The month in detail
What to expect in December
Off-season for skiing Lake District — lifts are closed. Consider hiking, mountain biking or summer activities at altitude. With 57% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned.
December ranks 10 out of 12 months in Lake District. Compared to November: −2°C daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in December
UV index
0 · low
no protection needed
Feels like
dry air
2°
Daylight
7.0h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 27
Compare
Is December the right month?
The best month in Lake District is May (4.1/10), 3.6 pts higher than December.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Lake District
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Lake District
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a mountain stay.
Country · United Kingdom
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyPound Sterling (£)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeAlpine mountain climate
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 15°C
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 3°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘNovember · 61%
🏔️ Mountain stay
⛰️Village altitude100 m
🎿Ski area100 → 978 m
⛷️Ski seasonDec → May
🥾Hiking seasonJun → Sep
🧗High mountains ⓘGuide recommended
Explore
Other destinations in December
If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
Isle of SkyeUnited Kingdom
BergenNorway
Wild Atlantic WayIreland
HamburgGermanyCologneGermany
Location
Where is Lake District ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United KingdomAlpine mountain climate climate with a 4.1 → 0.5 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
54.46°N · 3.08°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lake District?
It depends on the activity. For skiing: January (ski score 7.6/10). For hiking/summer: January (7.6/10, 3.0°C).
Can you ski in Lake District in winter?
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 7.2/10. Cold temperatures (3°C max in January) and frequent snowfall.
Is it warm in Lake District in summer?
In January, temperatures average 3.0°C. Best period for hiking and outdoor activities.
What is the wettest month in Lake District?
October is the wettest month with October has the lowest climate score of the year.
Do you need sun protection in Lake District in December?
The average UV index reaches 0 in December in Lake District (low), with about 7.0h of daylight. No protection needed.