Weather in England in December

Christmas lights illuminate cities like London, Manchester, and York in December, giving touring England in December a mystical, festive atmosphere. All around the country, you may find Christmas markets, which only serve to heighten the festive spirit. Even though cold breezes prevail and the daylight hours are short, snuggling up in cozy traditional bars and touring historic places set against a wintry backdrop is a pleasure. The romantic mood is sometimes enhanced with snowfall, however this is more common in the north. The key to enjoying England in this winter month is packing appropriate clothing to keep warm. 

England in December at a glance

Frequent rain, frosty mornings, and short daylight hours (sunset is around 4 pm) limit outdoor activities in December, but festive lights and Christmas markets brighten cities like London, Bath, and York. 

• As fall transforms into winter, December temperatures decrease substantially. The south sees highs fall from 46°F to 36°F (8°C to 2°C). In the Midlands and the north, they drop from 44°F to 34°F (7°Cto 1°C).
• The chilly weather in England in December may not be ideal for outdoor activities, but winter sightseeing can be fun with Christmas markets and festive celebrations in full swing.
• Moderate crowds in December make visiting museums and galleries effortless. Having said that, both the tourist numbers and prices for accommodations and flights spike around the vacations.
• Packing warm layers, a hat, gloves, and waterproof clothing is essential when traveling to England during the winter months.

Is December a good time to visit England?

If you’re looking for a festive, storybook-like winter experience, December is one of the most magical times to visit England. Despite the inclement weather, the vacation season brings a certain winter charm across the nation, where snug traditional bars with roaring fireplaces offer a welcome retreat from the cold. Although December is in the low season, prices tend to rise around the Christmas vacations, and reservation in advance is essential. 

The illumination of London’s Christmas lights and the arrival of festive markets to the historic streets of historic places like Bath and York create a wonderful seasonal atmosphere. Ice-skating rinks are becoming increasingly popular, and pop up in larger towns and cities throughout December, adding to the winter landscape.

Due to the reduced daylight hours and the cold, wet weather in England in December, outdoor exploration can be limited. However, the nation's rich cultural scene, which includes London’s West End theaters, world-class museums, and historic buildings, offers plenty to enjoy while remaining dry and warm. 

Average daily temperatures in December

Certainly, December is a chilly month, but January sees temperatures drop even more as winter really sets in. The south continues to see somewhat higher average temperatures than in northern and central England. In London, you may expect highs of around 46°F (8°C) and lows around 36°F (2°C). Alternatively, in Manchester, temperatures are between 34°F and 44°F (1°C and 7°C), on average. Strong winds in coastal locations often make it feel significantly colder.

What about the crowds and cost?

England in December is a month with both low and high levels of tourist activity. In the beginning of the month, the country remains relatively quiet, so flights and accommodation rates are reasonable. However, as the vacation season approaches, major cities like London get extremely crowded with vacation shoppers and people there to enjoy the festive events.

Accommodation and flight prices inevitably rise over the Christmas vacations, particularly in London and cities with famous Christmas markets, like Bath, Manchester, and York. If you want to visit England during the festive period, make sure you book early. Budget travelers may prefer visiting in early December when the costs are lower. 

Things to do in England in December

Regardless of the weather in England in December, traveling during this month will still offer an unforgettable time. With the arrival of the early winter frosts, the country’s top tourist spots take on a cozy winter charm with their Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and seasonal events. Here are some of the best things to do in England in December to get the most out of your trip.

Experience London’s Christmas markets

Christmas markets in London, such as those located in Leicester Square, Covent Yard, and Southbank, are full of vacation cheer; sip mulled wine, indulge in seasonal treats, and purchase handmade crafts. In addition, some Christmas markets in London feature pop-up ice-skating rinks. Here are some suggestions for making the most of a wintery day in England:

Visit the Christmas Market in Bath

Bath’s Christmas market, which is widely considered to be one of the most famous and picturesque in England, is set against the backdrop of Bath Abbey. The ancient streets are lined with quaint wooden chalets selling gifts, seasonal cuisine, and mulled cider.

Explore the festive streets of Stratford-upon-Avon

The month of December is a particularly enchanting time to visit the place where Shakespeare was born, Stratford-upon-Avon. The streets come alive with dazzling lights and traditional Christmas market stalls, and the town’s quaint Tudor taverns serve a variety of seasonal cuisine.

Take a winter walk in the Peak District

A winter hike across frost-covered hills in England in December is an exhilarating experience, and the Peak District is an excellent place to do so. The area offers fantastic scenery, and attractive villages like Bakewell and Castleton that feature historic bars where you can warm up in front of a crackling log fire.

Enjoy afternoon tea by the fireplace

Afternoon is a beloved tradition in England. There are numerous historic hotels and country manors scattered across England, which offer afternoon tea in front of a roaring fire. Indulge in pastries, sandwiches, a selection of teas, and, as December is the season to be merry, even a glass of mulled wine.

Festivals and events in England in December

A large portion of England's event schedule is devoted to Christmas markets and other festive celebrations in December. These are some of the major events that take place in December:

• Christmas markets: Christmas markets are hosted all over England in December, but London, Bath, Manchester, York, and Birmingham are home to some of the most notable.
• Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: This historic Christmas Eve service at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge is an esteemed Christmas tradition.
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks: The amazing display of fireworks over the River Thames in London is considered to be one of the most spectacular in the world.
• Longleat Festival of Light: This dazzling lantern festival is held at Longleat Safari Park in the county of Wiltshire.
• Pantomime Performances: A beloved British Christmas tradition featuring comical performances, pantomimes are held in theaters right across the country at this time of year.