Britons hoping for a picturesque blanket of snow this Christmas are likely to be disappointed, according to the latest forecasts. While the festive period is set to be crisp and cold, the magic of a widespread white Christmas remains a distant hope for most.
A Chilly and Dry Festive Forecast
The Met Office has indicated that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be predominantly dry and sunny across much of the United Kingdom. However, a brisk wind developing from Christmas Eve will make temperatures feel even colder, resulting in a festive spell that is slightly below the seasonal average.
For the majority of the country, it will feel close to freezing, with daytime highs peaking at just 4-5C. The coldest conditions are expected in Scotland, where temperatures are forecast to plummet below freezing widely, potentially reaching as low as -5C in the north.
Snow Chances Remain Slim
Despite the chill, the prospect of significant snowfall is minimal. Forecasters see only a small chance of snow on Dartmoor and estimate roughly a 10% chance of "winter flurries" along England's south coast.
Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna noted the technicality of the definition, stating: "All we need, of course, is for a flake of snow to fall anywhere across the UK for it to technically be termed a 'white Christmas', so something to keep an eye on across the far south of England."
This follows a completely snow-free Christmas Day across the UK in 2024, where temperatures stayed above zero everywhere. The last time all four UK nations celebrated a white Christmas was in 2010.
Weather Through to New Year's Eve
The settled but cold conditions are expected to persist throughout the holiday period. On Boxing Day, some southern counties may see more cloud, but elsewhere should remain largely dry with sunny spells.
Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell confirmed the pattern, saying: "The weather's all very similar really, out towards New Year's Eve. The Christmas period is quite a nice forecast... It's a bit colder than average, not unusual for the time of year."
Those planning a traditional festive swim on Christmas Day or Boxing Day are advised to be cautious, as easterly winds could whip up big waves along the coast.
