Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Snow in England
When it comes to winter wonderlands, England might not be the first place that springs to mind. Yet, surprisingly enough, snowfall in England is not as rare as you might think.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself pondering the question, “Does it snow in England?” – let’s look at exactly where it snows, how much, and where to go in England and the UK if you want a winter wonderland.
Does it Snow in England Often?
The UK receives snow every year, but in England, it’s hit or miss. Snow in other areas of the UK is more common than in England itself.
England’s climate is generally mild and temperate, but during the winter months, a sprinkle of snow is not entirely out of the question.
The likelihood of snowfall varies across different regions, with the northern parts of the country typically experiencing more frequent snowfall compared to the south.
The presence of hills and higher altitudes also plays a significant role in determining the likelihood of snow.
UK in Winter: Past Snow Events
England has had a few significant snow events in modern history. The winter of 1947 was the most notorious, and ground England to a halt. Snow drifts up to 7 metres blanketed the region and stopped London in its tracks.
The next event was “The Big Freeze” of 1963, when a storm encapsulated most of Britain for months, leaving feet of snow on the ground from December to March.
Today we could survive these big snow events more easily, if not without some difficulty. But we also have standard indoor plumbing, central heating, and better equipped vehicles. At the time, these big snow events paralyzed the country.
Since the 1960s, no big storm has blanketed the region like the 1963 storm did. But the winter of 2009-10 was brutal in England and beyond. Scotland during that time recorded some of its coldest temperatures ever, and snow across the UK ground daily life to a halt. 25 people lost their lives this season.
How Much Snow Does England Get Today?
As of 2024, we haven’t seen a significant snowfall in quite a few years. Though living in London, I can tell you that when it does sprinkle a bit of snow it is an absolute delight (as long as you don’t have to get anywhere!).
December of 2021 was our last significant dusting, and here in London we got about 2” of snow that blanketed the city for over 24 hours.
When and Where to Experience Snow in England
The most common months for snow in England are typical: December, January, and February.
But the most common regions are farther north in the UK, especially the North of England and Scotland, and at higher elevations in more mountainous regions.
According to the Met Office (the official weather monitors of the UK), the snowiest places in the Uk are:
- Cairngorms, Scotland: Experiences snow on 76 days throughout the year.
- Shetland Islands, Scotland: Specifically, the village of Baltasound on the island of Unst sees 65 days of snow each year.
- Fair Isle, Scotland (part of the Shetland Islands): Records snowfall on 63 days each year.
- Orkney Islands, Scotland: The Loch of Hundland on Mainland records snow falling on 59 days annually.
- Copley, County Durham, England: Sees an average of 53 days of snow each year.
- Leadhills, Scotland: Experiences snow on 52 days each year.
- Widdybank Fell, England: Located in the North Pennines, it has snow on an average of 50 days each year.
- Eskdalemuir, Scotland: This village sees snow falling on an average of 50 days each year.
- Kinbrace, Scotland: Averages 49 days of snowfall each year.
- Knockanrock, Scotland: Records snow falling on an average of 49 days per year.
Snowy Activities in the UK
If you’re a snow enthusiast, heading north is your best bet. Areas like the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland National Park are known for their picturesque snow-capped peaks and charming winter scenery.
The rugged landscapes covered in a pristine blanket of snow are perfect for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Best Recreation Areas for Snow
There are a whopping 83 areas for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter recreation in the UK.
The most popular and highly rated of these are:
- Glenshee Ski Centre, Scotland: The largest ski area in Scotland, located a bit further south than the Cairngorms, with over 40km of pistes.
- Lecht 2090, Scotland: Situated in Aberdeenshire, this resort has about 18km of slopes and is 2090 feet above sea level amid the Eastern Cairngorms.
- Glencoe Mountain Resort, Scotland: Located on the west coast of Scotland just below Ben Nevis, on Meall a’Bhuiridh mountain.
- Nevis Range, Scotland: Near the Highland town of Fort William, this resort offers 35 ski runs and is accessible by Scotland’s only mountain gondola.
- Hillend Ski Centre, Scotland: The biggest dryslope in the UK, located just 30 minutes by bus from Edinburgh’s city centre.
- Cairngorm Ski Resort, Scotland: Located in the Cairngorms, this resort is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.
- Raise, Cumbria, England: Situated in the Lake District, Raise is known as the most alpine resort in England, with a tow at 800m.
- Yad Moss, Cumbria/Durham, England: Located on the fells between Stanhope and Alston, where Cumbria borders County Durham, Yad Moss features the longest single button lift in England.
- Allenheads, Northumberland, England: About an hour’s drive from Newcastle, Allenheads has two permanent tows in winter and is great for beginners.
- Storey Arms, Brecon, Wales: Known for its beautiful gullies and carveable meadows, Storey Arms is located in the Brecon area of Wales
Conditions at these places vary by time of year and average snowfall, so always check the forecast and research the conditions before you go.
The Impact of Climate Change on Snow in England
In more recent decades, England and the UK have seen less snowfall than in centuries past. Due to global warming, can we expect snow in England in 2024?
It’s totally unpredictable! Winter temperatures typically hover around freezing point, but the whims of Mother Nature can sometimes lead to unexpected snow showers.
It’s not uncommon to wake up to a surprise snowfall that dusts the ground in a matter of hours, only to melt away by noon.
So, keep an eye on the weather forecast and have your camera ready to capture those fleeting moments of snow in England.
Embracing Snow in England
When snow does arrive in England, it’s a time of delight and excitement. The English, known for their love of weather-related conversations, eagerly discuss the fluffy white stuff and its impact on daily life.
Schools may close, and public transportation might experience delays or disruptions, but that doesn’t dampen the spirits of those eager to build snowmen, engage in friendly snowball fights, or indulge in a spot of sledging down gentle slopes.
Does it Snow in England? Final Tips
There’s so much to enjoy about winter in London, England, and the UK, no matter if it snows or not. You can cross your fingers and hope for the best, but we just never know when that winter wonderland will become a reality.
If it does snow, be prepared for flight and train delays, slick roads, and a general bit of chaos. Take your time traveling, be prepared for the worst (and the best!), and most of all, enjoy your trip to London and the UK!
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