check your weather
Weather
Weatherline - the daily local weather forecast
Weather in the Lake District can change rapidly so we run a weather forecast service called Weatherline (opens in new window).
It features data direct from the Met Office, with a five day forecast. Between December and April our Fell Top Assessors record winter conditions daily from Helvellyn, the Lake District's busiest mountain in winter.
So when you're planning a day out, visit Weatherline (opens in new window) or call 0844 846 2444.
Follow winter Fell Top Assessors on Twitter
Check out: twitter.com/LakesWeather
What will the weather be like when I visit?
We'd love to be able to tell you, but conditions vary enormously from one year to the next. Our Photos - through the seasons gallery shows how different each month can be.
Why is the Lake District known for having more rain than other areas?
The weather in Britain mostly comes from the Atlantic. When the clouds hit the mountains of the Lake District, they rise, the water vapour within the clouds cools, condenses and falls as rain or snow.
What should I pack?
Visitors: Layers are the best idea. Even in summer, it can be cool in the evenings and if you’re on the water. A good waterproof jacket is invaluable. More details in What to pack.
Walkers: A wind and waterproof jacket and over-trousers will make your walks a lot more comfortable. The temperature drops one degree for every 150 metres you ascend. So even if it’s relatively warm in a valley, it can be pretty chilly on top of a high ridge. You should always carry extra clothing such as spare socks, hats and gloves. Check out our Checklist for walkers.
Interested in weather, climate and climate change?
Please read our Climate, weather and climate change section.
Need holiday accommodation?
We've cosy holiday cottages, quirky boutique hotels, friendly bed and breakfasts and luxury hotels!
Our commission goes towards keeping the National Park special: Browse and book accommodation online here
Maps available online
See maps ranging from individual villages to maps of the whole National Park:
- Lake District map in relief (PDF)
- Directions and map to Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre (PDF)
- All UK National Parks map (PDF)
- Check out our Rangers page for maps showing parish boundaries and who looks after which area.
Village maps
These show local amenities such as information centres, car parks and toilets:
- Bowness-on-Windermere map (PDF)
- Coniston Village and Coniston Boating Centre map (PDF) - please note there is no parking available at Coniston Methodist Church.
- Glenridding map (PDF)
- Grasmere map (PDF) - please note the National Park Information Centre at Grasmere has closed. However there is the Grasmere National Trust Information Centre on Church Bridge.
- Hawkshead village map (PDF)
- Keswick town map (PDF)
Area maps
- Borrowdale villages including Seatoller map (PDF) - please note the National Park Information Centre at Seatoller has closed. The nearest is the Keswick Information Centre.
- Hawkshead and Esthwaite Water area map (PDF)
- North Ullswater area map (PDF)
Lake guides - including maps
These help everyone get the best out of their time on the water safely:
- Access to Lakes - what you can do where (PDF)
- Bassenthwaite lake users' guide (PDF) and Bassenthwaite map (PDF)
- Coniston lake users' guide (PDF) and Coniston map (PDF)
- Derwentwater lake users' guide (PDF) and Derwentwater map (PDF)
- Ullswater lake users' guide (PDF) and Ullswater Map (PDF)
- Windermere lake users' guide(PDF) and Windermere Lake Map (PDF)
- Greener Boating on Windermere handbook (PDF)
Buy maps
You can buy Ordnance Survey and other types of maps from an Information Centre when you're in the National Park.
Other interactive maps
General
- Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole - How to get here page (opens in new window)
- Coniston Boating Centre - Location page (opens in new window)
- Public toilets
Information Centres
Our pay and display car parks
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