Best time to walk Hadrian's Wall

If the idea of trudging through mud and getting soaked in the rain doesn’t sound too fun, the best time to walk Hadrian's Wall is between June and September when the days are long and the weather is drier (although you're never guaranteed dry weather in England!). Spring, winter and autumn trips aren't off the cards, but you'll need warm clothing, waterproofs and a positive attitude!

The official guidance from National Trails is to walk Hadrian's Wall between May and October when the soil is dry, as this reduces wear and tear on the trail. You'll also benefit from all tourist facilities and accommodation being open. No matter when you visit Hadrian's Wall, the weather in this region is unpredictable and it's best to be prepared to walk in all conditions – yep, even if it's forecasted to be clear and sunny.

Spring (March-May)

Pros: wildflowers, lamb and calf season
Cons: heavy rainfall

Spring is a glorious time of year. Nature starts to bounce back after the harsh winter, pastures turn bright green and colourful wildflowers bloom on the hills. Spring also marks the beginning of the lambing season, and you'll see lots of super cute lambs and calves frolicking in the surrounding fields. Spring has a reputation for being quite wet, so ensure your boots are waterproof and you have a waterproof jacket to wear over your fleece.

Summer (June-August)

Pros: great walking conditions, accessibility, daylight hours
Cons: bigger crowds

The summer offers warmer temperatures with average highs of 18°C. The skies are clearer, there's less rain and you'll enjoy extended daylight hours (with 16 hours of daylight around the solstice in June). It's the best time of year for exploring all that Northumberland National Park has to offer. Summer is also the busiest time of year, particularly in July and August during the UK school summer holidays, so be prepared for more people on the trails and try to book ahead.

Autumn (September-November)

Pros: smaller crowds, autumn foliage
Cons: unpredictable weather

Autumn weather is unpredictable, particularly after September. It can be quite windy, so you'll need a waterproof/windproof jacket, a beanie, gloves and a warm fleece. It's a beautiful time of year with autumn foliage adding a splash of red and gold to the landscapes. As the days draw in earlier, it's a great time of year to enjoy the region's cosy village pubs after kicking off your hiking boots. Just note that by late October/early November, accommodation providers start shutting for the winter, so it might be harder to find a room.

Winter (December-February)

Pros: magical landscapes, small crowds
Cons: accessibility, poor weather conditions

Winter is cold and wet with average highs of 5°C. If you're lucky with the weather, Hadrian's Wall on a clear, crisp winter’s day is absolutely gorgeous. There’s something special about seeing two-thousand-year-old ruins covered in frost, or the surrounding fells dusted with snow. Just note that some sections of the Hadrian's Wall Path may close in winter due to poor weather conditions.

As well as walking, use the cold as an excuse to rug up around a roaring log fire and tuck into tasty English pub grub. Most accommodation providers close between late October and March, and museums and historical sites may also have limited opening hours.

Average temperatures at Hadrian's Wall

MONTH	AVERAGE HIGH (°C)	AVERAGE LOW (°C)
January	5	1
February	6	0
March	8	1
April	11	3
May	14	5
June	17	8
July	18	10
August	18	10
September	15	8
October	12	6
November	8	3
December	6	1