Lake District in December: Everything You Need To Know! 2023

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Visiting the Lake District in December? December is one of the best times of year to visit the Lake District for a number of reasons. This post explains why!

Whilst I’ve visited the Lake District in all types of weather, there’s something that always draws me back in December. From the festive events, the cosy evenings in the pub by the fire, the beautiful early morning snowy walks and Sunday lunches with Father Christmas; there’s no better place to take a UK winter break.

In the following post, I explain why December is such a great time to visit the Lake District, along with what to expect, weather averages and whether or not you can expect to build a snowman! So, let’s get started!

Still have a question about the Lake District in December? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

Other Lake District posts:

• 23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter
• 12 Easy Walks in the Lake District With AMAZING Views!
• Lake District Road Trip: 3 EPIC Routes
• Best Pubs in Keswick: The Lake District

Lake District in December: A Summary

From cold, cosy winters to brisk autumn afternoons, sunny beer gardens and blossoming flowers in the spring, there’s no doubt that the Lake District is a 365-day-a-year destination in the UK.

But for those in love with the idea of roaring pub fires, hearty Sunday roasts and snow blanketing the top of the highest mountains in England, December is the perfect time to visit the Lake District.

And to make December even more enjoyable, you’ll have the magic of Christmas on the streets and in the cosy village shops to experience too. For me, there’s nothing quite like the Lake District in December.

The weather in the Lake District during the winter months (November – February) is known to get quite a bit of snow. If you’re visiting during the colder months like December, make sure to pack the necessary warm clothes – especially if you want to hike.

But if you pack appropriately, and are prepared for warm, cosy nights in front of the fire, the Lake District in December is a pretty special time.

Related posts: Visiting the Lake District in winter? Check out my full Lake District winter guide here.

Where to stay in the Lake District

If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas, as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windermere.

If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants.

• If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

• Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? Our favourite is Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!

• For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

Getting around the Lake District

If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. If you only have one day, you don’t want to spend hours waiting for public transport. Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

However, if you haven’t got access to a car, exploring the Lake District can still be done! The Lake District has amazing public transport (a lot better than some of the rest of the country), and you can whizz around on buses and boats. For more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car, you can check out my guide here.

➡ Need to hire a car in the Lake District? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Related posts: Getting Around the Lake District Without a Car | Lake District Solo Travel

Reasons to visit the Lake District in December

So why should you visit the Lake District in December? Here are five good reasons for visiting the national park during this time.

🎅🏽 It’s Christmas! And who doesn’t love a festive-fuelled break?! Expect Christmas markets, decorated village shops, Christmas lights, warm mulled wine, festive-themed theatre shows, arts and crafts and Christmas-themed events throughout the entire month.

🏔️ Incredible views. As I previously mentioned, the Lake District is known for its layers of white snow around December to February. Even if you’re not hiking the mountains in the snow, seeing the white-capped summits from the ground is enough to warrant a visit to the national park in December.

📸 Amazing photo opportunities. Whilst the daylight hours are fewer, the opportunity to take incredible nature photos is in abundance. From bare, desolate-looking trees, purple sunsets, still lakes, crisp mornings and snow-capped mountains, it’s an incredible opportunity for budding photographers.

🌅 Later sunrise. If you’re not a morning person (like myself), you can still catch the sunrise in the Lake District in December due to its late timing. The sun during the winter months rises from 7.30-8.30 am, meaning even a sleepy visitor like myself can make it (and it’s so worth it).

🎄Christmas shopping! Whilst we already know the Lake District is an amazing place to spend the festive period, it’s also brilliant for Christmas shopping. As most of the shops are independent and family-run, you can buy gifts and crafted keepsakes that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Related posts: 12 Easy Walks in the Lake District | Latrigg Walk, Lake District | Rydal Caves: Everything You Need To Know

Weather in the Lake District in December

The weather throughout the year in the Lake District is temperamental. There can be rain in the middle of summer, and sun in the middle of winter. Whenever you visit the Lake District, be prepared for sudden changes in temperature.

In general, the Lake District has four seasons, with the warmest being from June to August, and the coldest from November to February.

You can expect temperatures as low as -2°C in December, and on a frequent basis too! But overall, the temperatures average from 8°C (47°F) and 6°C (43°F).

Whilst the Lake District can have snow in December, it isn’t guaranteed. According to Weather25.com, there are on average 10 snowy days in December (but it doesn’t snow every year in December, so things do change).

‘Snowy days’ in England also don’t always mean layers of snow thick enough to build a snowman. This can be light sleet or hail, where the snow on the ground turns into a thick sludge. Be sure to have proper hiking boots when visiting the Lake District in December to avoid slipping.

Related posts: What to Pack for the Lake District: Ultimate First Timer Guide

Rain in the Lake District in December

The Lake District has on average 8-15 days of rain in December, but this can vary. According to Weather25.com, you can expect rain for at least half the days in December.

With the rising temperatures in the UK, the Lake District has seen much more sun in December than expected, but with a brisk and cold wind. Taking a lightweight waterproof jacket and an umbrella is still a must!

Most activities in the Lake District can still be done in the rain, even some of the bigger hikes! Just be sure to wear suitable shoes and a waterproof jacket, and embrace the rain! It makes that warm bath with a hot cup of tea after a long hike feel just that bit more deserved…

🌞 Good to know: March to June are known as the driest months in the Lake District, whilst October to January is the wettest. 

Events in the Lake District in December

So, what’s on in the Lake District in December? Here’s a list of local events you might want to pencil into your diary for future visits:

• Christmas Day Lunch in the Candleroom: Have a festive lunch in the beautiful rustic Candleroom in Glenridding through November and December. You can book a table or find out more here.

• Taste Cumbria Christmas (10 & 11 December): A weekend of mince pies, mulled wine, Christmas treats, live music, entertainment and good old-fashioned hot and homemade tasty food. One for any foodies in the lakes!

• Carlisle Christmas Market: (Friday 1 – 17 December): Enjoy the festive fun in December as the Carlisle city centre is transformed into a winter wonderland! Find out more about the Christmas market here.

• The Rydal Christmas Fair (2 & 3 December): A weekend full of stalls, music and food.

• Santa’s Sunday Lunch (10 & 17 December): Enjoy a 3-course Sunday lunch with Santa Claus in Glenridding! Find out more here.

• Christmas Pudding 10k (9 December): Run or walk 10k through the beautiful Great Langdale valley!

• Christmas Stamp Making with Liz Jones (1 Dec): Learn how to create your own festive stamps into lino and keep the results forever!

• Dickensian Christmas Festival (end of November): a fun-filled weekend of stalls, arts and crafts, live music, magic shows, fire eaters, jugglers, stilt walkers, and more, all free of charge in Ulverston!

Best things to do in the Lake District in December

Looking for the best things to do in the Lake District in the colder months? As well as checking out my in-depth Lake District winter guide, check out my favourite things to do in this part of the UK below:

• Wrap up warm for a winter walk
• Take an ice-cold dip in Coniston Water
• Hike some of the trails through the Grizedale Forest
• Relax with a coffee in one of the Lake District’s best cafes
• Go on a Windermere Lake cruise
• Check out the local Christmas markets
• Go Christmas shopping in the small independent shops
• Experience the history of the lakes at the Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle or the epic Rydal Caves
• Treat yourself by staying in a luxury cottage
• Take a trip to the Beatrix Potter museum
• Visit Dove Cottage
• Have a hearty Sunday roast in a traditional English pub
• Take the Santa Claus Express train
• Go climbing at the Keswick Indoor Climbing Centre
• Take a unique private scenic winter tour of the mountains and surrounding valleys
• Try mountain biking
• See the worlds of ‘Wuthering Heights’ and Jayne Eyre on a small group tour

Lake District in December: FAQs

1) Is it good to visit the Lake District in December?

Yes! December is a great time to visit the Lake District. The National Park is full of Christmas fairs, markets and festive events, and the ground is often dusted with a thin layer of snow.

The Christmas atmosphere in the Lake District is wonderful, with stores decorating their shop windows with the Christmas spirit, as well as serving mulled wine to entice customers. December is a magical time to visit the Lake District.

Related posts: 23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter

2) Is Lake District open in December?

Yes, the Lake District is a National Park in England that is open 365 days a year. You can visit the Lake District in December or any other month of the year for a wholesome UK trip.

4) Will it snow in the Lake District in December?

There is no guarantee of snow in the Lake District in December, but on average, there are usually 10 snowy days. Bear in mind that snowy days also means days with sleet or light snowfall (that doesn’t settle, so no snowball fighting here).

5) What do you wear in the Lake District in December?

If you’re packing for a Lake District December trip, I recommend taking:

🧣Merino Wool Base Layers: if you’re packing for the Lake District in December, I recommend buying some Merino wool layers. They might be expensive, but they’ll keep you warm even on extremely cold days. When we visited Lapland in Finland, we wore our Merino wool layers in temperatures of -30 degrees Celcius and they were the only thing that would keep us warm!

🧤 Insulated gloves and hat: The temperature in the Lake District in December can drop right down to -2°C, so make sure you keep your hands and head warm when hiking.

❄️ Fleece, hoody or oversized jumper: for cold nights around the fire! Just layer up if you’re visiting in the winter to make sure you keep warm.

☔️ Rainjacket, umbrella and dry bag: It’s important to know that the Lake District is one of the wettest parts of the UK, so expect puddles and muddy terrains, especially in the autumn and winter months! Plus, when it rains in the Lake District, it pours.

Check out my extensive Lake District packing list here.

6) What are the best maps for walking in the Lake District?

If you are doing any kind of walking or hiking in the Lake District, you will need Ordnance Survey OS Explorer maps. Most of the hikes are not signposted and Google Maps is not accurate on mountain trails. The OS Explorer maps cover the whole of the Lake District but are broken down into different areas. Make sure you buy the right map for the area you would like to hike in.

➡ Buy your Lake District Ordnance Survey OS Explorer maps now!

7) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!

8) Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Related posts: Coniston Water Swimming: BEST Swim Spots

Don’t forget travel insurance for Europe!

If you’re visiting Europe as a tourist, it is so important to have travel insurance.

As a full-time traveller and digital nomad, I recommend SafetyWing. From my own personal experience, I believe it is the best travel insurance on the market.

And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month!

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s frustrating to spend $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something does happen?

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Europe, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

If you’ve been putting off researching the best travel insurance companies, I get it, it takes a long time. But it’s my job to make your travels as easy and as successful as possible, so that’s why I’ve done all the hard work and research for you!

➡ Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Lake District in December: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Lake District in December. When you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Related posts:

• 23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter
• Latrigg Walk, Lake District: Complete Guide & Tips!
• 12 Easy Walks in the Lake District With AMAZING Views!
• Rydal Caves: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting