Visiting the Lake District in July
Majestic mountains (or fells as we like to call them up here), charming villages and vibrant, bustling towns, luscious landscapes and ancient forests, historic houses and gardens, ancient sites and standing stones, and for foodies, the most Michelin stars outside of London.
July brings alluring lakes, longer days, and warmer weather
There are the alluring lakes that give the Lake District its name. So come when the weather is warmer, the daylight hours are long, and the rain is not so frequent – just don’t expect to have it all to yourself.
Lake District weather in July
It should be mostly warm and dry in July, but being the Lake District, it’s always wise to bring a brolly along with your suncream and sunglasses.
Temperature wise, you can expect average highs of around 19 degrees Celsius, with some days nudging into the twenties.
Typical Weather
- 14-22°C on average
- Rain ~13 out of 30 days
- Cold nights
- Sunrise: 4:40-5:20am
- Sunset: 9:50-9:13pm
What should I wear when visiting the Lakes in July?
It depends on what you’re planning to do. You should be fine with lightweight jackets, jumpers and trainers or comfy shoes in the towns and villages – shorts too if the sun’s shining or you’re one of those hardy souls who wears shorts all year round.
But, if you’re planning to climb the fells, sturdy boots, thermal layers and a waterproof jacket should be in your luggage too.
What to wear
Read our guide to everything you need to pack for a happy trip to the Lakes
Parking, Transport, and Getting around the Lakes in July
You can expect a lot more traffic on the roads in July, especially in and around the more popular towns like Ambleside, Bowness & Windermere, Grasmere, Hawkshead and Keswick.
Parking may well be tricky too if you don’t set off early to bag your spot if you’re making a day of it.
Ditch the car
The busier parts of the Lake District are well served by the bus network – the 555 (operated by Stagecoach) runs all the way from Kendal to Keswick and stops at Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere on the way, so it’s an ideal chance to take away the stress of sitting in a jam and leave your car parked up at your holiday cottage, while you enjoy the scenery from the top deck of a bus.
Fares are capped at £3 for a single journey too, which makes it an affordable way to get around.
Whether you’re bringing the car or not, you’ll find all the parking and transport options you need in our guide to finding a Lake District parking place and other transport tips.
Park and explore
There’s a park and explore offer where you can get up to 5 of you to a central car park, then leave the car and set off on bus to anywhere else.
How busy is the Lake District in July?
Busy. These days, the Lake District is a year-round holiday destination, so no month is completely quiet. But July and August are when the crowds descend. The good news is, there’s plenty of room for everyone – but our advice is to always book popular attractions, boat rides, and restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you do want to find some peace and quiet and escape the tourist hot spots, consider taking day trips to some of the less visited but equally beautiful lakes and fells. Places like the Duddon Valley or the Ennerdale Valley are stunning – they take a little more effort to get to, but the landscape will reward you with its breath taking beauty.
Find the best Lake District:
Things to do in the Lake District in July
Keen to dive into a new Lake District adventure? The warmer weather in July
makes it an ideal time to go…
Open water swimming in the Lake District
Open water swimming is the ultimate natural mood enhancer – and a
bracing dip in a lake, tarn, or stream is also a great way to cool off on hot days and admire the surrounding landscape. And it’s free.
There are numerous places you can make a splash all over the lakes – from remote tarns to waterfall plunge pools, and the lakes themselves, of course. If you’re not quite ready to go it alone yet, you can join a guided wild swimming group and make some new friends at the same time.
Don’t forget your dryrobe!
Suzanna Swims
Guided wild swimming adventures for groups and individuals. Dip a toe in a tarn, float down a river, or swim across a lake. Experience the Lake District from a different perspective.
Swim the Lakes
Offering short wild swims, adventure swimming days, and swimming adventure breaks, as well as an open water swimming course and wetsuit fittings
Swim on the Wild Side
Staying near Derwentwater? Swim on the Wild Side is the Lake District’s only swimming holiday operator offering fully coached activities with a qualified and experienced swim coach.
Not fancy getting wet?
Get on your bike
If getting out and about on two wheels appeals but you haven’t brought your own bikes, there are plenty of places to hire them from.
Most offer e-bikes, if you need a little help on the hilly bits. They can also suggest routes if you’re not familiar with the area.
Go on a walk
With its stunning fells, shimmering lakes, and picturesque valleys, it offers a walking experience for every ability and desire.
Check out our guides to the best walks in the Lake District >
Messing about on boats
Let’s face it, no visit to the Lake District is complete without taking to the water at some point, either under your own steam or on a boat trip.
Hop aboard and admire the fells and surrounding landscape from the water >
Lake District events in July
Our What’s On page will keep you up to date with everything that’s going on in July in the Lake District, but here are a few dates to put in your diary.
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
If you’d like to be the first to hear of our guides, all our new property listings, events around the lakes, and our last-minute deals…
More things to do in the Lake District
Ambleside dog walks
From woodland wanders to lakeside ambles and hilly hikes, there are plenty of walks to do with your furry friend from Ambleside.
Coniston boat trips and boat hire
Glide across the shimmering waters, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, captivated by the beauty and tranquilly of this idyllic lake
Keswick boat trips and boat hire
You can’t beat the peace and tranquillity of being out on the water, and there are few places better to do it than on Derwentwater
Our top 4 Staveley walks – from meanders to mountains
Staveley is a charming village surrounded by some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in England, a perfect spot for walking!
Visiting the Lake District in August
The Lake District will be busy in August, so, if you love a bit of a buzz to your country escape, join the millions of visitors in the know…
Best walks in the Lake District
With its stunning fells, shimmering lakes, and picturesque valleys, it offers a walking experience for every ability and desire
