Mountain Weather

Scafell weather forecast.

964 m summit in Lake District. 8 forecast days covering wind, cloud, rain and temperature, updated 4 November 2026 at 16:25 UTC.

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Explore Scafell in Wind Lab © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2022, OGL v3.0. Paths © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather64Mixed
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-30 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate50% Cloud base through day700-2,200 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:20 · Sunset 16:32 · 9.2 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Scafell: dry and breezy.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of around 5–15 mph first thing, rising to 20–30 mph by mid-afternoon, 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 30–40 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 around midday. The cloud base could be as low as 700–1000 m mid-afternoon. 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.

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

Sunset is around 4:30pm, 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. Things could still change through the day, so keep an eye on the sky.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates Less than 1 hour 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.

Early
Less than 1 hour
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 5-15 mph early in the morning, strengthening to 15-25 mph later. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
83
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Winds strengthen compared with the morning. Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground.
46

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 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 4 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. It should stay dry. 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 cold night, down to about 3°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.

Overnight rain0.1 mm Open ground · 600 m24 mph · gusts 37 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc
18%
Moonrise
02:46 next morning GMT
Moonset
Outside this window

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 4 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 5 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
20 mph / 31 mph
Typical / low
4.3°C / 3.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 37 mph
Typical / low
4.3°C / 3.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
28 mph / 44 mph
Typical / low
3.2°C / 2.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
67% 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.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaFair conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 30–40 mph. Mixed62 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Fair 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. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. On the usual routes up you may also cross rhyolite, which grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. 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 factorsgusts of 30–40 mphmuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 82% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Scafell Dacite Member)
Rock-response profile
Low confidence
View the summit BGS record

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. 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.

Wainwright Bob Graham Round

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

volcanic rock

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

10 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation 69–515 m samples Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacite Scafell Dacite Member 738–936 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record
Route sample Basalt Throstle Garth Basalt Member 622–723 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Basalt is a dark volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and can be very slippery when wet. It is often blocky and shattered, with loose rubble on ledges.

BGS record
Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Long Top Tuff Member 512–625 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Volcaniclastic sandstone and breccia Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 957 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 847 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Felsic tuff Crinkle Tuff Member Around 827 m Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Microgabbro Lake District Ordovician Minor Intrusion Suite

Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Porphyritic microgranodiorite Lake District Devonian Minor Intrusion Suite

Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly clear. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-04. All times are UK local time.

Aurora is unlikely on this night

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale).

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Very good sky conditions during the best available spell: 4 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.

Mostly clear.

Moon-free dark sky: 4 Nov, 18:35 GMT to 5 Nov, 02:55 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
4 Nov, 18:35 GMT to 19:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

4 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

4 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

4 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

4 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

4 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 5 Nov, 00:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

5 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTGood sky conditions

Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.

5 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:20 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Crescent moon, about 18% illuminated.

Moonrise around 5 Nov, 02:55 GMT.

Full darkness: 4 Nov, 18:35 GMT to 5 Nov, 05:20 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.

Orionids 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.

  • Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 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 587 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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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 Scafell on Wednesday 4 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather46Poor
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0035-45 mph Feels like-6 to -2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate20% Cloud base through day800-1,400 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:22 · Sunset 16:30 · 9.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A poor day on the tops of Scafell, with the summit in cloud for most of the day and a blustery wind.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly 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.

Cloud and visibility

Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 600–900 m early in the morning. 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 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.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:30pm, 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. 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 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.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 25-35 mph early in the morning, easing to 15-25 mph later. 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. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later.
48
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit 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.
45

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 40 mph). Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. 39Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 5 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 40 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. It should stay dry. 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 cold night, down to about 3°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.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m21 mph · gusts 34 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc
11%
Moonrise
04:07 next morning GMT
Moonset
Outside this window

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: 5 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 6 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
17 mph / 29 mph
Typical / low
4.7°C / 4.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
21 mph / 34 mph
Typical / low
4.7°C / 4.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 41 mph
Typical / low
3.0°C / 2.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
60% 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.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaMixed conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 35–45 mph. Poor49 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Mixed conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. 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 volcanic tuff, rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. On the usual routes up you may also cross rhyolite, which grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. 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 gust35-45 mphRain0.0 mm
Main factorsgusts of 35–45 mphmuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 82% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Scafell Dacite Member)
Rock-response profile
Low confidence
View the summit BGS record

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. 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.

Wainwright Bob Graham Round

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

volcanic rock

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

10 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation 69–515 m samples Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacite Scafell Dacite Member 738–936 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record
Route sample Basalt Throstle Garth Basalt Member 622–723 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Basalt is a dark volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and can be very slippery when wet. It is often blocky and shattered, with loose rubble on ledges.

BGS record
Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Long Top Tuff Member 512–625 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Volcaniclastic sandstone and breccia Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 957 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 847 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Felsic tuff Crinkle Tuff Member Around 827 m Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Microgabbro Lake District Ordovician Minor Intrusion Suite

Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Porphyritic microgranodiorite Lake District Devonian Minor Intrusion Suite

Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly clear. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-05. All times are UK local time.

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.7 (on a 0 to 9 scale). NOAA has a G1 storm watch out for this date, though the timing of the strongest activity can shift.

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Very good sky conditions during the best available spell: 5 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT.

Mostly clear.

Moon-free dark sky: 5 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 6 Nov, 04:15 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
5 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMTGood sky conditions

Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.

5 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTGood sky conditions

Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.

5 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTGood sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

5 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Mostly clear.

5 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 6 Nov, 00:00 GMTGood sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

6 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

6 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTGood sky conditions

Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times.

6 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

6 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

6 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTVery good sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

6 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:20 GMTMixed sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Crescent moon, about 10% illuminated.

Moonrise around 6 Nov, 04:15 GMT.

Full darkness: 5 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 6 Nov, 05:20 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.

Orionids 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.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 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 587 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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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 Scafell on Thursday 5 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather78Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0010-25 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0025-35 mph Feels like-6 to -2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate65% Cloud base through day900-1,200 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:24 · Sunset 16:28 · 9.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Scafell: dry and breezy.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of around 20–30 mph first thing, easing to 10–20 mph by mid-afternoon, with gusts of 25–35 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

The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit mid-morning. The cloud base could be as low as 600–900 m early in the morning.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

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.

Daylight

Sunset is around 4:30pm, 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 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 1.3 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.

Early
1 h
Midday
Less than 1 hour
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
70
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Winds ease compared with the morning. Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later.
86

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 damp air: dry, with light winds. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Friday 6 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. It should stay dry. 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 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.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m8 mph · gusts 15 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waning crescent moon

Illuminated disc
5%
Moonrise
05:27 next morning GMT
Moonset
Outside this window

Cloud may affect views of the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 6 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 7 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
7 mph / 12 mph
Typical / low
4.7°C / 4.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
8 mph / 15 mph
Typical / low
4.7°C / 4.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
9 mph / 17 mph
Typical / low
1.9°C / 1.4°C · much of the night
In cloud
40% 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.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 25–35 mph. Good81 View 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 25–35 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. On the usual routes up you may also cross rhyolite, which grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. 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 gust25-35 mphRain0.0 mm
Main concerngusts of 25–35 mph
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 82% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Scafell Dacite Member)
Rock-response profile
Low confidence
View the summit BGS record

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. 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.

Wainwright Bob Graham Round

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

volcanic rock

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

10 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation 69–515 m samples Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacite Scafell Dacite Member 738–936 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record
Route sample Basalt Throstle Garth Basalt Member 622–723 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Basalt is a dark volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and can be very slippery when wet. It is often blocky and shattered, with loose rubble on ledges.

BGS record
Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Long Top Tuff Member 512–625 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Volcaniclastic sandstone and breccia Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 957 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 847 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Felsic tuff Crinkle Tuff Member Around 827 m Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Microgabbro Lake District Ordovician Minor Intrusion Suite

Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Porphyritic microgranodiorite Lake District Devonian Minor Intrusion Suite

Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-06. All times are UK local time.

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 5.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale). NOAA has a G1 storm watch out for this date, though the timing of the strongest activity can shift.

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 7 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

Moon-free dark sky: 6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 7 Nov, 05:25 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

6 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 7 Nov, 00:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:25 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-new moon, about 5% illuminated.

Moonrise around 7 Nov, 05:40 GMT.

Full darkness: 6 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 7 Nov, 05:25 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.

Orionids 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.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 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 587 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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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 Scafell on Friday 6 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather64Mixed
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like-4 to 0°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate15% Cloud base through day600-900 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:26 · Sunset 16:26 · 9.0 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Scafell, with the summit in cloud for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 10 mph, mainly easterly, with gusts of 5–15 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 5 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 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. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 9am.

Rain and ground

Drizzle sets in around midday.

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

Sunset is around 4:25pm, 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 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 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.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground.
65
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Mixed Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
63

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 damp air: dry, with light winds. 54Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Saturday 7 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 9 mph. 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 cold night, down to about 1°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.

Overnight rain0.1 mm Open ground · 600 m3 mph · gusts 8 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
3 mph / 6 mph
Typical / low
4.1°C / 3.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m54 · mixed
Wind / gust
3 mph / 8 mph
Typical / low
4.0°C / 3.8°C · much of the night
In cloud
73% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m54 · mixed
Wind / gust
4 mph / 9 mph
Typical / low
0.9°C / 0.7°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 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.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaPoor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor38 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. On the usual routes up you may also cross rhyolite, which grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. 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 gust5-15 mphRain0.9 mm
Main factorswet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 82% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Scafell Dacite Member)
Rock-response profile
Low confidence
View the summit BGS record

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. 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.

Wainwright Bob Graham Round

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

volcanic rock

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

10 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation 69–515 m samples Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacite Scafell Dacite Member 738–936 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record
Route sample Basalt Throstle Garth Basalt Member 622–723 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Basalt is a dark volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and can be very slippery when wet. It is often blocky and shattered, with loose rubble on ledges.

BGS record
Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Long Top Tuff Member 512–625 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Volcaniclastic sandstone and breccia Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 957 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 847 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Felsic tuff Crinkle Tuff Member Around 827 m Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Microgabbro Lake District Ordovician Minor Intrusion Suite

Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Porphyritic microgranodiorite Lake District Devonian Minor Intrusion Suite

Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-07. All times are UK local time.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 8 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon-free dark sky: 7 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 8 Nov, 05:25 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
7 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

7 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

7 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

7 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

7 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

7 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 8 Nov, 00:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

8 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

8 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

8 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

8 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

8 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

8 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:25 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-new moon, about 2% illuminated.

Moonrise around 8 Nov, 07:05 GMT.

Full darkness: 7 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 8 Nov, 05:25 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.

Orionids 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.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 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 587 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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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 Scafell on Saturday 7 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather66Mixed
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-15 mph westerly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0010-20 mph Feels like-6 to -2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate35% Cloud base through day500-800 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:27 · Sunset 16:24 · 8.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A mixed day on Scafell, with cloud coming and going on the summit.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 10 mph, mainly westerly, with gusts of 10–20 mph at the windiest.

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 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. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 7am.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -6 to -2°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 4:25pm, 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 7.9 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.

Early
1.9 h
Midday
4 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
66
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Mixed Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
65

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 damp air: a frost, down to 0°C. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Sunday 8 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 15 mph. 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 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m4 mph · gusts 11 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
3 mph / 9 mph
Typical / low
4.7°C / 3.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
4 mph / 11 mph
Typical / low
4.5°C / 3.7°C · much of the night
In cloud
47% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
4 mph / 13 mph
Typical / low
1.0°C / -0.4°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 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.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaFair conditions for exposed scrambling. Mixed69 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Fair conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. On the usual routes up you may also cross rhyolite, which grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. 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 gust10-20 mphRain0.0 mm
Main concernmuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 82% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Scafell Dacite Member)
Rock-response profile
Low confidence
View the summit BGS record

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. 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.

Wainwright Bob Graham Round

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

volcanic rock

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

10 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation 69–515 m samples Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacite Scafell Dacite Member 738–936 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record
Route sample Basalt Throstle Garth Basalt Member 622–723 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Basalt is a dark volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and can be very slippery when wet. It is often blocky and shattered, with loose rubble on ledges.

BGS record
Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Long Top Tuff Member 512–625 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Volcaniclastic sandstone and breccia Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 957 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 847 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Felsic tuff Crinkle Tuff Member Around 827 m Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Microgabbro Lake District Ordovician Minor Intrusion Suite

Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Porphyritic microgranodiorite Lake District Devonian Minor Intrusion Suite

Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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 2026-11-08. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Nothing notable expected.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 8 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: 8 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 9 Nov, 05:25 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
8 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

8 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

8 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

8 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

8 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

8 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 9 Nov, 00:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:25 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-new moon, about 0% illuminated.

Full darkness: 8 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 9 Nov, 05:25 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.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 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 587 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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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 Scafell on Sunday 8 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather77Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:000-10 mph southerly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:005-15 mph Feels like-6 to -2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate90% Cloud base through day900-1,200 m Freezing level800-1,100 m DaylightSunrise 07:29 · Sunset 16:22 · 8.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Scafell: dry, with light winds and clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 10 mph, mainly southerly, with gusts of 5–15 mph at the windiest.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -6 to -2°C in the wind. It turns milder through the day. 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 heights are particularly hard to pin down today. It's still five days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 6.6 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.

Early
1.9 h
Midday
3.7 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Mixed Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 0-10 mph are possible on exposed ground.
61
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Excellent Summit winds around 0-10 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later.
93

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA good night for a wild camp: a frost, down to -1°C. 82Good · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 9 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A good night for a wild camp. Light winds on open ground, gusting no more than about 8 mph. It should stay dry. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -1°C. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold. It's a few nights off, so check again nearer the time.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m2 mph · gusts 7 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m82 · promising
Wind / gust
2 mph / 6 mph
Typical / low
5.3°C / 4.3°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m82 · promising
Wind / gust
2 mph / 7 mph
Typical / low
5.1°C / 3.9°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
3 mph / 8 mph
Typical / low
3.8°C / -1.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate

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.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaFair conditions for exposed scrambling. Mixed64 View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Fair conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock should be mostly dry, though drainage lines and shaded holds may still be damp. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. On the usual routes up you may also cross rhyolite, which grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. 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 gust5-15 mphRain0.0 mm
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 82% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Scafell Dacite Member)
Rock-response profile
Low confidence
View the summit BGS record

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. 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.

Wainwright Bob Graham Round

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

volcanic rock

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

10 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation 69–515 m samples Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacite Scafell Dacite Member 738–936 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record
Route sample Basalt Throstle Garth Basalt Member 622–723 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Basalt is a dark volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and can be very slippery when wet. It is often blocky and shattered, with loose rubble on ledges.

BGS record
Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Long Top Tuff Member 512–625 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Volcaniclastic sandstone and breccia Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 957 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 847 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Felsic tuff Crinkle Tuff Member Around 827 m Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Microgabbro Lake District Ordovician Minor Intrusion Suite

Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Porphyritic microgranodiorite Lake District Devonian Minor Intrusion Suite

Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-09. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Nothing notable expected.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 9 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.

Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon-free dark sky: 9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 10 Nov, 05:30 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly clear. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

9 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 10 Nov, 00:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

10 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:30 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-new moon, about 1% illuminated.

Full darkness: 9 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 10 Nov, 05:30 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.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 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 587 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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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 Scafell on Monday 9 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Unavailable
Overall hill weather88Excellent
Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-25 mph northeasterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0020-30 mph Feels like-6 to -2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate80% Cloud base through day500-800 m Freezing level700-1,000 m DaylightSunrise 07:31 · Sunset 16:20 · 8.8 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A fine day on Scafell: dry and breezy, with clear tops for most of the day.

Wind

On the summit expect a north-easterly wind of 5–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 20–30 mph at the windiest. 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.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit early in the morning. The cloud base could be as low as 700–1000 m mid-afternoon. A few forecast models bring it lower still, to around 500–800 m. Mist or fog is possible in the valleys early on, clearing by about 7am.

Rain and ground

It should stay dry.

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 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

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 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.

Early
0 h
Midday
0 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.
96
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 10-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later.
79

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: a frost, down to -1°C. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Tuesday 10 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 30 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the northeast. It should stay dry. 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 -1°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.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m15 mph · gusts 26 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
13 mph / 21 mph
Typical / low
3.5°C / 3.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
15 mph / 26 mph
Typical / low
3.4°C / 3.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
13% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
18 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low
1.6°C / -0.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
53% 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.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Good78 View 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 20–30 mph will be noticeable on exposed ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. On the usual routes up you may also cross rhyolite, which grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. 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 gust20-30 mphRain0.0 mm
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 82% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Scafell Dacite Member)
Rock-response profile
Low confidence
View the summit BGS record

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. 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.

Wainwright Bob Graham Round

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

volcanic rock

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

10 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation 69–515 m samples Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacite Scafell Dacite Member 738–936 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record
Route sample Basalt Throstle Garth Basalt Member 622–723 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Basalt is a dark volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and can be very slippery when wet. It is often blocky and shattered, with loose rubble on ledges.

BGS record
Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Long Top Tuff Member 512–625 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Volcaniclastic sandstone and breccia Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 957 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 847 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Felsic tuff Crinkle Tuff Member Around 827 m Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Microgabbro Lake District Ordovician Minor Intrusion Suite

Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Porphyritic microgranodiorite Lake District Devonian Minor Intrusion Suite

Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

A broad surface report is enough; you do not need to identify a particular route.

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 2026-11-10. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Nothing notable expected.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 10 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 11 Nov, 00:00 GMT.

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Moon-free dark sky: 10 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 11 Nov, 05:30 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
TimeViewing conditions
10 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

10 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

10 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

10 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

10 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

10 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 11 Nov, 00:00 GMTMixed sky conditions

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Forecast models disagree.

11 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

Limited model coverage.

11 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:30 GMTPoor sky conditions

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

Limited model coverage.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-new moon, about 3% illuminated.

Full darkness: 10 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 11 Nov, 05:30 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.
  • Orionids: peak around 21 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 587 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.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

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 Scafell on Tuesday 10 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Confidence: Unavailable
Overall hill weather80Good
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-25 mph easterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0025-35 mph Feels like-6 to -2°C PrecipitationLittle or none Cloud-free summit estimate65% Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 07:33 · Sunset 16:19 · 8.8 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Scafell: dry and breezy.

Wind

On the summit expect an easterly wind of 15–25 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 25–35 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

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out. 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.

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.

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 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 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.

Early
2 h
Midday
4 h
Later
0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
79
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Good Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
81

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: a frost, down to -1°C. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 11 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 30 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the east. It should stay dry. 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.

Overnight rain0.0 mm Open ground · 600 m9 mph · gusts 25 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -2°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
8 mph / 21 mph
Typical / low
2.3°C / 1.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
9 mph / 25 mph
Typical / low
2.3°C / 1.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
11 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low
0.3°C / -1.4°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% 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.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Approximate height is enough, please do not share an exact wild-camp location.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGood conditions for exposed scrambling. Excellent87 View 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 25–35 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly volcanic tuff, rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. On the usual routes up you may also cross andesite, which grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. On the usual routes up you may also cross rhyolite, which grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. 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 gust25-35 mphRain0.0 mm
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation
Origin
Igneous
Broad rock-response group
Volcanic rock
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Volcanic rock in 82% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Summit pin
Dacite (Scafell Dacite Member)
Rock-response profile
Low confidence
View the summit BGS record

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly. 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.

Wainwright Bob Graham Round

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone

Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

volcanic rock

Geological detail and BGS records
Mapped variation

10 rock types appear in the mapped samples

Samples around the summit inform the main rock-response profile, with the summit pin shown separately where it differs. Route samples add further context, but this is not a continuous geological survey.

Summit-area sample Pyroclastic rock Lingmell Tuff Formation

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Andesite Birker Fell Andesite Formation 69–515 m samples Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Andesite is a hard volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet, though polished holds on popular routes get slippery. It is generally solid, but shattered in gullies and on broken ground.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Dacite Scafell Dacite Member 738–936 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale, Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Rhyolite is a hard, fine-grained volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and gets slippery on smoother faces when wet. It is hard, but often cracked into sharp, blocky pieces, so some holds are loose.

BGS record
Route sample Basalt Throstle Garth Basalt Member 622–723 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Basalt is a dark volcanic rock. It grips well when dry and can be very slippery when wet. It is often blocky and shattered, with loose rubble on ledges.

BGS record
Route sample Rhyolitic lapilli-tuff Long Top Tuff Member 512–625 m samples Seen on Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Volcaniclastic sandstone and breccia Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation Around 957 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round, Wainwright Scafell Pike Wasdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Route sample Dacitic lapilli-tuff Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation Around 847 m Seen on Wainwright Bob Graham Round

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Felsic tuff Crinkle Tuff Member Around 827 m Seen on Wainwright Scafell Slight Side Eskdale

Volcanic tuff is rock formed from compacted volcanic ash and debris. It is rough and grippy when dry and usually still grips reasonably when wet. It is mostly solid, in slabs and ledges, though weathered patches can be crumbly.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Microgabbro Lake District Ordovician Minor Intrusion Suite

Dolerite is a hard, dark, fine-grained rock. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is usually solid, but it often breaks into blocky columns, so check blocks before you pull on them.

BGS record
Summit-area sample Porphyritic microgranodiorite Lake District Devonian Minor Intrusion Suite

Granite is a coarse, crystalline rock. It has excellent friction when dry and clean and is fair when wet, but greasy where there is lichen or moss. It is generally solid, but weathers into rounded slabs and blocks, and loose granite grit on slabs can roll underfoot like ball bearings.

BGS record

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

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Forecast run: 2026-11-04

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