Lake District mountain weather forecast.

Sat 21 Nov on the hillsA poor day on the tops in the Lake District, with sleet or snow on the tops and very strong, gusty winds. See wind, cloud base and timings

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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

Saturday 21 November 2026 · The Lakeland fells

Confidence: Unavailable Why?

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

What matters most

A poor day on the tops in the Lake District, with sleet or snow on the tops and very strong, gusty winds.

High-ground wind · 800 m35-45 mph southerly Gusts · 800 m45-55 mph Cloud base900-1300 m Feels like · 800 m-10 to -6°C

Regional median

Sunshine and sky

Extensive cloud. Cloud is likely to remain extensive for much of the day.

Modelled sunshineLess than 1 hour1% of daylight

Early0 h sunshine

MiddayLess than 1 hour 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 · 08:00–12:00MixedSummit winds around 15-40 mph. Gusts around 45-55 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. Cloud may restrict summit views early on.

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00PoorWinds strengthen compared with the morning. More rain is expected. Summit winds around 25-35 mph in the early afternoon, strengthening to 35-45 mph later. Gusts around 55-65 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Rain or snow is forecast on some hills during this period. Cloud may restrict summit views around midday and later. Some forecast models bring rain during the afternoon, while others keep it mostly dry.

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 southerly wind of 35–45 mph, gusting 45–55 mph, picking up through the day. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.

Walking impact

Gusts of 45–55 mph are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.

Spate risk

There could be a spate risk based on forecast rainfall. Burns and unbridged crossings may rise quickly. Timing and severity can vary between catchments. Check the peak forecast for the separate rain/runoff periods. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.

Rain and showers

Sleet is possible on the tops, and it could turn to snow if it is a little colder. A band of rain moves in around midday. Expect 10–20 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Some forecast models bring rain during the afternoon, while others keep it mostly dry. Drizzle is possible on some hills. On some hills, sleet is possible on the tops. Small temperature changes could shift the mix towards rain or snow. Sleet or snow is possible on some higher tops in the afternoon, with small temperature changes affecting the mix. The air freezing level is roughly 900 to 1000 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain.

Cloud-free summits

Clear-summit estimate: about 50% early, about 30% around midday and about 15% later.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of clear tops early on. 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.

Temperature and wind chill

At around 800 m it will be -2 to 2°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. It turns milder through the day. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Freezing level

The freezing level is close to summit height.

Daylight

Sunrise 07:53, Sunset 16:03, about 8.2 hours daylight.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill anywhere in this area: gusts of about 60 mph and around 12 mm of rain. 9Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details

Regional night beginning Saturday 21 November 2026

Full regional overnight outlook

Not a night to camp on the open hill anywhere in this area. Gusts reach about 60 mph around 900 m and nearer 45 mph around 300 m, strong enough to flatten or tear a tent. Check the forecast for the hill and height you have in mind, and don't assume lower ground will be sheltered. About 12 mm of rain is forecast overnight. 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. Overnight lows of about 3°C at 900 m.

Overnight rain11.7 mmOpen ground · 600 m28 mph · gusts 52 mphMorning pack-upDampness possible

Moon overnight

Waxing gibbous moon

Illuminated disc: 91%
Moonrise: Outside this window
Moonset: 05:05 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: 21 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 22 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 m19 · very poor

Wind / gust: 23 mph / 43 mph
Coldest: 4.9°C
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m9 · very poor

Wind / gust: 28 mph / 52 mph
Coldest: 4.6°C
In cloud: 47% of modelled night
Condensation: High

900 m0 · very poor

Wind / gust: 33 mph / 62 mph
Coldest: 3.4°C
In cloud: 87% of modelled night
Condensation: High

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 & scramblingBetaSub-zero temperatures and moisture may leave icy patches on exposed rock. Wet rock is likely. Gusts near 60 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. 0Poor · Very 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 very poor (0/100). Rain is likely to leave rock wet. Polished slabs, vegetation and drainage lines may be notably worse. Gusts may reach about 60 mph on exposed ground, making crosswinds an important route consideration. 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 surfaceWet rock likelyExposed gust59 mphRain15.6 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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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 Lake District on Saturday 21 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

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

Updated 15 November 2026 at 16:26 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 over the three days to 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 over the three days to today.

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-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. On Tuesday: 5 to 10 cm 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. More snow to come: 5 to 10 cm on Tuesday.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Fresh snow, 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 tomorrow.

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: 5 to 10 cm of snow expected on the tops, drifting onto north-facing slopes.

Tue 17 NovFresh snow and drifting on Tuesday, deepest on north-west through north to north-east-facing slopes.

Snow lying above about 500 m. 10 to 20 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 500 m.

Fresh snow

10 to 20 cm of new snow is forecast at around 900 m on Tuesday. Expect it to be soft and deep in places, and slow going. New snow takes a day or two to settle.

Where the wind will put the snow

Expect strong southerly winds, around 36 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 all 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 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 36 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.

Frozen turf

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

Avalanches

As a general rule, most avalanches happen during heavy snowfall or in the day or two after it, while the new snow is still settling. 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 NovWind-drifted snow expected on north-west through north to north-east-facing slopes.

Snow lying above about 700 m. 10 to 20 cm of new snow over the three days to Wednesday. 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 700 m.

Fresh snow

10 to 20 cm of new snow is forecast over the three days to Wednesday. It will be deeper where the wind piles it into drifts.

Where the wind will put the snow

Expect fresh southerly winds, around 19 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 from the 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-west through north to north-east-facing gullies.

Cornices

Cornices are likely to grow above north-west and north-facing slopes because there will be plenty of new snow to move; 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 05:00 onward.

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.

Thu 19 NovWind-drifted snow expected on north-west and north-facing slopes.

Snow lying above about 800 m. 10 to 20 cm of new snow over the three days to Thursday. Frozen early, softening through the day.

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

Snow on the hills

Expect snow lying above about 800 m.

Fresh snow

10 to 20 cm of new snow is forecast over the three days to Thursday. It will be deeper where the wind piles it into drifts.

Where the wind will put the snow

Expect fresh southerly winds, around 18 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.

Cornices

Underfoot

Expect a frozen crust early, softening through the day into heavier, wetter snow. Conditions will change through the day: thawing intermittently for 14 hours between 00:00 and 16:00.

Frozen turf

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

Avalanches

Fri 20 NovFirm, frozen snow expected: good for crampons, but a slip can be hard to stop.

Snow lying above about 800 m. Firm, frozen snow underfoot: crampons and an ice axe matter.

Read the full outlook Snow on the hills, Cornices, Underfoot, Frozen turf

Snow on the hills

Expect snow lying above about 800 m.

Cornices

Cornices are likely to grow above north-west and north-facing slopes. 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 firm névé: old snow that has thawed and refrozen. Crampons grip it well, but a slip on it can be very hard to stop, so an ice axe matters. Conditions will change through the day: thawing 11:00-16:00 after a frozen night, refreezing by evening.

Frozen turf

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

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 15 November 2026 at 13:31 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

Spate risk

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 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

Underfoot

Frozen turf

Avalanches

Snow on the hills

Fresh snow

Where the wind will put the snow

Cornices

Underfoot

Frozen turf

Avalanches

Snow on the hills

Cornices

Underfoot

Frozen turf

Check the approach as well as the tops

Forecasts built around recognisable hill country.

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England