Visiting the Lake District in May
If you’re planning to visit the Lake District in May
You can look forward to warmer weather, longer days, fewer (hopefully) rain showers than April, and it’s the start of festival season.
There are not one, but two bank holidays to plan your trip around.
And May is also a good time to visit if you still want to grab a bit of peace and quiet before peak holiday season kicks in and the crowds descend.
Lake District weather in may
It’s getting warmer, and May is usually one of the driest months in the Lake District! – but just like any month up here, a rainy day is always a possibility, it’s what keeps the hills green, and the waterfalls flowing.
The days are now noticeably longer, with the sun setting around 9pm, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors and stunning scenery, whether you’re out hiking, biking or taking to the water.
Typical Weather
- 11-15°C on average
- Rain ~10 out of 30 days
- Cold nights
- Sunrise: 4:45-7:01am
- Sunset: 5:50-9:35pm
What should I wear when visiting the Lakes in May?
Although it’s warmed up considerably, you should still be thinking about layers, especially if you’re planning to climb a fell or two – the weather is always changeable the higher you go so make sure you’re prepared for anything.
If you’re staying low and just pootling around some of the beautiful Lake District towns and villages, you can probably get away with a lighter jacket and jumper, but wise visitors will take the precaution of packing a waterproof jacket or pac-a-mac 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 May
Now that Easter’s out of the way, the roads should be a bit less busy, but with two bank holidays in May, you can expect more traffic on the roads over those weekends, especially near the more popular towns like Ambleside, Bowness, Grasmere, Windermere, Hawkshead and Keswick.
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 May?
May is book-ended by two bank holidays, when it will be busier in the towns and villages and out on the fells, but the rest of the month shouldn’t be too hectic.
Our advice?
Always book popular attractions, boat rides and restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment, which ever month you visit.
Find the best Lake District:
Things to do in the Lake District in May
With the warmth of summer on the horizon, May is a great time for thrill-seekers to take the plunge into the Lake District’s cool waters and try out…
Ghyll Scrambling in the Lake District
Scramble up rocky waterfalls using ropes, leap into pools of rushing water, and slither down natural rock slides to make your way along a river, gorge or mountain stream. An exciting way to connect with nature, the whole family can give it a go.
If you’re keen to take the plunge, all the following will kit you out with wetsuits and safety equipment you need. And the trained guides will look after you to make sure you get round without coming a cropper. Bring a change of clothes and a sense of adventure, and prepare to get wet!
Kong Adventure
Your chance to experience in full, nature’s most exhilarating playground.
Ghyll Scramble
A guided descent of a mountain watercourse
Ghyll Extreme
Combines all the excitement and challenges of our Ghyll scramble but with even more thrills!
Ghyll Ultimate
Still hungry for more this is the most intense and challenging Ghyll experience, we can provide
Lakeland Ascents
Lake District Ascents offer 3 different gorge scrambling trips:
Church Beck, Coniston
Arguably the best in the Lake District
Stickle Ghyll, Langdale
A classic.
Stoneycroft Ghyll, Keswick
Slides, chutes and more slides, perfect for those based in the north Lakes.
Crags Adventures
Ghyll Scrambling in the Lake District is a must do activity. It typically involves scaling waterfalls on a rope, scrambling over rocks and jumping into pools of water as you go. It can also involve a slide.
Canyoning is descending (going down) a mountain stream. This typically involves a combination of either some or all of the following: sliding, jumping, abseiling, zip-lining and being lowered on a rope down waterfalls. What’s not to like?
Lake District events in may
Our What’s On page will keep you up to date with everything that’s going on in May 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…
Visiting the Lake District in July
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.
