Visiting the Lake District in September
September is a time of change in the Lake District. The weather begins to cool, the nights draw in, the crowds start to drift back to work and school, the roads are (a bit) less busy, and summer begins its gradual handover to autumn.
The perfect time to visit for exploring the charming towns and villages and enjoying the Autumn colours
Everything is still open, so itāll be easier to get into attractions and restaurants when you want to.
The changing colours of the landscape make the Lake District a photographerās paradise. And, if youāre lucky, you might even bag a bargain on your accommodation too.
Whatās the weather like in the Lake District in September?
It should still be mostly warm and dry in September, but just like any month in the Lake District, itās always wise to be prepared for every kind of weather ā it can be bright sunshine one minute and pouring down with rain the next.
More weather details
Average temperatures have started to drop from August and the heights of summer, but you can still expect highs of around 15 degrees Celsius, particularly in the early part of the month.
If you fancy a go at open water swimming, this can be the perfect time of year to give it a go. The lakes have been warmed through the summer, meaning the difference between the water and ambient temperature of the air is closer. Whyās that good? It mean you donāt get quite as big of a shock getting in!
It will be chillier in the evenings, so you might need to pop a jumper on if youāre sitting outside.
Typical Weather
- 8-16Ā°C on average
- Rain 36-40% chance of rain
- Sunrise: 6:20-7:13am
- Sunset: 6:50-8:05pm
What should I wear to visit the Lake District in September?
It depends on how youāre planning to spend your time. You should be fine with jackets, jumpers and trainers or comfy shoes in the towns and villages.
What to wear details
The weather can be changeable so, if youāre planning to climb the fells, or head to the remoter parts of the county, sturdy boots, thermal layers, and a waterproof jacket should be in your luggage too ā and do remember to check the local forecast before you head out anywhere high or remote.
What to wear
Read our guide to everything you need to pack for a happy trip to the Lakes
Getting about the Lakes in September
Compared to the peak months of July and August, the roads will be less busy in September, but there will still be plenty of cars out and about, especially in and around the more popular towns like Ambleside, Bowness and Windermere, Grasmere, Hawkshead, and Keswick.
Escape the car during your visit
Ditch the car
The busier parts of the Lake District are well served by the bus network ā the 555 (operated by Stagecoach) runs all the way from Kendal to Keswick and stops at Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere on the way, so itās 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 Ā£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
Thereās 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 September?
September is a good time to visit as the school summer holidays are done and dusted and the roads will be less clogged. Weād still advise booking popular attractions, boat rides and restaurants in advance just to be on the safe side, though.
Want to escape the crowds?
If you do want to escape the tourist hot spots in search of complete peace and quiet, 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 ā they may take a little more effort to get to, but the landscape will reward you with its jaw-dropping beauty, especially as the colours begin to change from the yellows and greens of summer to the russet reds and golds of autumn.
Find the best Lake District:
Things to do in the Lake District in September
Now that the larger crowds have made their way back home itāll be quieter out on the fells ā even the more popular ones. And exploring on foot is the best way to take in the emerging autumn colour.
Wherever youāre staying in the Lake District, thereās breath taking scenery to see and interesting places to explore ā from jaw-dropping landscapes to mysterious caves, stunning waterfalls to industrial remains, and even plenty of pram-friendly walks if youāre travelling with very young children.
With the landscape changing and leaves beginning to fall, ready to be crunched underfoot, September is the perfect time to capture the changing colours with someā¦
Autumn photography in the lake district
Capture the breath taking beauty of the Lakes on a photography workshop.
Autumn photography workshops
Mark Gilligan FBIPP photography workshops
“You tell me what you want to achieve and I will construct and deliver the day/s to do exactly that for you. The time, your time, is designed to suit you and NOT me.“
Martin Lawrence Photography workshops
“Wherever you are on your photographic journey, my Lake District 1-2-1 and private small group Landscape Photography Workshops will be tailored to meet your needs so that you get the most out of your time with me.”
Stuart McGlennon & Mark Littlejohn workshops
“Are you ready to experience the stunning landscapes of the Lake District? Designed for all levels of expertise, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to sharpen your photography skills while capturing the beauty of this picturesque region.”
Prefer to go it alone? Then places like Ashness Bridge, Dodd Wood, Clappersgate Bridge, and Friars Cragg will have you happily clicking away. For a little more inspiration, take a look out out tips on visiting the Lake District for photography in Autumn.
Getting out and seeing wildlife
As the plants put out their fruit and seeds, ready for the wildlife to harvest, Autumn can be a great time to spot little critters in their natural environment.
Wildlife spotting in the Lake District
Wildlife spotting
From red deer to grey seals, curlews to oystercatchers, September is a great time to go spotting animals in the Lake District. This pdf guide from the Wildlife Trust will tell you the best spots to visit.
Or, if you want to know where to head to have a chance of seeing the elusive red squirrel, our guide to places to see red squirrels in The Lake District will point you in the right direction. Donāt forget your binoculars!
Batty about badgers?
You wonāt even have to leave the pub to spot some of these lovable nocturnal animals. The Badger Bar in Rydal has a resident colony that comes out every night to feed.
They should still be around in September, but if itās too chilly to be outside, you can watch them on the badger cam from the cosy confines of the pub.
Cycling in September
See the sights from the saddle! The trails will be quieter in September, so if getting out and about on two wheels appeals, there are plenty of places to hire them from.
Most offer e-bike hire too, if you need a little help on the hilly bits ā they can also suggest routes if youāre not familiar with the area.
Lake District events in September
Our Whatās On page will help make sure you donāt miss a thing in September in the Lake District, but here are a few dates you might want to put in your diary.
View upcoming September events
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…
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