Best time of year to walk the Pennine Way

The Pennine Way, one of the UK’s most iconic long-distance trails, offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure through rugged landscapes, moorlands, and charming villages. But when is the best time to embark on this journey? We think the best time to start walking the Pennine Way is late May through early September.

Why these months are ideal

Late May to June: These months offer mild and pleasant temperatures, making them perfect for hikers who enjoy cooler conditions. Late spring also showcases the countryside at its lushest, with blooming wildflowers and long daylight hours to extend your hiking days.
July to August: The heart of summer brings warmer weather and consistently favorable conditions. While this is the most popular time for hiking due to school holidays, the higher temperatures remain manageable, and precipitation levels are generally moderate. This season offers an excellent mix of convenience and comfort for most hikers.
Early September: As summer transitions into autumn, early September provides a quieter trail experience with cooler temperatures similar to late spring. The moorlands begin to take on golden hues, offering stunning views of the changing season. Rainfall increases slightly but typically remains manageable, creating an ideal balance for those seeking a serene hike.

Key Weather Benefits

Low precipitation: Although the Pennine Way is known for its unpredictable weather, this time of year sees fewer intense storms or heavy rain days, allowing for more enjoyable walking conditions.
Extended daylight hours: Longer days during this range provide flexibility for your hiking schedule, whether you prefer leisurely starts or tackling longer stages.

Considerations

While these months offer the best overall weather conditions, occasional rain is always a possibility (it’s the UK, after all!), so pack appropriately. In summer, you may also encounter midges in certain areas, so insect repellent is a wise addition to your gear.

By starting your hike during late May, June, July, August, or early September, you’re maximizing your chances of experiencing the Pennine Way at its finest—comfortable temperatures, manageable weather, and stunning seasonal landscapes.

Of course, while these recommendations provide a solid starting point, everyone's preferences and circumstances are unique. For example, if you prefer walking in the cooler morning hours to avoid midday heat, you might prioritize dates with drier conditions. On the other hand, if you are more accustomed to colder climates, you may choose to avoid hotter periods - even if it means encountering more rain. Our search tool allows you to customize your journey to align with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the best possible experience on the trail.

Furthermore, if your plan differs from walking the standard stages from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.

How to find the best time of year to walk the Pennine Way

Limit the Average Daily High to below 25°C/77°F.
This ensures you won’t be walking in overly hot weather.
Limit the Average Daily High to above 15°C/59°F.
Similarly, this ensures you won’t be walking in cold weather.
Limit the Historical Record Daily High to below 35°C/95°F. (Advanced filters)
This might sound similar to the first step – but instead of looking at averages, it filters out extreme temperatures that don’t happen every year. In other words, you’re excluding those parts of the year when there might be a heat wave.
Limit the Historical Record Daily High to above 5°C/41°F. (Advanced filters)
Like the previous step, this applies to extremes instead of averages – but this time you’re excluding cold snaps.
Limit the Historical Record Daily Precipitation to below 10mm/0.39in. (Advanced filters)
This step excludes those times of year which might have storms or intense showers.
Limit the Average Daily Precipitation as much as possible.
If the previous steps haven’t narrowed down the search to 20%, you can further limit the dates by finding the overall driest periods.

Feel free to use this guide as a starting point to find the time of year that best suits your personal needs and preferences. By tailoring the filters to your specific situation, you can discover the perfect time of year for your hike.

Below is our weather search tool, with the filters already set up according to this process.