North West England in October

May through September gives you the best shot at decent weather, though 'decent' is relative. July and August bring crowds to the Lake District — expect queues for popular walks and booked-out accommodations. September hits the sweet spot: fewer tourists, autumn colors starting to show, and the weather often stays mild into October. The lakes reflect the changing leaves perfectly. Winter has its own appeal if you don't mind shorter days and persistent drizzle. Manchester and Liverpool's indoor attractions — museums, galleries, music venues — shine when the weather doesn't. Christmas markets pop up in both cities from late November. Spring can be glorious or miserable, sometimes within the same hour. But when the daffodils bloom around Ullswater in April, you'll forget about the morning's rain shower. Avoid the Lake District on bank holiday weekends unless you enjoy traffic jams on single-track roads.