As the festive frenzy reaches its peak, with last-minute presents to buy and work deadlines to meet, Londoners are turning their attention to one crucial element beyond human control: the Christmas weather. The forecasts for the capital during the 2025 holiday period are now in, and they paint a familiarly damp picture for anyone dreaming of a Dickensian scene.
A Wet and Mild Festive Forecast
The prospect of a traditional white Christmas in London has been officially dashed. The Met Office defines a white Christmas as a single snowflake falling on December 25, a phenomenon the capital has not witnessed since 2001. This year will not break that streak. Instead, the overarching prediction for the Christmas and Twixmas period is for unsettled, soggy conditions with mild temperatures.
Meteorologists advise that forecasts become less precise beyond December 27, so checking live updates before making travel plans or contemplating an unlikely New Year's barbecue is essential. Here is the detailed outlook for London from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day.
Daily Breakdown: December 24 to January 1
Christmas Eve, Wednesday December 24: The BBC predicts a fairly wet day with mild temperatures ranging from 5C to 7C. Accuweather offers a slightly more optimistic view, forecasting highs of 8C with significantly less rainfall. The sun will set depressingly early at 3.55pm.
Christmas Day, Thursday December 25: Both major forecasters expect a day similar to Christmas Eve. Highs are predicted to reach around 7C, with light drizzle expected in the afternoon and evening. There is no meaningful chance of snow on the big day itself.
Boxing Day, Friday December 26: Temperatures are expected to remain stable, with highs of 7C. The BBC forecast suggests the possibility of some sunny intervals, but these will be interspersed with bursts of rain, particularly during the morning and evening. Accuweather agrees on the rain but predicts slightly cooler highs of 5C.
December 27 to 30: The BBC's long-range forecast for this period indicates more of the same: further rain, highs of 7C, and the occasional sunny spell. A small consolation is that by December 30, sunset will creep back to 4pm, marking the start of longer days. Accuweather's outlook mostly corroborates this but predicts substantially less rainfall. The accuracy of these longer-range details will become clearer as the dates approach.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Outlook
While the Met Office's long-range forecast does not specify details for London alone, its national outlook suggests a 'continuation of predominantly settled and dry weather for many'. However, this settled spell brings its own hazards, with the potential for overnight frost and fog. This translates to slightly chillier temperatures and a risk of icy patches, which could pose travel hazards for those celebrating the arrival of 2026.
In summary, Londoners should prepare for a mild, wet, and snow-free festive season in 2025. The key advice is to keep the umbrellas and waterproof coats handy, embrace the classic British Christmas weather, and look forward to the gradual return of daylight as the new year begins.
