The Met Office has delivered a festive blow to snow lovers across the nation, stating that a traditional white Christmas is 'highly unlikely' for the vast majority of the UK this year. The forecast for the 25th of December 2025 predicts a mostly dry day with sunny spells, albeit a very cold one.
Chilly Festive Forecast with a Dartmoor Exception
Britons are advised to wrap up warm, as temperatures are set to plummet. The mercury could drop to a biting -5C in northern Scotland, with a significant wind chill factor making it feel freezing across much of the country from Christmas Eve onwards. While Christmas Day itself is expected to be predominantly dry, eastern and north-eastern regions may experience cloudier conditions.
For those hoping for a dusting of snow, there is only one glimmer of hope. The Met Office indicates a very slight chance of snow on Dartmoor, where afternoon rain showers might briefly turn into a smattering of snow. This makes the Devon national park the sole candidate for any festive snowfall in the UK this year.
A Record-Breaking Warm Year Contrasts Icy Christmas
In a striking climatic contrast, the cold snap over the festive period comes against the backdrop of a potentially record-breaking year for heat. The Met Office notes that 2025 is currently tracking to be the UK's hottest year on record. It has the potential to surpass the previous record mean temperature set in 2022, highlighting the complex and variable nature of the UK's weather patterns.
This forecast underscores the difference between short-term seasonal weather and long-term climate trends. While Britons will be reaching for their thickest coats this Christmas, the overall data for the year tells a story of significant warming.
