Snow has really entered our consciousness once again in Greater Manchester, what with a huge plummet in temperature and Christmas just around the corner. Now, Manchester has been named one of the most likely UK towns and cities to see snow in December, alongside some stunning festive destinations – so we’re counting ourselves lucky.
From snow-covered peaks in Cumbria to candlelit markets in York, have you ever wondered which locations truly offer the most magical festive experience at Christmastime? A new study by Betway has ranked 37 UK towns and cities based on a range of festive factors including average December snowfall and temperature, number of cosy cafes, and online engagement with Christmas-related content.
Manchester has some of the highest December snowfall in the UK
Within this study, Betway looked at average December snowfall, of which Manchester has one of the highest scores. Manchester ranks ninth among the UK destinations most likely to see snow in December, with average temperatures of 6°C and an average of 15mm of snowfall. Our streets and iconic Christmas markets are transformed into a festive winter scene when the white stuff comes, and honestly, we can’t wait.
Are we looking at a white Christmas in Manchester?
Honestly… no. It’s pretty unlikely. According to the study, Manchester gets an average of 15mm of snow in December, but only one flake has to fall within the 24 hour period on Christmas Day, so technically we could have a white Christmas, although it’s unlikely we’ll be getting snow day levels – so don’t get out those sledges just yet. But you never know, it’s the time of years when miracles do happen…
Where else in the UK has the most snowfall in December?
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas this year, your best chance of seeing snow is in Bowness-on-Windermere, nestled in the Lake District. With an average December snowfall of 84mm and cool temperatures around 7.8°C, it tops the list as the most likely spot for snow among the locations compared.
Other strong contenders for a snowy Christmas include Bakewell and Buxton, both in the Peak District, each averaging around 31mm of December snowfall. In contrast, Cardiff (1mm), Exeter and Bath (2mm) are the cities least likely to see snowfall in December.
UK locations most likely to see snowfall in December
- Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
- Bakewell, Derbyshire
- Buxton, Derbyshire
- Haworth, Lancashire
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Llandudno, North Wales
- Chester, Cheshire
- Aberdeen, Scotland
- Manchester, Greater Manchester
- Keswick, Lake District
