Lake District mountain weather forecast.

Fri 20 Nov on the hillsA fine day in the Lake District: dry, with light winds, though expect a bitter wind chill. See wind, cloud base and timings

Choose your hills and day.

Each regional brief uses a high-ground level that suits the terrain, from 500 m on Dartmoor and in the Peak District to 900 m in the highest ranges.

Mountain Weather brief

Lake District

Friday 20 November 2026 · The Lakeland fells

Confidence: Unavailable Why?

A comparable model-confidence estimate is not available for this forecast.

What matters most

A fine day in the Lake District: dry, with light winds, though expect a bitter wind chill.

High-ground wind · 800 m5-15 mph westerly Gusts · 800 m10-20 mph Feels like · 800 m-12 to -8°C

Regional median

Sunshine and sky

Less sunshine later. Sunshine is indicated less often later in the day.

Modelled sunshine8 h88% of daylight

Early2 h sunshine

Midday4 h sunshine

Later0 h sunshine

These are direct modelled sunshine hours during daylight, not the probability of sunshine. Cloud cover and summit cloud are assessed separately in the forecast above. The regional median prevents one unusually bright or dull summit cell defining the whole area.

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

Morning · 08:00–12:00ExcellentSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 5-15 mph are possible on exposed ground. Some early summit cloud is possible.

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00ExcellentSummit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground.

Conservative regional grades across representative summits, so one sheltered hill does not overstate the wider area.

High-ground wind (800 m)

At around 800 m, expect a westerly wind of 5–15 mph, gusting 10–20 mph.

Walking impact

Little effect on walking, although exposed tops may still feel chilly.

Ground conditions

The ground is likely to be wet after recent rain.

Rain and showers

It should stay dry.

Cloud-free summits

Clear-summit estimate: about 55% early, about 60% around midday and about 55% later.

Cloud and visibility

The tops should stay mostly clear of cloud. Good spells of sunshine are likely.

Temperature and wind chill

At around 800 m it will be -4 to 0°C, feeling like -12 to -8°C in the wind. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops.

Freezing level

The freezing level is around 800–1100 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops.

Daylight

Sunrise 07:51, Sunset 16:04, about 8.2 hours daylight.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaAcross these hills, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the cold: a frost, down to -4°C. 59Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Regional night beginning Friday 20 November 2026

Full regional overnight outlook

Across these hills, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the cold. Gusts reach about 25 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the southwest. It should stay dry. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -4°C.

Overnight rain0.0 mmOpen ground · 600 m9 mph · gusts 20 mphMorning pack-upDampness possible

Moon overnight

Waxing gibbous moon

Illuminated disc: 83%
Moonrise: Outside this window
Moonset: 03:36 next morning GMT

Cloud and terrain vary across the area. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 20 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 21 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Representative location: 54.454, -3.212. Times vary across the area.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 7 mph / 17 mph
Coldest: 1.4°C
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

600 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 9 mph / 20 mph
Coldest: 1.4°C
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

900 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 11 mph / 26 mph
Coldest: -3.8°C
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

Open-hillside guidance across representative hills. Local shelter, ridges, tent design and the exact pitch can change conditions substantially. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaSnow is likely to be lying on some high ground. Scrambling may require winter mountaineering skills and equipment. Rock may be damp or still drying. 34Poor · Poor View detailsHide details

Regional rock conditions · sampled mountain terrain

Regional climbing & scrambling outlook

A broad guide to dampness and exposed rock across the area, not a forecast for every crag. Lower, sheltered crags and individual rock types may behave differently.

Conditions for exposed scrambling across the area look poor (34/100). Some rock may remain damp or incompletely dried, especially in shade and seepage lines. Mapped summit-point geology across the representative hills includes volcanic rock, sandstone or gritstone and slate or mudstone. Rock can therefore respond differently to moisture between crags and routes.

Rock surfaceDry overhead; seepage uncertainExposed gust18 mphRain0.0 mm

Mapped rock across sampled summits4 broad familiesSummit samples, not a survey of every crag

volcanic rock 50% 4 representative summitsOften grippy when dry, but volcanic rocks vary widely; wet lichen, smooth holds and local seepage can still make them slippery.sandstone or gritstone 25% 2 representative summitsUsually rough and grippy when dry. Damp sandstone and gritstone can feel greasy, and saturated sandstone may be weakened, so let the rock dry fully.slate or mudstone 12% 1 representative summitOften positive when dry, but smooth, polished or slabby sections can become markedly more slippery when damp.unclassified rock 12% 1 representative summitGrip and drying behaviour are not well resolved here; treat damp rock conservatively and check the surface directly.

Representative summit-point samples across the region; individual crags and routes may differ.

Generic exposed hands-on-rock terrain across representative summits; mapped summit-point geology is a broad regional sample, not a named-route survey. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling 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.

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Weather data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). Adapted by Mountain Weather.

Updated 14 November 2026 at 16:37 UTC. See typical weekly and monthly conditions for Lake District.

Winter conditions outlook

Snow on the hills from Tuesday

Lake District. All winter outlooks

TodayLittle or no lying snow expected on the hills.

Little or no snow lying yet. A few centimetres of new snow today. More snow to come: a few centimetres tomorrow.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, Spindrift, Frozen turf, Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Expect little or no lying snow. Old patches may survive in sheltered gullies.

Fresh snow

A few centimetres of new snow is forecast today.

Spindrift

Spindrift is likely from late morning into the afternoon: loose snow lifted by the wind and blown towards the north. Heading southwards, into it, will be hard work, and visibility can drop sharply in gusts. Goggles make a big difference, keeping the snow out of your eyes so you can still see where you are going. Expect it to stream over crag tops and down north-facing gullies.

Frozen turf

Turf is not expected to be frozen, so frozen-turf scrambles and winter routes will not be in condition.

Snow to come

Tomorrow: a few centimetres of snow expected on the tops, drifting onto north-facing slopes.

TomorrowLittle or no lying snow expected on the hills.

Little or no snow lying yet. A few centimetres of new snow tomorrow.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, Frozen turf

Snow on the hills

Expect little or no lying snow. Old patches may survive in sheltered gullies.

Fresh snow

A few centimetres of new snow is forecast tomorrow.

Frozen turf

Turf is not expected to be frozen, so frozen-turf scrambles and winter routes will not be in condition.

Mon 16 NovLittle or no lying snow expected on the hills.

Little or no snow lying yet. More snow to come: 10 to 20 cm on Tuesday.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Frozen turf, Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Expect little or no lying snow. Old patches may survive in sheltered gullies.

Frozen turf

Turf is not expected to be frozen, so frozen-turf scrambles and winter routes will not be in condition.

Snow to come

On Tuesday: 10 to 20 cm of snow expected on the tops, drifting onto north-west through north to north-east-facing slopes.

Tue 17 NovWind-drifted snow expected on north-west through north to north-east-facing slopes.

Snow lying above about 600 m. 5 to 10 cm of new snow on Tuesday. Loose, soft snow underfoot.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, Where the wind will put the snow, Spindrift, Cornices, Underfoot, Frozen turf

Snow on the hills

Expect snow lying above about 600 m.

Fresh snow

5 to 10 cm of new snow is forecast on Tuesday. It will be deeper where the wind piles it into drifts.

Where the wind will put the snow

Expect strong southerly winds, around 38 mph on the tops, to blow the snow about. It will pile into drifts on north-west through north to north-east-facing ground, especially below ridges, crags and corrie rims, and in gullies and hollows. Slopes facing into the wind will be scoured, with thinner snow and more rock and ice showing.

Spindrift

Spindrift is likely in the morning: loose snow lifted by the wind and blown towards the north. Heading southwards, into it, will be hard work, and visibility can drop sharply in gusts. Goggles make a big difference, keeping the snow out of your eyes so you can still see where you are going. Expect it to stream over crag tops and down north-west through north to north-east-facing gullies.

Cornices

Cornices are likely to grow above north-west through north to north-east-facing slopes because there will be plenty of new snow to move; a 38 mph wind is strong enough to carry loose snow; and that wind will blow across the ridges from the south. A cornice is an overhanging lip of snow built out over the drop by the wind. It can break well back from the edge, so keep well away from it, especially in poor visibility, and do not linger below one, particularly as it warms.

Underfoot

Expect new, loose snow on top, with hard going in deeper drifts. Conditions will change through the day: thawing from 12:00 onward after a frozen night.

Frozen turf

Turf is not expected to be frozen, so frozen-turf scrambles and winter routes will not be in condition.

Avalanches

Wind-drifted snow on steep slopes is the most common cause of avalanches in British hills, and it can stay unstable for a day or two after the wind drops. See the note below for where to find an avalanche forecast.

Wed 18 NovA thin, patchy covering of snow expected on the tops.

5 to 10 cm of new snow over the three days to Wednesday. Fresh southerly winds will drift the snow onto north-west and north-facing slopes.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, Where the wind will put the snow, Spindrift, Cornices, Frozen turf

Snow on the hills

Expect a thin, patchy covering on the tops, with small drifts in sheltered spots. Snow over grass and rock is slippery, and frozen patches can be icy.

Fresh snow

5 to 10 cm of new snow is forecast over the three days to Wednesday. It will be deeper where the wind piles it into drifts. Rain or a thaw will make the snow wet and heavy, especially in the afternoon. A hard frost afterwards would freeze the surface solid again.

Where the wind will put the snow

Expect fresh southerly winds, around 17 mph on the tops, to blow the snow about. It will pile into drifts on north-west and north-facing ground, especially below ridges, crags and corrie rims, and in gullies and hollows. Slopes facing into the wind will be scoured, with thinner snow and more rock and ice showing.

Spindrift

Spindrift is likely on and off through the day: loose snow lifted by the wind and blown towards the north. Heading southwards, into it, will be hard work, and visibility can drop sharply in gusts. Goggles make a big difference, keeping the snow out of your eyes so you can still see where you are going. Expect it to stream over crag tops and down north-west and north-facing gullies.

Cornices

Small cornices may start to form above north-west through north to north-east-facing edges where the wind piles up loose snow. Even a small one can give way, so keep back from the edge.

Frozen turf

Turf is not expected to be frozen, so frozen-turf scrambles and winter routes will not be in condition.

Avalanches

Rain or a sharp thaw on lying snow makes wet snow slides more likely on steep slopes. See the note below for where to find an avalanche forecast.

Thu 19 NovA thin, patchy covering of snow expected on the tops.

5 to 10 cm of new snow over the three days to Thursday.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, Cornices, Frozen turf

Snow on the hills

Expect a thin, patchy covering on the tops, with small drifts in sheltered spots. Snow over grass and rock is slippery, and frozen patches can be icy.

Fresh snow

5 to 10 cm of new snow is forecast over the three days to Thursday. Rain or a thaw will make the snow wet and heavy, especially in the afternoon. A hard frost afterwards would freeze the surface solid again.

Cornices

Small cornices may start to form above north-west and north-facing edges where the wind piles up loose snow. Even a small one can give way, so keep back from the edge.

Frozen turf

Turf is not expected to be frozen, so frozen-turf scrambles and winter routes will not be in condition.

Avalanches

Rain or a sharp thaw on lying snow makes wet snow slides more likely on steep slopes. See the note below for where to find an avalanche forecast.

Written from a computer model of the weather and snow, not from reports on the hill. Conditions on the ground can differ, so look and judge for yourself.

Winter conditions outlook: Mountain Conditions by Spatial Terrain Ltd, used with permission. Issued 14 November 2026 at 14:00 UTC.

More context for your hill day

Check the approach as well as the tops

Compare midge conditions by day and height, or look for a possible cloud inversion. For Snowdon and Tryfan, camera-derived cloud-base observations add a view of conditions already seen on the slopes.

Lake District midge forecast Cloud inversion forecast Snowdon and Tryfan cloud observations

Forecasts built around recognisable hill country.

Twenty distinct regions replace inherited service boundaries. Each uses a representative height suited to its terrain; named summits retain their exact height and exposure.

Lake District mountain weather forecast.

Lake District

High-ground wind (800 m)

Walking impact

Ground conditions

Rain and showers

Cloud-free summits

Cloud and visibility

Temperature and wind chill

Freezing level

Daylight

Full regional overnight outlook

Moon overnight

Elevation reference (open ground)

Regional climbing & scrambling outlook

Snow on the hills from Tuesday

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Spindrift

Frozen turf

Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Frozen turf

Snow on the hills

Frozen turf

Snow to come

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Where the wind will put the snow

Spindrift

Cornices

Underfoot

Frozen turf

Avalanches

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Where the wind will put the snow

Spindrift

Cornices

Frozen turf

Avalanches

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Cornices

Frozen turf

Avalanches

Check the approach as well as the tops

Forecasts built around recognisable hill country.

Scotland

Wales

England