The Met Office has issued its official forecast for Christmas Day 2025, setting expectations for a festive period that will be cold and bright for most, but with little prospect of widespread snow.
A Dry and Frosty Festive Day
According to the national weather service, the UK is set for a mostly dry Christmas Day. The day will feature variable cloud cover and sunny spells in many areas, offering some bright conditions. However, temperatures are predicted to plummet, potentially reaching as low as -5°C in some spots, ensuring a crisp and frosty atmosphere.
Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington stated that the forecast does not indicate any signal for widespread snowfall. He confirmed that the vast majority of the country will remain dry throughout the day. "There is a small chance of a light shower, most likely a mix of rain and sleet, with some snow possible over high ground," he added, tempering hopes for a classic White Christmas.
Brisk Winds and Regional Variations
A notable feature of the weather will be a brisk easterly wind moving across England and Wales. This wind will make the cold temperatures feel even more biting and noticeable, particularly in central and southern regions. Meteorologist Clare Nasir provided further detail, noting that the wind would be "significant" across central and southern England and Wales, potentially affecting coastal areas along the south coast.
In contrast, winds are expected to be lighter across central and northern Scotland, with a moderate breeze for Southern Scotland and Northern Ireland. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to struggle, reaching only around 5 to 7°C at best. Eastern counties may see more in the way of cloud, while other regions enjoy brighter spells.
The Official Definition of a White Christmas
For the Met Office to declare an official 'White Christmas', a single snowflake must be observed falling during the 24 hours of 25 December at one of its official observation stations. Given the current forecast of dry conditions for most, the likelihood of this benchmark being met in 2025 appears slim.
Clare Nasir summarised the outlook for the festive period, stating, "For most, it's a dry Christmas day, and also a bright one, but it will be cold outside." She also indicated that the cold, dry, and windy conditions would persist with little change as the nation moves from Christmas Day into Boxing Day and the weekend beyond.
