What each month is usually like on the fells — how many dry days it averages, how many of those are sunny, four walks chosen for the light available, and how busy the car parks get. Climatology, not a forecast.
If you only read one month, read April, Not August — the reason the busiest month is not the best one.
The year at a glance
Civil dawn to civil dusk in each month: the twilight either end in blue, the daylight between in gold. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time; each month below gives its own figures. dry days · of them sunny. A twelve-month average of 14.3 dry days and 11.9 sunny ones; each month below gives its own.
How to read these figures
A dry day is one with under a millimetre of rain. A sunny day is a dry day that also had at least four hours of sunshine — so the sunny count is a subset of the dry one, never an addition to it. Both definitions are ours and are applied identically to every month.
The bar under each month in the grid is its dry days measured against the month with the most of them, so the shape of the year is legible without reading a digit.
Under each walk is its light at the start on the 15th of the month, from 03:00 to 23:00 with marks at 06:00, noon and 18:00: blue is twilight, pale orange daylight, stronger orange the sun actually on the start, and the red line the latest start that still finishes by sunset with two hours in hand, at the walk’s own time at a steady pace. Earlier or later in the month the times move, and a slower group needs an earlier start.
January
An average January on the Lakeland fells gives you 14.9 dry days, of which 9.1 are sunny. That makes it 4th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — January averaged 14.9 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 9.1 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
January ranks 4th of twelve for dry days and 10th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
January: sunrise about 08:26, sunset about 16:19, so 7.9 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 42 minutes before and 42 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for January
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 January (how to read it).
A winter pick assumes the tops are clear of snow and ice on the day, or that you carry winter kit and know how to use it. Before you set out on a high pick, read the mountain forecast for the day; if the tops will be in cloud or the wind up there is strong, choose a lower walk instead, such as one of our poor-weather walks.
the start, the start of Carrock Fell and Knott, on 15 January, the sun reaches it at 08:41 and leaves at 13:08, against a sunrise of 08:27 and a sunset of 16:18. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 January: light 07:44 to 17:00 · sunrise 08:27, sunset 16:18 · sun on the start 08:41 to 13:08 · latest start that fits: 08:13
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Holme Fell and Black Fellalso picked for February, November, December
Blencathra via Blease Fellalso picked for June, August, September, October
Orrest Headpicked for January alone
Carrock Fell and Knottalso picked for November
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
Hammarbank1.0× its January in January; its busiest month, August, 8.2×
Monk Coniston1.0× its January in January; its busiest month, August, 8.3×
Threlkeld1.0× its January in January; its busiest month, September, 2.6×
February
An average February on the Lakeland fells gives you 12.8 dry days, of which 10.4 are sunny. That makes it 9th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — February averaged 12.8 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 10.4 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
February ranks 9th of twelve for dry days and 9th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
February: sunrise about 07:34, sunset about 17:21, so 9.8 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 37 minutes before and 37 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for February
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 February (how to read it).
A winter pick assumes the tops are clear of snow and ice on the day, or that you carry winter kit and know how to use it. Before you set out on a high pick, read the mountain forecast for the day; if the tops will be in cloud or the wind up there is strong, choose a lower walk instead, such as one of our poor-weather walks.
the start, the start of Haystacks, on 15 February, the sun reaches it at 08:59 and leaves at 13:33, against a sunrise of 07:35 and a sunset of 17:21. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 February: light 06:57 to 17:58 · sunrise 07:34, sunset 17:21 · sun on the start 09:10 to 16:03 · latest start that fits: 08:12
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Holme Fell and Black Fellalso picked for January, November, December
Haystackspicked for February alone
Tarn Hows circuitalso picked for November
Esk Pike and Great Endalso picked for March
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
Monk Coniston1.2× its January in February; its busiest month, August, 8.3×
New Dungeon Ghyll1.2× its January in February; its busiest month, August, 2.7×
March
An average March on the Lakeland fells gives you 15.7 dry days, of which 14.5 are sunny. That makes it 3rd of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — March averaged 15.7 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 14.5 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
March ranks 3rd of twelve for dry days and 3rd for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
March: sunrise about 06:28, sunset about 18:17, so 11.8 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 36 minutes before and 35 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for March
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 March (how to read it).
A winter pick assumes the tops are clear of snow and ice on the day, or that you carry winter kit and know how to use it. Before you set out on a high pick, read the mountain forecast for the day; if the tops will be in cloud or the wind up there is strong, choose a lower walk instead, such as one of our poor-weather walks.
Seathwaite Farm, the start of Allen Crags & Glaramara, on 15 March, the sun reaches it at 09:25 and leaves at 15:27, against a sunrise of 06:28 and a sunset of 18:17. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 March: light 05:52 to 18:52 · sunrise 06:27, sunset 18:16 · sun on the start 07:37 to 17:07 · latest start that fits: 14:44
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Esk Pike and Great Endalso picked for February
Allen Crags & Glaramarapicked for March alone
Ard Crags & Knott Riggpicked for March alone
Great Mell Fellpicked for March alone
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
We hold a council count for one of the four starts: New Dungeon Ghyll, which in March takes 1.8 times its own January traffic.
What is on in March
Dates are confirmed against the organiser’s own site, or shown as “usually” where they are not yet published.
National Park guided walks programme: usually March · a season of free walks from late March to the end of October, across the National Park
April
An average April on the Lakeland fells gives you 17.8 dry days, of which 16.7 are sunny. That makes it the month with the most dry days of the twelve.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — April averaged 17.8 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 16.7 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
April ranks first of twelve for dry days and 1st for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
April: sunrise about 06:11, sunset about 20:16, so 14.1 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 38 minutes before and 38 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for April
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 April (how to read it).
Aira Force National Trust car park, the start of Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fell, on 15 April, the sun reaches it at 06:20 and leaves at 19:01, against a sunrise of 06:10 and a sunset of 20:16. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 April: light 05:32 to 20:54 · sunrise 06:10, sunset 20:16 · sun on the start 06:20 to 19:01 · latest start that fits: 15:41
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Birketts North of Skiddawalso picked for September
Around Sele Bottompicked for April alone
Ashness Bridge & Surprise Viewpicked for April alone
Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fellalso picked for October
May
An average May on the Lakeland fells gives you 17.2 dry days, of which 16.7 are sunny. That makes it 2nd of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — May averaged 17.2 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 16.7 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
May ranks 2nd of twelve for dry days and 2nd for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
May: sunrise about 05:08, sunset about 21:12, so 16.1 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 47 minutes before and 47 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for May
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 May (how to read it).
the start, the start of Very Long Day Out, on 15 May, the sun reaches it at 06:28 and leaves at 19:08, against a sunrise of 05:09 and a sunset of 21:12. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 May: light 04:20 to 21:59 · sunrise 05:07, sunset 21:12 · sun on the start 06:24 to 19:11 · latest start that fits: 13:08
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Very Long Day Outalso picked for July
Stonesty Pike, Great Knott & Wrynose Fellpicked for May alone
Fusedale Circuitalso picked for August
Birketts above Ullswaterpicked for May alone
June
An average June on the Lakeland fells gives you 13.9 dry days, of which 13.3 are sunny. That makes it 6th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — June averaged 13.9 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 13.3 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
June ranks 6th of twelve for dry days and 4th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
June: sunrise about 04:37, sunset about 21:50, so 17.2 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 56 minutes before and 56 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for June
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 June (how to read it).
Great Langdale (New/Old Dungeon Ghyll), the start of Langdale Horseshoe, on 15 June, the sun reaches it at 06:01 and leaves at 19:18, against a sunrise of 04:37 and a sunset of 21:50. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 June: light 03:40 to 22:47 · sunrise 04:36, sunset 21:51 · sun on the start 05:10 to 21:07 · latest start that fits: 18:24
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Langdale Horseshoealso picked for August
Blencathra via Blease Fellalso picked for January, August, September, October
Caudale Moor & St Raven's Edgealso picked for July
High Riggalso picked for August
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
Cow Bridge2.4× its January in June; its busiest month, August, 3.0×
New Dungeon Ghyll2.2× its January in June; its busiest month, August, 2.7×
Threlkeld1.5× its January in June; its busiest month, September, 2.6×
July
An average July on the Lakeland fells gives you 12.9 dry days, of which 12.1 are sunny. That makes it 8th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — July averaged 12.9 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 12.1 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
July ranks 8th of twelve for dry days and 6th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
July: sunrise about 04:57, sunset about 21:40, so 16.7 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 51 minutes before and 51 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for July
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 July (how to read it).
Grasmere Village, the start of West of Grasmere, on 15 July, the sun reaches it at 06:50 and leaves at 20:12, against a sunrise of 04:57 and a sunset of 21:39. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 July: light 04:06 to 22:30 · sunrise 04:57, sunset 21:39 · sun on the start 07:04 to 20:42 · latest start that fits: 16:40
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Very Long Day Outalso picked for May
Caudale Moor & St Raven's Edgealso picked for June
West of Grasmerealso picked for October
Stone Arthur from Grasmerealso picked for November
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
Broadgate2.7× its January in July; its busiest month, August, 3.4×
Cow Bridge2.4× its January in July; its busiest month, August, 3.0×
What is on in July
Dates are confirmed against the organiser’s own site, or shown as “usually” where they are not yet published.
An average August on the Lakeland fells gives you 12.7 dry days, of which 12.0 are sunny. That makes it 10th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — August averaged 12.7 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 12.0 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
August ranks 10th of twelve for dry days and 7th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
August: sunrise about 05:49, sunset about 20:44, so 14.9 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 41 minutes before and 41 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for August
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 August (how to read it).
Great Langdale (New/Old Dungeon Ghyll), the start of Langdale Horseshoe, on 15 August, the sun reaches it at 06:49 and leaves at 19:07, against a sunrise of 05:49 and a sunset of 20:44. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 August: light 05:07 to 21:26 · sunrise 05:49, sunset 20:45 · sun on the start 07:08 to 20:06 · latest start that fits: 17:18
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Langdale Horseshoealso picked for June
Blencathra via Blease Fellalso picked for January, June, September, October
Fusedale Circuitalso picked for May
High Riggalso picked for June
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
New Dungeon Ghyll2.7× its January in August, its busiest month
Threlkeld2.3× its January in August; its busiest month, September, 2.6×
What is on in August
Dates are confirmed against the organiser’s own site, or shown as “usually” where they are not yet published.
Keswick Agricultural Show: usually the August bank-holiday Monday (late August), near Braithwaite outside Keswick · Keswick
September
An average September on the Lakeland fells gives you 13.8 dry days, of which 12.2 are sunny. That makes it 7th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — September averaged 13.8 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 12.2 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
September ranks 7th of twelve for dry days and 5th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
September: sunrise about 06:46, sunset about 19:29, so 12.7 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 37 minutes before and 36 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for September
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 September (how to read it).
the start, the start of Angletarn Pikes and the Martindale round, on 15 September, the sun reaches it at 08:05 and leaves at 18:11, against a sunrise of 06:45 and a sunset of 19:29. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 September: light 06:09 to 20:06 · sunrise 06:45, sunset 19:29 · sun on the start 06:56 to 19:05 · latest start that fits: 12:31
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Birketts North of Skiddawalso picked for April
Angletarn Pikes and the Martindale roundpicked for September alone
Whinlatter Forest: Tarbarrel Moss, Ullister Hill & Seat Howpicked for September alone
Blencathra via Blease Fellalso picked for January, June, August, October
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
Cow Bridge2.3× its January in September; its busiest month, August, 3.0×
Threlkeld2.6× its January in September, its busiest month
What is on in September
Dates are confirmed against the organiser’s own site, or shown as “usually” where they are not yet published.
An average October on the Lakeland fells gives you 14.5 dry days, of which 10.8 are sunny. That makes it 5th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — October averaged 14.5 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 10.8 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
October ranks 5th of twelve for dry days and 8th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
October: sunrise about 07:41, sunset about 18:15, so 10.6 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 36 minutes before and 36 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for October
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 October (how to read it).
the start, the start of Catbells: the short way up, on 15 October, the sun reaches it at 09:39 and leaves at 17:29, against a sunrise of 07:42 and a sunset of 18:15. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 October: light 07:05 to 18:50 · sunrise 07:41, sunset 18:14 · sun on the start 08:17 to 17:24 · latest start that fits: 13:39
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
West of Grasmerealso picked for July
Blencathra via Blease Fellalso picked for January, June, August, September
Catbells: the short way uppicked for October alone
Aira Force & Gowbarrow Fellalso picked for April
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
Broadgate2.5× its January in October; its busiest month, August, 3.4×
Threlkeld1.4× its January in October; its busiest month, September, 2.6×
What is on in October
Dates are confirmed against the organiser’s own site, or shown as “usually” where they are not yet published.
October 2026: the days marked are confirmed event dates still to come; an event shown as “usually” in the list has no date yet.
Lakeland Trails in Helvellyn: Sat 31 October· the last Saturday of October, from Jenkins Field, Glenridding
Borrowdale Shepherds' Meet & Show: usually October · a Sunday in mid-October, on the show field between Keswick and Rosthwaite
Lakes in a Day: usually October · a Saturday in early October, Caldbeck to Cartmel
Langdale Horseshoe fell race: usually October · a Saturday in early October, from the Old Dungeon Ghyll
The Winter Droving: usually late October; in 2026 in Carlisle, as part of Carlisle Carnivale, after fourteen years in Penrith · Carlisle
World's Biggest Liar: usually October · revived for 2026 at the Jennings Brewery taproom, Cockermouth, on a Saturday evening in late October
November
An average November on the Lakeland fells gives you 12.6 dry days, of which 8.5 are sunny. That makes it 11th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — November averaged 12.6 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 8.5 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
November ranks 11th of twelve for dry days and 11th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
November: sunrise about 07:42, sunset about 16:12, so 8.5 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 40 minutes before and 40 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for November
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 November (how to read it).
A winter pick assumes the tops are clear of snow and ice on the day, or that you carry winter kit and know how to use it. Before you set out on a high pick, read the mountain forecast for the day; if the tops will be in cloud or the wind up there is strong, choose a lower walk instead, such as one of our poor-weather walks.
the start, the start of Carrock Fell and Knott, on 15 November, the sun reaches it at 07:57 and leaves at 13:02, against a sunrise of 07:43 and a sunset of 16:10. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 November: light 07:03 to 16:51 · sunrise 07:43, sunset 16:10 · sun on the start 07:57 to 13:02 · latest start that fits: 08:05
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Holme Fell and Black Fellalso picked for January, February, December
Tarn Hows circuitalso picked for February
Stone Arthur from Grasmerealso picked for July
Carrock Fell and Knottalso picked for January
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
Broadgate1.6× its January in November; its busiest month, August, 3.4×
Monk Coniston1.3× its January in November; its busiest month, August, 8.3×
What is on in November
Dates are confirmed against the organiser’s own site, or shown as “usually” where they are not yet published.
November 2026: the days marked are confirmed event dates still to come; an event shown as “usually” in the list has no date yet.
Kendal Mountain Festival: Thu 19 November to Sun 22 November· a long weekend in mid/late November
Kendal Mountain Trail Runs: Sat 21 November· the Saturday of Kendal Mountain Festival
December
An average December on the Lakeland fells gives you 12.3 dry days, of which 6.1 are sunny. That makes it 12th of the twelve for dry days.
What the weather usually does
Across 2015-01-01 to 2025-12-31 — 4,018 days — December averaged 12.3 dry days against a twelve-month average of 14.3, and 6.1 sunny days against an average of 11.9.
December ranks 12th of twelve for dry days and 12th for sunny ones. The month with the most dry days is April — there is a whole article on why that is not the month most people come.
December: sunrise about 08:28, sunset about 15:47, so 7.3 hours of daylight; civil twilight adds about 44 minutes before and 45 after. Medians across the 238 route starts we hold, in UK clock time.
Four walks for December
Chosen for the light this month rather than for a forecast, and signed off one by one. Each links to the full route with its stages, parking and escape options. The strip under each walk is its light at the start on 15 December (how to read it).
A winter pick assumes the tops are clear of snow and ice on the day, or that you carry winter kit and know how to use it. Before you set out on a high pick, read the mountain forecast for the day; if the tops will be in cloud or the wind up there is strong, choose a lower walk instead, such as one of our poor-weather walks.
the start, the start of Up to Skiddaw Round Trip, on 15 December, the sun reaches it at 09:24 and leaves at 14:26, against a sunrise of 08:29 and a sunset of 15:47. Orange dots are the sun in sight of the start, pale ones the sun behind the fells. Losing the sun is not losing the light: the sky stays bright until dusk.
On 15 December: light 07:45 to 16:31 · sunrise 08:29, sunset 15:47 · sun on the start 09:24 to 14:26 · latest start that fits: 08:42
The same four through the year: a filled dot is a month whose page picks the walk.
JFMAMJJASOND
Holme Fell and Black Fellalso picked for January, February, November
Ambleside, Todd Crag, Rydal Cavepicked for December alone
Loughrigg Terrace & Rydal Waterpicked for December alone
Up to Skiddaw Round Trippicked for December alone
How busy these car parks usually get
Each figure is that car park measured against its own January, which is not always its quietest month. It is not a comparison between car parks, and it cannot be: a small site and a large one can show the same swing.
Monk Coniston0.8× its January in December; its busiest month, August, 8.3×
Waterhead1.2× its January in December; its busiest month, August, 7.9×
What is on in December
Dates are confirmed against the organiser’s own site, or shown as “usually” where they are not yet published.
