Lake District In November: Everything You Need To Know! 2023

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

November is one of my favourite months of the year (and not just because it’s my birthday month) but because it just has such a buzz about it. The festive season is coming, we can unpack our big-knitted jumpers and can walk outside in the cold winter air.

And there’s nothing quite like a post-hike tea and some live music in a good old-fashioned pub when you’re finished.

In the following post, I explain why November is the best time to visit the Lake District National Park, along with what to expect, weather averages and whether or not you can expect to see snow! So, let’s get started!

Still have a question about the Lake District in November? 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
• Lake District in December: Everything You Need To Know!
• 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 November: 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.

Whilst most people book their trip to the lakes in the summer months, it’s also one of the best places to visit in the UK in the colder months.

For those in love with the idea of roaring pub fires, hearty Sunday roasts and a brisk winter air sweeping over England, November is the perfect time to visit the Lake District!

There’s a little magic in the air with the run-up to Christmas on its way, and the weather is cold enough to wear big knitted jumpers in the pub with a large glass of red wine.

November is also one of the cheapest times to visit as there are no school holidays and peak season is a thing of the past. At this time of year, the lakes are quieter, and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the national park with fewer tourists and fewer crowds.

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 November, make sure to pack the necessary warm clothes – especially if you want to go on a short walk!

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

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

Reasons to visit the Lake District in November

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

• 🌳 It’s quiet! As I said, there are no school holidays, and people don’t tend to ‘holiday’ in November, especially with Christmas on its way. Visiting the Lake District in November means quieter hikes, trails and pubs.

• 💸 It’s cheaper! Shoulder season is always lower in price than peak seasons like Christmas and summer. You can find high-quality accommodation at a fraction of its normal price.

• ❄️ Colder temperatures. If you’re lucky, the temperatures may have started to drop, and the mountains are slowly becoming covered in a light blanket of snow. The Lake District is best known for its layers of white snow around December to February, but it’s not impossible in late November! I know the cold weather isn’t for everyone, but it does provide us with some spectacular views…

• ⛰️ Misty mornings and dramatic views. There’s nothing quite like the lakes in the mist, especially in the early mornings. It’s great for photographers, writers, poets or just those who enjoy the change in weather.

• 🎅🏽 Christmas is coming! Whilst we may be a little while off yet, the festive cheer of Christmas lingers in the air, especially around the roaring fires in the local pubs. Mulled wine, festive lunches and Christmas markets tend to open late November.

Weather in the Lake District in November

Overall, the temperatures average from 4°C (38°F) and 7°C (42°F). Even though temperatures drop as low as 3°C in November, they don’t tend to go any lower.

November is one of the rainiest months of the year, with an average of 14 days and 195mm. But don’t let this put you off, there are plenty of hikes and activities that can be enjoyed in a raincoat!

There’s roughly an average of 9 hours of sunlight per day in November, with the sun rising around 7.15 am – 8 am throughout the month. The sun then sets between 16.00-16.45.

Whilst the Lake District can have snow in November, it isn’t guaranteed (and is usually pretty rare). According to Weather25.com, there are on average 5 snowy days in November, which is usually more of a drizzle than a blanket.

With all this being said, it’s important to know that 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.

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

Rain in the Lake District in November

The Lake District has on average 14 days of rain in November, but this can vary. According to Weather25.com, you can expect rain for around 8-15 days, so it’s best to pack a raincoat and your wellies!

With the rising temperatures in the UK, the Lake District has seen much more sun in November 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 November

So, what’s on in the Lake District in November for 2023? Here’s a list of local events you might want to pencil into your diary for future visits:

• Art in the Bar, Kendal (1st November): an evening of art and socialising in the Brewery restaurant. 

• Go Wild! At Brantwood, Coniston (1st November): Nature-filled fun and traditional crafts for kids in the October half term.

• Sheelanagig, Kendal (1st November): a selection of traditional and original European Folk music, dating from medieval times to the present day.

• Into The Woods Musical, Whitehaven (1st-4th November): Whitehaven and District Amateur Operatic Society return to Rosehill with the classic musical Into The Woods.

• Samhain (Halloween) Fire & Cacao Ceremony, Keswick (1st November): a Fire & Cacao Ceremony to honour Samhain (Halloween) the Celtic New Year in early November.

• Stargazing Swims, Ullswater (throughout November): swim in the lake at night under The Milky Way!

• Friday Night Live, Ulverston (3rd November): Live comedy with four award-winning, Edinburgh Festival-storming acts.

• Bonfire Night at the Swan Hotel (5th November)

• Soft Machine Live at Zeffirellis Jazz Bar, Ambleside (7th November)

For all of these events and more information, check out the Visit Lake District website here!

Best things to do in the Lake District in November

Looking for the best things to do in the Lake District in November? As the temperatures will be a little lower, some of the better things to do will be to:

• Wrap up warm for a winter walk
• Climb Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak
• Take an ice-cold dip in Coniston Water
• Hike some of the trails through the Grizedale Forest or to Aira Force Waterfall (great walks even on rainy days)
• Spot local wildlife such as red squirrels and red deer
• 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 (most start late November)
• 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
• Pay a visit to Lowther Castle, the perfect place to shelter from the bad weather
• Try traditional sticky toffee pudding in Grasmere
• Treat yourself by staying in a luxury cottage
• Take a trip to the Beatrix Potter museum
• Visit Dove Cottage and the Grasmere Gingerbread House
• Have a hearty Sunday roast in a traditional English pub
• 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

TOP TIP: If you’re planning on visiting the Lake District more than once, I highly recommend getting a National Trust membership. This gives you free access to all of the UK’s national parks, as well as including free parking!

Parking in the Lake District is extortionate, so the National Trust annual membership fee that also pays for the car park is well worth it!

Packing list for the Lake District in November

The weather in the month of November can change quickly, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for both the freezing cold days and those with a little leftover summer sun.

If you’re packing for Lake District in November for the first time, I recommend taking:

🧣Merino Wool Base Layers: if you’re packing for the Lake District in November, 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 November can drop right down to 3°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.

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 (and it’s also one of the best places for vegetarian and vegan food!)

• 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 with a roaring fire, a 3-course dinner and spectacular views. ➡ 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

Lake District in November: FAQs

1) Is it worth going to Lake District in November?

Yes! November is still a great time to visit the Lake District, even though it’s getting a little colder. You can still hike some of the Wainrights, go on a winter’s walk, get cosy around a pub fire and enjoy the brisk winter mornings. We love visiting the Lake District in November!

2) What’s the weather like in the Lake District in November?

The weather in November in the lakes is a little colder and rainier than in the autumn months. As we transition into winter, the days become a little shorter, the air is a little gloomier and the skies are darker.

You’ll need to wrap up warm and pack wisely for a visit to the Lake District in November!

3) 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!

4) 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!

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 November: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Lake District in November. ☃️

Whichever month you decide to visit the Lake District in, it’s a great place all year round. But for me, there’s something special about the misty mornings in November…

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 real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information. 

I’m currently balancing travelling around the world and living in London with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst 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

Other Lake District content:

• 23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter
• Lake District in December: Everything You Need To Know!