Mountain Weather
Information Service
Lake District Forecast

Lake District

The entire Lake District National Park, taking in all major summits, including Scafell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, the Langdales and Old Man of Coniston.

Thursday's Forecast

Windy, walking impeded
Frequent or persistent rain
Cool to mild

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Click here to download the latest PDF Last Updated Wed 19th Aug 26 at 4:30PM Last Updated Wed 19th Aug 26 at 4:30PM
View our low-graphics version Last Updated Wed 19th Aug 26 at 4:30PM Last Updated Wed 19th Aug 26 at 4:30PM

Viewing Forecast For

Lake District
Thursday 20th August 2026
Last updated Wed 19th Aug 26 at 4:30PM

Summary for all mountain areas

Showers and low cloud push into north Scotland all day, feeling chilly in the wind. Showers more scattered over southern Munros. Showers affect south Scotland, England, and Wales all day, with a notable cluster of frequent heavy rain drifting south through England into the Peak District around midday, showers follow behind.

Headline for Lake District

Early rain breaks to showers; blustery at times

How windy? (On the summits)

Northeasterly 20 to 30mph, may at times approach sustained speeds of 35mph in the morning. Trending towards the lower end of the range with time.

Effect of the wind on you?

Feeling noticeably cool on exposed high terrain. Breezy over hills, in places may affect comfortable walking, and more strenuous moments in exposure.

How Wet?

Frequent rain, some heavy, then showery

Frequent or persistent rain from dawn, heavy bursts on and off, risk a rumble of thunder; beware sudden, rapid rise of streams. Fading into midday, breaking into scattered showers drifting from the north, a clearer window possible too.

Cloud on the hills?

Extensive morning, lifting but tops often capped

Extensive above 600-700m through much of morning, ragged patches forming to lower slopes during rain. Cloud base will begin lifting to mostly high terrain, a few breaks off the tops, but lowering towards 800m in heaviest showers.

Chance of cloud free summits?

10%, rising to 40% through afternoon

Sunshine and air clarity?

Cloudy and dull much of morning with poor visibility. Some sun breaks afternoon with very good visibility, but briefly deteriorating during showers.

How Cold? (at 750m)

8 or 9C. Feeling like 0 to 3C in stronger wind.

Freezing Level

Above the summits.

Viewing Forecast For

Lake District
Friday 21st August 2026
Last updated Wed 19th Aug 26 at 4:30PM

How windy? (On the summits)

Northerly 10mph and sometimes less; should afternoon showers form, expect sudden gusty bursts.

Effect of the wind on you?

Small, though may become locally gusty in the afternoon.

How Wet?

A few showers

Little or no rain for much of the day, an odd shower here and there, a greater chance of showery bursts forming through afternoon.

Cloud on the hills?

Mostly just summits with breaks

Well-broken cloud at varied heights in the morning soon lifts to just caps over the summits, and increasingly broken off the summits. In afternoon, should showers form, caps will return to summits.

Chance of cloud free summits?

Rising to 70%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Patchy sunshine, clouding over for periods. Very good visibility.

How Cold? (at 750m)

6C rising to 8 or 9C.

Freezing Level

Above the summits.

Viewing Forecast For

Lake District
Saturday 22nd August 2026
Last updated Wed 19th Aug 26 at 4:30PM

How windy? (On the summits)

Northwesterly around 10mph, some variability above and below.

Effect of the wind on you?

Negligible.

How Wet?

Little or none

A little damp air on sheltered slopes in the morning (not just high terrain), fading for dry fells.

Cloud on the hills?

Little expected

Patchy cloud at varied heights in the morning (including into sheltered valleys in the west), lifting and dissipating to clear the fells. Some chance of a few caps drifting over Scafell Pike.

Chance of cloud free summits?

80%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Often sunny, some patchy fair weather cloud builds afternoon. Excellent visibility.

How Cold? (at 750m)

8 or 9C, locally rising to 10C (southern slopes in particular).

Freezing Level

Above the summits.

Planning Outlook

As the weekend approaches, wind shifts northerly, moving showers southward. Generally lighter wind but gusts will be common around showers. Temperature lowers too, dropping close to freezing on high Scottish tops on Friday morning (chance of sleet/snow here) and frost may occur in Highland glens over a couple of nights. Heavy showers in England and Wales on Friday, then more often dry with few lighter showers through the weekend as higher pressure builds into the southwest. Conditions remain on the drier, brighter side into early next week. Wind shifts southwesterly and pressure drops again as the week goes, bringing periods of cloud and rain for most hill groups, and perhaps some stronger wind at times. Detail is uncertain, but some windows of better weather are possible, notably in north and eastern areas.