Lake District in September: Why It’s the BEST Time to Visit (2022)

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Visiting the Lake District in September? Luckily for you, September is one of the best times of year to visit the Lake District for a number of reasons. Let’s find out why!

Is September a good time to visit the Lake District?

Yes, absolutely!

With the rising temperatures in the UK, September still brings warm weather, yet schools are back, prices are lower and attractions are quieter.

In my opinion, it’s the best time to visit the Lake District!

In the following post, I’ll explain why I think it’s the best time of year to visit, and some of the amazing events you can attend whilst you’re there!

(I’ve just pencilled in the giant food festival for when we go back to the lakes this September!)

So, let’s get started!

Visiting the Lake District? I’m a tad *obsessed*, so here are some of my other posts:

• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
• 3 Days in the Lake District: Everything You NEED To Do
• Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
• Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2022)
• Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
• Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!

🗺️ My Lake District must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

Lake District in September

Is September a good time to visit the Lake District?

You can visit the Lake District 365 days a year. It’s an ‘any kind of weather‘ place to visit in the UK.

However, if you want the cheapest prices, visit in the shoulder season (autumn and spring). This is when the Airbnbs and hotels are at their cheapest, and you still get some dry and sunny days!

Hence why I’ve written this Lake District in September post, because I truly believe it’s one of the best times to visit.

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

The summer months in the UK (June – August) are always the most expensive, and the busiest. I’ve visited the Lake District during this time, and although the weather has been amazing, you can expect to share your trip with a lot of other tourists!

Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!

5 Reasons to Visit the Lake District in September

So why should you visit the Lake District in September? Here are 5 good reasons for visiting the national park at this time of year!

1. Schools are back! (Yay!)

As a former teacher, this is a selling point for me. Whenever I’m backpacking or travelling, I like to make sure kids are in school to ensure lower prices and less busy tourist attractions. Travel. accommodation, tickets and everything in between is cheaper when schools are back. This is a GREAT reason to visit the Lake District in September.

2. The weather!

The weather in the Lake District in September, for me, is the best. It’s not the peak heat of August or July where you have to cool off in air-con all the time, but it’s dropped a few degrees and still has sunshine. Hiking is perfect in September, and you’re even greeted with a bit of rain to cool off every once in a while.

3. Wildlife and greenery

The landscapes in September are still rich with greenery, with a hint of auburn. It’s a sign that autumn is coming, but still with the heat of the summer and flowers rich in bloom.

4. The sunsets!

I’m not sure why, but the sunsets in the Lake District in September are just incredible. As long as there’s a clear sky, you’re bound to see an epic sunset in the Lake District in September.

5. Local food is in excellent condition

As the late summer period in the UK is when we celebrate the harvest, the local food is thriving. It’s a great time to visit restaurants where local and seasonal food is used. And trust me, you can taste the difference!

Overall, September is a great time to visit the Lake District. If you’re considering it, I’d highly recommend you start packing your bags. It’s a trip you’ll never forget.

Events in the Lake District in September (2022)

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

• 1st – 4th September: Ambleside Jazz Festival (contemporary jazz festival): Find out more on the Ambleside Jazz Festival site.

• 2nd September: Hiking meetup: Hike Helvellyn as a group (via striding edge): Find out more info on Meetup.

• 4th September: The Loweswater Show (annual show including ponies and horses for families): Find out more at the Loweswater Show website

• 3rd + 4th September: Holker Chilli Fest: (specialist chilli festival) Find out more information on the Holker website.

• 7th + 8th September: The Westmorland County Show (voted as one of the UK’s favourite shows, with over 30,000 visitors every year.  A major livestock Show with cows, pigs, horses, alpacas and everything in between). You can buy tickets and read more on the Westmorland Show website.

• 9th September: Lake District Walking Weekend: For more info, visit Meetup.com

• 11th September: 21st Classic Cars in the Forest (motor show): Find out more on Facebook.

• 16th – 17th September: Hazellous Lustre Nuts in a Cluster (wildlife, fungi and nuts of Fell Foot Wood in Late Summer Revelry camping-based live music event): Buy tickets here.

• 17th September: The Cumbria Way Ultra, 30 mile or 73 Mile, Solo or Relay: Find out more on What Up in Town.

• 23-24th September: Kendal Torchlight Carnival: (walking parades, music and theatre performances, fire sculptures, fun activities, and a huge party for all!): Find out more on the Kendal Torchlight website.

• 24th-25th September: Taste Cumbria Cockermouth (giant food festival): Find out more on the Taste Cumbria website.

• 27th September: Royal Opera 2022/23 Season: Madama Butterfly: Book tickets on the Keswick website.

What is the weather like in the Lake District in September?

September is still a relatively hot time of year to visit the Lake District, especially recently when UK summers have become much hotter and longer.

However, you can expect rain in the Lake District in September. But, you can have rain all year round in this part of England, so it’s to be expected.

On average, September ranges between 8-15 days of rain, has 13 hours of daylight, and an 8 degrees Celcius minimum at night.

As someone who has visited the Lake District in both September and August, September is my preference as the days are a few degrees cooler and everywhere is less busy.

🗺️ My Lake District must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!

How many days do you need in the Lake District?

This really is down to personal preference, and what kind of trip you want to have.

For example, if you’re a big hiker and want to scale peaks like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Helm Crag, you’re going to need at least 5 days. This gives you enough time to hike and have some rest breaks in between.

If you also want to do some water activities (like wild swimming) explore the villages and discover some of the English countryside, I’d recommend staying for at least 5-6 days. This gives you enough time to hike, swim, eat and explore.

However, even a day trip to the Lake District is worth it.

It’s such a special location that I would recommend visiting the Lake District even if you’re short on time.

Only have a day to explore the Lake District? I’ve got you covered! Check out my post: Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!

Have a bit longer in the lakes? Check out my 3 Days in the Lake District itinerary!

🗺️ My world travel must-have: Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!

What to pack for the Lake District in September

September can be surprisingly warm in the UK, so make sure you still pack your swimmers and clothes for high temperatures.

Check out my detailed Lake District packing list here.

As well as packing your regular items for a trip, these are some of my essential items for the Lake District:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• An umbrella
• A waterproof day bag
• A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
• A portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
• A waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
• As well as using bug spray, we have midge repellent wristbands.

🌎 Travelling for the first time? You’re in the right place! Check out my travel resources for EVERY type of trip, big or small! (It might even save you some ££!)

How much rain does the Lake District get in September?

The Lake District has on average 8-15 days rain in September, but this can vary.

With the rising temperatures in the UK, the Lake District has seen much more sun in September than expected.

Take a lightweight waterproof jacket and an umbrella just to be safe!

Have valuable tech on you? Don’t forget to buy a waterproof phone case (so you can still take photos!) and a dry bag. You’ll never have to worry about damaging expensive tech again!

Are there midges in the Lake District in September?

There are a fair amount of midges in the Lake District in September, but nothing that a bit of mosquito spray can’t handle.

If you’re particularly worried, stay away from lakes and rivers at dusk, and wear long sleeves to avoid bites.

Unless you are very sensitive to bites, I wouldn’t worry.

Need insect repellent? As well as using spray, we have midge repellent wristbands. They definitely help when travelling the UK and standing by still water on a summer evening!

Where to stay in the Lake District

Knowing where to stay in the Lake District can be overwhelming if you’re visiting for the first time, so I wrote an entire guide about the areas and neighbourhoods to choose from.

However, if you’re short on time, I recommend the following:

• For first-timers: Ambleside
• For groups of friends: Keswick
• For couples: Grasmere or Coniston
• For families or groups of friends: Bowness-on-Windemere

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

Lake District in September: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it.

The best reasons to visit the Lake District in September, and why you’ll have an amazing time no matter which time of year you visit.

If you’re visiting the Lake District, don’t forget to check out all of my other posts to ensure you’re prepared!

It’s one of my favourite places to visit in the UK, and it’s easy to see why!

As always, if you have a question about the Lake District in September (or anything else travel or blogging-related) you can contact me over on Instagram or on my contact me page!

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

Other posts you may be interested in:

• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
• 3 Days in the Lake District: Everything You NEED To Do
• Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
• Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2022)
• Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
• Lake District Itinerary 1 Day Plan: The BEST Day Trip!

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Hey you! 🙋‍♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit as much of the globe as possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!

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