Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for a change to very cold weather which is likely to last into next week. The Lake District will not see many snow showers during this period but please keep updated on the forecast for day-to-day details.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
A dry and bright but windy and very cold start to the year.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
20% | <05% | <05% | <05% | 10% | 10% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
NW
41
|
NW
42
|
NW
37
|
NW
39
|
NW
35
|
NW
32
|
| 600m |
NW
29
|
NW
31
|
NW
27
|
NW
29
|
NW
26
|
NW
23
|
| 300m |
NW
9
|
NW
10
|
NW
11
|
NW
12
|
NW
10
|
NW
9
|
| Valley |
NW
9
|
NW
9
|
NW
9
|
NW
9
|
NW
8
|
NW
7
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 48 | 49 | 46 | 48 | 44 | 40 |
| 600m | 39 | 42 | 36 | 40 | 37 | 33 |
| 300m | 32 | 34 | 32 | 35 | 32 | 29 |
| Valley | 32 | 32 | 28 | 30 | 28 | 25 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-3°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
-5°
|
-5°
|
| 600m |
-1°
|
-1°
|
-1°
|
-1°
|
-2°
|
-3°
|
| 300m |
1°
|
1°
|
2°
|
1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
| Valley |
4°
|
3°
|
4°
|
4°
|
3°
|
2°
|
| Freezing Level |
400m
|
300m
|
400m
|
200m
|
200m
|
100m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-13°
|
-14°
|
-13°
|
-14°
|
-15°
|
-15°
|
| 600m |
-9°
|
-10°
|
-9°
|
-10°
|
-10°
|
-11°
|
| 300m |
-3°
|
-4°
|
-3°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
| Valley |
0°
|
0°
|
1°
|
1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
A dry and bright but very cold start to 2026 with a severe wind chill in the fells, even at modest elevations. Gusts of 40 to 50mph on the tops may hamper progress and affect balance at times.
Weather
It will be a bright day with sunny spells but feeling bitterly cold at all levels with a severe wind chill. Snow showers will move south down the Irish Sea and the odd one may fringe briefly into the far west. Skies staying mostly clear in the evening with widespread frost.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
95%.
Low cloud and visibility
Visibility will be excellent with no low cloud affecting the hills.
Ground conditions
Date: Wednesday 31 December. Location: Helvellyn summit at 13:00. Full report: Feeling cold and wintery with a good covering of rime on Helvellyn to see the year out. Conditions were very similar to yesterday with a thin scattering of snow above 650m and patches of water ice at all altitudes. The wind had backed to the NW meaning that the rime forming above 800m was forming on different aspects. Yesterday's hazardous black ice was much reduced but there were still odd patches to catch out unwary walkers. Carrying microspikes is still a very sensible addition to your kit especially on steeper and more serious terrain such as Striding and Swirral Edges on Helvellyn where a simple slip could have very serious consequences. Snow is forecast to settle down to 600m overnight combined with gale force winds so conditions for walkers out enjoying the fells in the New Year could be very challenging. Goggles and good navigation skills may be essential for a safe and enjoyable day. The new snow may also hide the existing water ice & verglas hazards. Be prepared with plenty of warm and waterproof clothing, hats & gloves, conservative plans and don't forget your head torch as sunset is still only at 4pm. Temperature: minus 2.1C. Maximum wind speed 28.7mph. Wind chill: minus 12.2C. Average wind speed: 24.4mph.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Dry with mainly clear or sunny skies throughout. Very cold conditions with severe wind chill even at modest elevations.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
100%.
Maximum wind speed expected
Northwest 20 to 30mph gusts 40mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Minus 6C.
- Valley Minus 1C rising to 2C during daytime.
- Freezing level Ground frozen at all levels.
Low cloud and visibility
Excellent visibility with no cloud affecting the hills.
Mountain weather information
Sat 3 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Dry and mostly sunny but remaining bitterly cold. Strong northerly winds on the tops, but easing a little. Ground frozen at all levels.
Sun 4 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Staying mainly dry and bright but a small chance of a few snow showers for a time. Very cold with fresh northwest winds. Ground frozen at all levels.
Mon 5 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Expected to remain dry and cold with sunny spells. Winds may be lighter than previous days.
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.