) and lengthening days are favourable, though the recent unsettled Atlantic weather pattern has kept humidity elevated.
Contributing Factors
6
Gabbro does not absorb water at all, so only surface moisture matters and this evaporates very quickly.
Two full dry days with zero precipitation is more than adequate drying time for non-porous rock.
Sustained winds of 25–33 km/h across an exposed coastal site accelerate surface drying significantly.
The south-westerly aspect receives good afternoon sun, aiding evaporation of any residual moisture.
Humidity remains elevated at 79–90%, which may slow final drying of sheltered or shaded faces and leave a slight moisture film.
19mm fell on June 11 and 37.8mm over the past week, but this is irrelevant to non-porous rock once surface water has evaporated.
Recommendations
3
- Check tide tables before visiting — some of the best boulders are only accessible around low tide.
- Bring plenty of finger tape and plan for shorter sessions, as gabbro's abrasive texture causes rapid skin deterioration.
- Inspect shaded or north-facing boulder faces for residual moisture films before committing, especially lower sections near the waterline.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
72%
5 days ago
Yesterday saw 19mm of heavy rain, but today has been dry with strong westerly winds (32 km/h) on this exposed SW-facing coast. Gabbro's non-porous nature and the wind exposure mean surface moisture should clear quickly, but high ambient humidity (88%) and coastal salt spray may leave a residual film — a visual check on arrival is warranted.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The 19mm rain on June 11 was significant, but gabbro's zero porosity means only surface water needs to evaporate — strong winds and a full dry day today should handle most of it.
- Cliff-top runoff and seepage from saturated coastal grassland above can persist for days after heavy rain, creating localised wet streaks on otherwise dry rock.
- Semi-tidal access is critical: some of the best boulders sit low and may retain sea-spray or wave-wash moisture regardless of rainfall — check tide tables and swell forecasts before committing.
- Persistent high humidity (87–99% over recent days) combined with onshore winds means salt-laden moisture film can linger on exposed faces, reducing friction despite the rock technically being 'dry'.
Warnings
2
- Some boulders near the waterline may be wave-washed or spray-soaked regardless of weather — do not assume all rock is dry even on a rain-free day.
- Cliff-top seepage from saturated ground above may create localised wet bands that are not obvious until you're on the rock.
Reasoning
The gabbro surface should be largely dry after a full day of zero precipitation and 32 km/h winds, but the heavy 19mm rain was only yesterday and ambient humidity remains high at 88%.
The exposed SW aspect and strong westerly winds provide excellent surface drying conditions for non-porous gabbro; one full dry day with these winds is typically sufficient for surface drying, though sheltered nooks and seepage zones may lag.
Gabbro is extremely hard and non-porous — there is zero risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from moisture; the only concern is surface slipperiness.
Early June provides adequate daylight hours and reasonable temperatures for drying, though this has been an unusually wet and humid spell for the season with 40mm in the last seven days.
Contributing Factors
7
19mm fell on June 11, the heaviest single-day total in recent weeks, meaning significant surface water needed clearing.
Zero precipitation today with strong 32 km/h westerly winds on an exposed site gives excellent surface evaporation for non-porous rock.
Gabbro does not absorb water at all, so only surface moisture matters and drying is rapid once rain stops.
Humidity has been 84–99% for the past week, and today sits at 88%, which slows evaporation and allows moisture films to persist.
Strong westerly winds directly hitting the SW-facing coast accelerate surface drying significantly.
Onshore SW/W winds over recent days will have deposited salt spray on the rock, which can retain a thin moisture film and feel greasy.
40mm of rain in the past seven days will have saturated cliff-top grassland, potentially causing seepage lines on some boulders for several days.
Recommendations
3
- Check tide tables and swell forecast before visiting — low-lying boulders require low tide access and calm seas.
- Visually inspect rock surfaces for moisture film, seepage streaks, and salt residue before committing to problems; carry a towel to test suspect holds.
- Bring plenty of finger tape — the gabbro texture is exceptionally abrasive and skin will wear rapidly, especially if any residual dampness forces harder gripping.
Do Not Climb
90%
6 days ago
Porth Ysgo is currently being hit by heavy rain (15.5mm today) with near-100% humidity and strong SW winds, making the rock actively wet and conditions unsafe for bouldering. Although gabbro dries quickly, the rock will remain wet and slippery for the remainder of today given persistent drizzle and saturated air.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Semi-tidal boulders at Porth Ysgo will be affected by both the rain and potential wave splash from strong SW winds driving swell directly onshore — check tide times and swell forecasts before any visit.
- The SW aspect means the prevailing SW wind today is hitting the boulders head-on, which aids drying once rain stops but also drives salt spray inland during rough seas.
- The rough gabbro texture retains surface water in its micro-pockets and crystal grain boundaries, which in near-100% humidity will take time to evaporate despite the rock's non-porous nature.
- Landings at Porth Ysgo are generally poor and will be especially treacherous when wet — seaweed-covered rocks and sodden sand significantly increase injury risk from falls.
Warnings
3
- Active heavy rain and 100% humidity make all rock surfaces dangerously slippery despite gabbro's normally excellent friction.
- Strong SW winds and potential groundswell may make tidal boulders completely inaccessible and create dangerous wave conditions at the base of the cliff.
- Wet, poor landings significantly increase injury risk — do not attempt to boulder with inadequate pads on sodden ground.
Reasoning
The rock is actively wet right now, with 15.5mm of rain falling today (heaviest around 08:00–10:00) and humidity at 97–100% throughout the day, meaning surface moisture cannot evaporate.
Despite strong winds (up to 43 km/h) and the SW aspect, drying is effectively impossible today because humidity remains at 97–100% and light drizzle continues intermittently; gabbro's quick-drying properties are negated when the air itself is saturated.
Gabbro is non-porous and does not suffer structural weakening when wet, so there is no hold-breakage risk from moisture.
Early June should offer reasonable conditions, but this period has seen a notably wet and unsettled spell with 37mm in the last 7 days and persistently high humidity in the 80–90%+ range.
Contributing Factors
6
15.5mm of rain forecast today with the bulk falling between 05:00 and 12:00, leaving the rock actively wet.
Humidity is 97–100% all day, preventing any meaningful surface evaporation even on non-porous rock.
Winds of 30–43 km/h from the SW drive salt spray and moisture directly onto the SW-facing boulders, compounding wetness.
Gabbro does not absorb water and will dry rapidly once humidity drops and rain ceases — no multi-day drying wait required.
37mm over the past 7 days with only brief dry intervals means the surrounding ground, landings, and any seepage channels are thoroughly saturated.
The already-poor landings will be slippery and hazardous when wet, increasing the consequence of any fall significantly.
Recommendations
3
- Do not climb today — the rock is actively wet and conditions are dangerous for bouldering.
- Tomorrow (June 12) looks dry with moderate wind; visit in the afternoon once the rock has had time to dry and check conditions visually on arrival.
- Check tide tables and swell forecasts before any trip — strong SW winds may generate significant swell that limits access to tidal boulders even after conditions improve.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
72%
8 days ago
Gabbro's non-porous nature means the rock itself dries rapidly, and today offers a dry window roughly 06:00–19:00 with strong westerly winds aiding evaporation. However, recent persistent rainfall (29mm in the last 7 days), high ambient humidity (~86% average), and light rain earlier today and forecast again this evening mean surface dampness from sea-spray and seepage off the clifftop is possible — a visual check on arrival is essential.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Semi-tidal access: some boulders are only climbable around low tide, so check tide tables before committing to a session.
- High humidity (79% today, 86% weekly average) combined with persistent SW winds and sea-spray can leave a thin moisture film on exposed faces even without direct rain.
- The SW aspect receives good afternoon sun when cloud breaks, which will help dry surfaces through the middle of the day.
- Clifftop seepage from saturated grazing land above can create persistent wet bands on some problems despite the non-porous rock drying quickly itself.
Warnings
2
- Light rain is forecast from approximately 19:00 today — do not start new problems late in the afternoon.
- Semi-tidal access means rising water can cut off retreat from some boulders; always be aware of the tide state.
Reasoning
The rock received 1.8mm today (mostly trace amounts early and forecast heavier after 19:00), following a wet week with 29mm total, but gabbro's zero porosity means surface water sheds almost immediately and the midday dry window with 28–35 km/h winds should clear residual moisture.
Strong W/SW winds (25–35 km/h) on an exposed SW-facing coastal site at 10m altitude provide excellent surface drying; any direct rain should evaporate within an hour or two on this non-porous rock.
Gabbro is extremely hard and dense with no water absorption — there is zero risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from moisture.
Early June offers long daylight hours and reasonable temperatures (~14°C), though this period has been unusually wet and humid for the season, limiting the benefit of the typical summer drying advantage.
Contributing Factors
6
Gabbro does not absorb water and sheds surface moisture extremely quickly, meaning drying times are measured in minutes to hours rather than days.
No rain forecast between roughly 06:00 and 19:00 today, giving a solid 13-hour drying and climbing window.
Westerly winds of 28–35 km/h on this exposed coastal site will rapidly strip surface moisture from the rock.
Humidity averaging 79% today (86% over the past week) slows evaporation and can leave a thin moisture film, especially on shaded or north-facing surfaces.
29mm over the past 7 days with rain on most days means the surrounding ground and clifftop vegetation are saturated, increasing the risk of seepage onto boulder surfaces.
Light rain is forecast from around 19:00 onwards today (1.8mm total), closing the climbing window by early evening.
Recommendations
3
- Climb during the dry midday window (roughly 09:00–18:00) and be prepared to pack up before the evening rain arrives around 19:00.
- Check tide tables carefully — some of the best boulders are only accessible around low tide, and combining the tide window with the dry weather window is essential for planning.
- Bring plenty of finger tape and expect rapid skin wear on the exceptionally rough gabbro texture; pace your session accordingly.
Marginal — Assess Conditions
72%
9 days ago
Heavy rain fell overnight (10.7mm), but the non-porous gabbro at Porth Ysgo dries very quickly and the forecast shows a dry window from mid-morning onwards with moderate winds and some sun. By late morning the rock surfaces should be dry enough to climb, but a visual check on arrival is warranted given the high ambient humidity and recent persistent wet spell.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The gabbro is non-porous and dries extremely fast — surface water from overnight rain will largely clear within a couple of hours of wind and any sun, but sheltered overhangs and north-facing facets may retain dampness longer.
- Semi-tidal access means some boulders will be submerged or spray-affected around high water; check tide times carefully as conditions at the waterline change rapidly.
- Persistent high humidity (80–90%+) over the past week means cliff-top seepage from saturated turf above may create localised wet streaks on the rock even when the main faces are dry.
- The exceptionally rough gabbro texture still provides good friction when slightly damp, but skin wear will be extreme — tape up and manage session length.
Warnings
2
- Groundswell may affect low-level boulders regardless of weather — assess wave conditions on arrival before approaching tidal problems.
- The recent extended wet spell means cliff-top seepage is likely; watch for localised wet streaks even on otherwise dry-looking faces.
Reasoning
10.7mm of rain fell in the early hours today, but the non-porous gabbro surface will not have absorbed any water and the rock should shed standing moisture rapidly once exposed to wind and breaks in cloud cover from mid-morning.
Strong SW winds (20–32 km/h through the day) combined with a SW aspect receiving afternoon solar radiation and clearing skies from ~08:00 should dry exposed gabbro surfaces within 2–3 hours of the rain stopping around 05:00.
Gabbro is extremely hard and non-porous — there is zero risk of structural weakening or hold breakage from moisture; the only concern is surface slipperiness.
Early June provides long daylight hours and reasonable solar angles; however, the current unsettled Atlantic weather pattern is delivering frequent rain and high humidity, reducing the reliability of drying windows.
Contributing Factors
7
Gabbro does not absorb water so surface moisture evaporates quickly and there is no structural risk from climbing on damp rock.
10.7mm fell between midnight and 05:00, leaving surfaces wet at dawn.
No precipitation forecast from 05:00 today through to at least mid-morning tomorrow, giving a long drying and climbing window.
Sustained 19–32 km/h winds across the exposed coastal site will rapidly strip surface moisture from the rock.
Average humidity has been 87% over the past week, which slows evaporation and may allow a thin moisture film to linger on shaded surfaces.
55mm of rain in the past 28 days and consistently high humidity mean the ground above the crag is saturated, risking seepage streaks on parts of the rock.
Some boulders are only accessible around low tide; this is independent of weather but must be checked before visiting.
Recommendations
3
- Wait until late morning (after ~11:00) to allow exposed gabbro surfaces to dry fully in the wind and any sunshine before committing to problems.
- Check tide times before setting out — some of the best boulders are only accessible 2–3 hours either side of low water.
- Bring plenty of finger tape and manage session length; the abrasive gabbro texture will shred skin quickly, especially in humid conditions when skin is softer.
Do Not Climb
45%
10 days ago
Porth Ysgo has seen persistent rainfall over the past week (42.8mm in 7 days) with today delivering another 8.2mm in very humid, windy conditions — the gabbro surface will currently be wet. While gabbro dries rapidly once rain stops, the ongoing rain today and forecast rain tomorrow mean the rock is unlikely to be reliably dry until at least June 10th.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- The gabbro is non-porous and will not suffer structural damage from moisture, but the exceptionally rough texture can become treacherously slippery when coated with a film of water or sea spray, making falls onto the poor landings especially dangerous.
- Semi-tidal access means some of the best boulders will only be available around low water — climbers must plan sessions around both tide times and weather windows simultaneously.
- Persistent high humidity (90%+ average over the past week) and coastal salt moisture can keep the rock surface feeling greasy even between rain showers, despite gabbro's zero porosity.
- The SW aspect is directly exposed to the prevailing SW/W winds carrying moisture off the Irish Sea, which in this weather pattern means continuous spray and dampness rather than the drying benefit wind normally provides.
Warnings
2
- Do not attempt today or tomorrow — the rock is actively wet and further rain is forecast, making the rough gabbro dangerously slippery on already-poor landings.
- Check Atlantic swell forecasts before committing to the steep walk in — large groundswell can make semi-tidal boulders inaccessible regardless of tide state.
Reasoning
The rock is currently wet from 8.2mm of rain today on top of a week of frequent showers totalling 42.8mm, with 94% humidity preventing effective evaporation.
Despite gabbro's rapid drying characteristics and strong winds (39.6 km/h), the SW-facing aspect is directly into the prevailing moisture-laden wind, and with humidity at 94% the surface will not dry until rain ceases and humidity drops meaningfully.
No structural risk — gabbro is non-porous and extremely hard; water does not penetrate or weaken the rock.
Early June should offer reasonable conditions, but this spell of unsettled Atlantic weather with persistent humidity and frequent fronts is preventing the rock from drying between showers.
Contributing Factors
7
8.2mm of rain today with 94% humidity means the rock surface is currently wet.
42.8mm over the past 7 days with rain on 6 of those days has kept surfaces consistently damp.
Average humidity of 90% over the past week prevents effective surface evaporation even between showers.
Sustained winds of 30–44 km/h across the exposed coastal site will accelerate surface drying once rain stops.
Gabbro has zero porosity and dries extremely quickly — only surface moisture needs to evaporate.
The SW-facing aspect is directly exposed to the moisture-laden prevailing SW/W winds, bringing sea spray and damp air onto the rock.
The generally poor landings at Porth Ysgo significantly increase the consequences of a slip on damp gabbro.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for June 10th — the first forecast dry day with dropping humidity — then assess conditions on arrival before climbing.
- Check tide times carefully as some boulders are only accessible around low water; combine this with weather windows for the best chance of dry rock.
- Bring extra pads and spotters given the poor landings; even on dry gabbro the abrasive texture shreds skin quickly, so bring tape and manage session length.
Do Not Climb
45%
11 days ago
Despite gabbro's non-porous nature and rapid drying, the persistent wet and humid pattern — 22.3mm on June 1st followed by further rain on most subsequent days including today — combined with very high humidity (90% average over the past week) means surfaces are likely damp or salt-filmed right now. The forecast offers no meaningful dry window over the next few days, with further rain expected tomorrow and on June 8th.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
- Porth Ysgo is semi-tidal: some of the best boulders are only accessible around low tide, so climbers must plan around both weather and tide windows simultaneously.
- The SW aspect faces directly into the prevailing wind and rain direction during this spell, meaning the rock is receiving the full brunt of moisture-laden Atlantic air and sea spray.
- Gabbro's exceptionally rough texture can still provide usable friction when lightly damp, but the sustained high humidity (90%+) creates a persistent moisture film that reduces the advantage.
- Landings on the beach boulders are poor and require multiple pads — wet, slippery rock combined with awkward landings significantly increases injury risk.
Warnings
2
- Wet gabbro combined with poor, uneven beach landings creates a significant fall-injury risk — even partial dampness on this rock type demands caution.
- Sea spray and salt film from onshore winds can make the rock slippery even during dry spells between showers.
Reasoning
Today saw 2.6mm of rain on top of a week that included 22.3mm on June 1st plus additional showers on most days since, and humidity has been consistently above 87%, meaning surfaces are currently wet or carrying a persistent moisture film.
Although the exposed SW aspect and strong winds (44.6 km/h today) would normally dry gabbro within hours, the relentless cycle of rain every 1–2 days and near-saturated humidity prevents full surface drying between events.
Gabbro is non-porous and extremely hard — there is no risk of structural damage or hold breakage from climbing in damp conditions.
Early June should offer improving conditions, but this spell of unsettled Atlantic weather with persistent moisture is atypical and limits the usual summer drying advantage.
Contributing Factors
6
Gabbro does not absorb water and cannot suffer structural weakening, so the concern is purely surface friction rather than rock damage.
Rain has fallen on most of the last 6 days including 22.3mm on June 1st and 2.6mm today, preventing any sustained drying window.
Average humidity over the past week is 90%, which sustains a thin moisture film on rock surfaces and dramatically slows evaporation.
Winds of 30–45 km/h promote rapid surface drying, partially counteracting the high humidity.
The SW-facing rock is fully exposed to the dominant SW–W rain-bearing winds during this spell, receiving direct wetting from wind-driven rain and sea spray.
Further rain is forecast tomorrow (5.3mm) and June 8th (11.3mm), with no sustained dry spell in sight.
Recommendations
3
- Wait for a dry spell of at least 6–8 hours with dropping humidity before attempting to climb — gabbro dries fast once the rain stops, but current conditions are not offering that window.
- Check tide times carefully and plan any visit around both a dry weather window and low tide access for the best problems.
- If conditions do dry briefly, bring tape and expect reduced skin longevity — damp gabbro with salt residue is even more abrasive than dry gabbro.
Climbing Outlook