UK winter season

Winter in the UK starts in December and runs until the end of March.

Winter kicks off with the anticipation of Christmas and the hope of festive, snowy, red-breasted-robin-dotted scenes to come. Pretty lights twinkle as people dig out their winter layers and prepare to say goodbye to one year and hello to the next.

Winter snow in the Lake District, Cumbria, UK
Winter snow in the Lake District, Cumbria, UK © Duncan Andison - Adobe Stock Image

As an ode to the end of the year, December packs in our remaining bank holidays with Christmas Day and Boxing Day overlapped by the school holidays. But winter isn't just about Christmas.

Following the winter solstice in late December, when we experience the shortest day and longest night of the year, we are on the move towards spring once again. January can sometimes feel a bit sluggish, an anti-climax after the frivolity of December, but the winter weather has treats of its own in-store.

While winter sees its fair share of dark, wet and cold conditions, there are those special days, just perfect for a tightly-wrapped up walk in the countryside - think bright and frosty with low lying sunshine - or possibly a spot of sledging.

For some lucky people, usually those in northern Scotland, January and February often offer the chance to ski on home slopes such as at The Lecht, Glenshee and Cairngorm Mountain.

In London, the average number of daylight hours increases from eight per day in December to 10 per day by February, a reassuring and noticeable change that excites those keen to propel themselves into spring.

If you're planning to travel in winter, be sure to see our UK weather guide so you know what conditions to expect, as they do vary from north to south, east to west.

Winter months in the UK

Looking for more information about the seasons? Find out what creates our seasons, including details of solstices and equinoxes, in our complete guide to the UK seasons.

More UK seasons

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