Weather in the Lake District: A Season-by-Season Guide

WE get a lot of weather in the Lake District. In one day you can bask in warm sunshine, get drenched in a shower, and encounter a high-fells snow storm. It’s unpredictable, and it’s localised. It can be raining in Grasmere and sunny in Rydal two miles away. And it’s all glorious.

You want to lie on a beach and get a sun-tan? Then you don’t come to the Lakes. Here you’ll get the excitement of early morning mist rising off the lake. The astonishing spectacle of climbing above valley fog for the impact of a cloud inversion. Rainbows? We’ve got them by the bucketful. Rain? Without it we wouldn’t be the Lake District. And yes, it can get really hot and then you’re glad of a cool-down swim in a mountain pool, or to jump off a jetty into Derwentwater or Coniston.

Here in the Lakes we believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. So here’s our season-by-season guide on what to expect, and how to get the most out of your visit to the loveliest corner of England.

Spring in the Lake District

Springtime in the Lakes

Every season is our favourite, for different reasons. Spring in the Lake District is joyful, and every cliche is real, from the lambs in the fields and on the fells to the daffodils by the roadside and the lakeshore. There will be days of bright sunshine, but there might still be snow on the summits. Go to Dora’s Field next to Rydal Church (just a few miles north of the Cedar Manor) for the best display of daffodils (planted by the poet William Wordsworth when his daughter Dora died). And later you’ll see wonderful swathes of bluebells here, and in the woods beside Rydal Water.

For the most spectacular bluebells, do the short climb up to Todd Crag from Clappersgate, just near the head of Windermere. Take the path through Fishgarths Wood for the most wonderful surprises.

Clothes for spring: layers are the key to a happy day walking in the Lakes. You can get kit that’s really warm yet lightweight. No need to pack in advance. There are so many shops selling outdoor equipment here including our favourite Cunninghams in Ambleside, just four miles away. Expert staff will know what to advise if you tell them where you want to walk, and how high you want to climb.

Summer in the Lake District

Summer in the Lakes

The water in the Lakes will have warmed up by now for even the most timid wild swimmer. We like to go to Coniston for a swim, but to avoid the crowds, just head up into the hills and find your own pools and mountain streams. Everyone on social media seems to be heading to the “Infinity Pool” but truly, there are so many others, quieter, less spoiled. Ask us when you get here. We only share our secrets with special people!

Summertime sees a whole calendar of outdoor events, fairs and shows. You can watch strange and wonderful traditional sports such as Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling. You can put money on a dog, not a horse, at the bookies when hound trails take place. You can watch displays of heroic strength and fitness in tug of war contests and fell races around the high tops, and of course you can take part in them too. We love going to Coniston Country Fair, and the oldest established big daddy of them all, Ambleside Sports. It’s a full day out, and yes, take the sunscreen!

Autumn in the Lake District

Autumn in the Lakes

For many people this is their favourite season. The school holidays are over, the fells are less crowded, the light is spectacular, and the range of colours by the lakesides and on the hills is better than anywhere else in the UK. One of the last trees to lose its leaves is the famous copper beech in the grounds of Cumbria University in Ambleside. Go and take a look.

It’s still warm enough to swim, but if you’re walking on the fells you will certainly need extra layers and good waterproofs. But it’s unlikely to snow till the end of November so that’s a good incentive for those less experienced in “winter conditions”. You still need to know how to deal with all that the weather can throw at you, and be prepared.

Winter in the Lake District

Winter in the Lakes

Such an exciting time! There are craft fairs and Christmas events, the galleries are full of gift ideas, the shops are brightly lit, and the streets too. Come along at the end of November to see the lights being switch on in Ambleside and Keswick.

There are great shows at our theatres, Theatre by the Lake in Keswick and Old Laundry nearby at Bowness. And all of this happens whatever the weather. We tend not to get heavy snowfall at valley level until January (famous last words!) but the fells may have a covering of snow from the end of November. It’s beautiful to look at, and exhilarating to walk in, but please do be sure that you are well equipped and know how to react to changing conditions.

Will you need and ice axe and crampons? What’s the wind chill factor at 3000ft? The team who do this work also offer day-long courses in winter mountaineering, and we can put you in touch with them if you’d like to try it. But please be adventure smart. Our mountain rescue teams are staffed by volunteers who are stretched to the limit these days, often by people who have ignored advice, don’t have the right kit, don’t realise how dark it can get on a winter afternoon. We want you back here safely at the end of the day.