Weather in England in December

The weather in England in December is cold and often damp, with short days and long nights, but that just adds to the atmosphere. Christmas lights glow across cities, giving the streets a festive edge. Expect Christmas markets in full swing, mulled wine flowing, and carol singers popping up in town squares.

You probably won’t see much snow, unless you're in the north, but the wintry backdrop makes historic sites feel even more dramatic. Cozy bars, roaring fires, and layered-up walks through medieval streets or countryside villages are all part of the charm. Just make sure to pack warm, waterproof clothing, and you're good to go.

England in December at a glance

• As fall turns to winter, December temperatures drop noticeably. In southern England, highs fall from around 46°F to 36°F (8°C to 2°C). In the Midlands and the north, they dip from 44°F to 34°F (7°C to 1°C).
• The chilly weather in England in December might not be perfect for long days outdoors, but winter sightseeing still has its perks, especially with Christmas markets, lights, and seasonal events in full swing.
• Crowds are moderate early in the month, making museums and galleries easy to enjoy. Just keep in mind that both tourist numbers and prices for hotels and flights jump during the Christmas and New Year period.
• If you're visiting in December, pack warm layers, a hat, gloves, and waterproof gear; you'll need them.

What is the weather like in England in December?

If you’re planning a trip to England in December, expect true winter conditions: chilly days, short daylight hours, and the occasional frost. Snow is possible, especially in the north, but rain and overcast skies are more typical.

In the south, daytime temperatures usually range from 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). The north and Midlands tend to be a few degrees colder. Wind and damp air can make it feel colder than it is, so warm, waterproof layers are essential.

This isn’t beach season, but it’s a great time for city breaks, museum-hopping, and bar lunches by a fireplace. Christmas markets, light displays, and festive events bring energy to towns and cities across the country.

If you're looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, early December can be a sweet spot. While it’s not the best time to visit England for sun or long hikes, it’s perfect for soaking up seasonal atmosphere without peak-season chaos. Just avoid the vacation week if you're hoping to save: travel and accommodation costs spike around Christmas and New Year.

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.

Is December a good time to visit England?

December brings a festive glow to England trips, with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and cozy bars offering the perfect retreat from the cold. While the weather in England in December can be damp and chilly, there’s a storybook charm to cities like London, Bath, and York, where historic streets come alive with seasonal decorations and winter events.

This isn’t peak tourist season, but prices rise around Christmas and New Year, so book ahead if you’re traveling over the vacations. Ice rinks pop up in parks and town squares, and traditional bars are ideal for warming up after a walk.

With fewer daylight hours and unpredictable weather, outdoor activities are more limited, but England’s cultural scene more than makes up for it. Think West End shows, world-class museums, and historic buildings you can explore without ever stepping into the rain.

Why December is a good time to visit:

• Festive atmosphere: Cities, towns, and even villages are lit up with Christmas lights, markets, and seasonal events. London, Bath, and York feel especially magical this time of year.
• Fewer crowds at major sights: Outside the vacation week, crowds are lighter at popular attractions like the Tower of London, Stonehenge, and major museums.
• Great bar culture: Cold, damp days are the perfect excuse to spend time in traditional bars with open fires, local ales, and hearty food.
• World-class indoor culture: From West End theater shows to art galleries and historic landmarks, December is ideal for exploring England’s indoor highlights.
• Winter sales and pre-vacation shopping: Hit the stores before Christmas or catch mail-vacation sales starting on Boxing Day, some of the best deals of the year.

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. 

Where to go in England in December

With festive lights, Christmas markets, and cozy bar culture in full swing, December is one of the best months to explore the best places to visit in England.

The weather may be cold and damp, but the seasonal atmosphere more than makes up for it, especially in cities and historic towns where winter suits the setting.

London

The capital goes all out for December. Oxford Street’s Christmas lights, pop-up ice rinks at Somerset House and the Natural History Museum, and markets in places like Southbank and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland create a buzzing seasonal backdrop.

It’s also a great time to dive into London’s world-class museums and theaters while staying dry and warm.

Bath

Bath’s Georgian streets look especially charming in winter, and the city’s Christmas market, which spreads across the Abbey Courtyard and surrounding streets, is one of the best in the country.

Combine your visit with a soak in the rooftop thermal spa or a visit to the Roman Baths, then duck into a bar for a mulled cider.

York

York blends medieval charm with full-on festive spirit in December. The city’s St Nicholas Fair fills the historic Shambles with alpine-style chalets selling crafts, street food, and vacation drinks.

York Minster hosts atmospheric carol services, and the whole city feels like a Christmas card come to life.

The Cotswolds

For countryside charm, the Cotswolds deliver. Villages like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water look especially magical in winter, and you’ll find traditional bars with fireplaces, Christmas craft fairs, and fewer tourists than in summer. Just be prepared for muddy walks and early sunsets, pack well, and plan for shorter days.

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.

Plan your trip with our England itineraries

If you're visiting in winter, building a flexible England itinerary is key, especially in December, when daylight hours are short and festive events fill up fast. 

With cooler weather and vacation crowds in some places, planning helps you make the most of the season.