Lake District
The entire Lake District National Park, taking in all major summits, including Scafell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, the Langdales and Old Man of Coniston.
Friday's Forecast
Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Winter sunshine
Bright sunshine most of the day with the mountains generally free of cloud. Snow cover on higher terrain.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
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Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Winter sunshine
Bright sunshine most of the day with the mountains generally free of cloud. Snow cover on higher terrain.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Friday 2nd January 2026
Last updated
Thu 1st Jan 26 at
4:00PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Bitterly cold north-northwesterly winds, gale-force over many hills, typically strongest in morning, again late in day Scotland. Frequent snow and hail northern Scotland, blizzard conditions on mountains. Showers also affect Wales. Mostly dry, sunny and clear hills N England & S Scotland. Most terrain frozen.
Headline for Lake District
Windy, gales in morning, significant chill factor. Sunshine.
How windy? (On the summits)
North-northwesterly strengthening from before dawn to 40-50mph for a few hours into the morning, then gradually lessening middle of day, to 25-35mph afternoon. Tending to increase slightly again after dark.
Effect of the wind on you?
Significant wind chill over the fells. Arduous conditions, difficult mobility on exposed tops and ridges early in day, lessening but remaining blustery in exposure afternoon.
How Wet?
Precipitation unlikely
Cloud on the hills?
Mostly little
Patches clipping some high tops occasionally, but mostly clear fells.
Chance of cloud free summits?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly sunny. Visibility excellent.
How Cold? (at 750m)
-3C (-5C highest summits). Wind chill feeling like -15 to -18C on tops.
Freezing Level
Most terrain frozen, barely rising above zero inland valleys; just above freezing up to 300-400m nearest coast and some sunlit southern slopes inland.
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Saturday 3rd January 2026
Last updated
Thu 1st Jan 26 at
4:00PM
How windy? (On the summits)
North to northwesterly 30 to 40mph, at times 45-50mph higher tops, particularly Skiddaw to Helvellyn areas.
Effect of the wind on you?
Continued significant wind chill over the hills. Frequent buffeting on exposed higher terrain, challenging walking in places.
How Wet?
Precipitation unlikely
Cloud on the hills?
Little if any
Rare patches on some higher slopes, mainly north Lakeland tops.
Chance of cloud free summits?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly sunny. Visibility excellent.
How Cold? (at 750m)
-4 or -5C. Wind chill feeling like -17 to -20C in exposure on high tops.
Freezing Level
Terrain widely frozen, staying sub-zero from valleys upward. Nearest the coast, partial thawing in sunlight to 300-400m.
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Sunday 4th January 2026
Last updated
Thu 1st Jan 26 at
4:00PM
How windy? (On the summits)
North to northwesterly 25 to 35mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Continued significant wind chill over the hills. Strenuous walking with buffeting in exposure.
How Wet?
Precipitation unlikely
Cloud on the hills?
Little if any
Rare patches on some higher slopes, mainly north Lakeland tops.
Chance of cloud free summits?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly sunny. Visibility excellent.
How Cold? (at 750m)
-4 or -5C. Wind chill feeling like -17C in exposure on high tops.
Freezing Level
Terrain widely frozen, staying sub-zero from valleys upward. Some valleys west of Pillar may rise just above freezing.
Planning Outlook
Terrain extensively frozen this weekend and early next week; sub-zero temperatures from the glens upward in Scotland and some valleys inland in northern England. Substantial fresh snow accumulations in the North West Highlands and Cairngorms, heavy showers streaming in from the north also containing hail. Largely dry and sunny from central Scotland to northern England. Hail and snow showers will run into north and west Wales from the sea. Bitter northerly winds, up to gale force higher tops, lessening somewhat during Sunday. Some fluctuation of freezing level during next week, though most high terrain stays sub-zero, and as fronts come in from the west, upland snowfalls are possible more widely.