Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
Gales
Gale force winds (gusts over 50mph) make walking difficult and strenuous with a potential to be blown over by gusts. There is often a marked increase in winds through cols or on exposed ridges and summits. Distances can take longer to cover and compass bearings become harder to follow accurately.
Severe Chill Effect
Wind significantly lowers the ‘feels-like’ temperature relative to the actual temperature, with even moderate winds significantly adding to the chilling effect. Strong winds can result in a severe and debilitating wind chill many degrees below the actual temperature. This effect will be enhanced in rain or wet snow. Without protection, prolonged exposure could result in frost nip or frostbite on exposed parts of the body and/or hypothermia.
Poor Visibility
Poor visibility presents challenging route finding conditions. Visibility could be significantly less than 50 metres in all directions with few or no visual references, especially on featureless moors or plateaux. Distances become hard to judge and cliff or cornice edges can be difficult to recognise. These conditions require good navigational skills. There is a risk of white-out conditions when mist or fog is combined with extensive snow cover.
Mountain weather forecast
Dry and bright start. Strengthening winds and rain later.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
<05% | <05% | <05% | 10% | 70% | 90% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
SW
27
|
SW
43
|
SW
46
|
SW
50
|
SW
49
|
SW
52
|
| 600m |
SW
25
|
SW
34
|
SW
38
|
SW
42
|
SW
39
|
SW
41
|
| 300m |
SW
6
|
SW
11
|
SW
13
|
SW
15
|
SW
13
|
SW
14
|
| Valley |
SW
3
|
SW
9
|
SW
12
|
SW
12
|
SW
12
|
SW
13
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 32 | 50 | 55 | 61 | 60 | 63 |
| 600m | 33 | 44 | 49 | 55 | 52 | 54 |
| 300m | 22 | 34 | 36 | 41 | 39 | 41 |
| Valley | 19 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 35 | 38 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
3°
|
4°
|
| 600m |
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
5°
|
5°
|
6°
|
| 300m |
6°
|
6°
|
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
8°
|
| Valley |
7°
|
8°
|
9°
|
9°
|
10°
|
10°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,100m
|
1,100m
|
1,100m
|
1,200m
|
2,100m
|
2,200m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-5°
|
-6°
|
-6°
|
-6°
|
-6°
|
-5°
|
| 600m |
-2°
|
-3°
|
-3°
|
-3°
|
-2°
|
-1°
|
| 300m |
4°
|
3°
|
3°
|
3°
|
4°
|
4°
|
| Valley |
6°
|
6°
|
6°
|
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Nothing further to add.
Weather
Occasional or patchy summit cloud with some bright, sunny or clear spells. Isolated light showers, then outbreaks of heavy rain in the evening. Strengthening southwest winds summit gales developing.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
50% falling 20% in the evening.
Low cloud and visibility
Occasional or patchy low cloud, base 600 to 800m, becoming extensive and lowering in the evening. Visibility mostly good or very good during daylight hours, but poor or very poor in summit cloud and more generally in the evening in rain and lowering cloud.
Ground conditions
Date: Friday 12 December 2025. Location: Red Screes summit at 11:10. Full report: Dry, clear views, chill in the wind. Calm and pleasant walking conditions were found across the fells today. Underfoot, the terrain was generally dry, with no snow remaining anywhere in the Lake District National Park to talk of. Cloud sat over the Coniston and Scafell ranges, but elsewhere the cloud base was well above the summits, allowing for clear and extensive views. A light westerly wind (around 10 mph) was only really noticeable in terms of the wind chill, which brought the temperature felt on the skin down to -2.5°C. As a result, a windproof jacket, some insulation, and hat and gloves were the minimum bits of clothing. Wind speeds are expected to increase significantly by the end of Friday. Saturday's forecast has shifted again: after a promising start, conditions are expected to deteriorate, with rain showers and strong winds in the mix. Ensure you are well equipped with full winter clothing, including full waterproof top and bottoms, if heading into the hills. Temperature: plus 2.6 C, Maximum wind speed 11.9 mph, Wind chill: minus 2.5 C, Average wind speed: 10.6 mph
Mountain weather information
Weather
A very poor day expected with heavy and persistent rain leading to swollen or flooded water courses along with summit gales and navigational difficulties.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
Nil to 10%
Maximum wind speed expected
Southwest 30 to 40mph gusting 60mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 4 to 6 Celsius.
- Valley Plus 8 to 11 Celsius.
- Freezing level Above the summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Extensive low cloud, base 200 to 500m. Visibility moderate to very poor.
Mountain weather information
Mon 15 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Another very wet day with a continued risk of significant flooding along with summit gales and navigational difficulties. Winds from the south or southwest and extensive low cloud and poor or very poor visibility. Turning drier with easing winds and lifting cloud later in the day.
Tue 16 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mainly dry with bright or clear spells. Light or moderate west or northwest winds at height. Freezing level near or above the summits.
Wed 17 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Dry overnight. Otherwise cloudy with outbreaks of rain, heavy and persistent at times. South or southwest winds strong to gale force at height.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
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Key
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
The Lake District covers an area of 885 square miles with its highest point, Scafell Pike, standing at 978 metres.