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Likelihood of Snow on Easter Compared to Christmas in the UK
Historical data shows that snow on Easter Sunday occurs less frequently than on Christmas Day, though probabilities are similar when Easter falls in March. The Met Office records 19 white Christmases over the past 30 years compared to seven white Easters. For the upcoming Easter, snow showers are forecast over higher ground in Scotland and possibly lower levels in northern areas.
Apr 4, 7:15 PM·2m read1 source
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Snow on Easter Sunday, defined as at least one snowflake falling at a Met Office weather station during the day, is less common than on Christmas Day but shares comparable probabilities under certain conditions. Easter's date varies annually as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, ranging from March 22 to April 25.
Since 1960, Easter has fallen in March in 23% of years, while most occur in April. The Met Office does not monitor white Easters as systematically as white Christmases, complicating direct comparisons.
Over the past 30 years, the Met Office reported 19 white Christmases and seven white Easter Sundays. Using 1981-2010 averages, March records 4.2 days of snow falling per month, compared to 3.9 days in December. April averages 2.3 snow days, reflecting the majority of Easters. When adjusted for March Easters, the frequency of snow aligns closely with Christmas probabilities.
Snow settling is more likely during March Easters due to lower soil temperatures beneath the surface compared to December. Spring features variable weather with lengthening days and stronger sunlight, but incursions of cold northern air can bring wintry conditions. Even in April, snow remains possible, particularly on higher elevations in Scotland.
Historical records highlight notable snow events on Easter. In 1983, with Easter from April 1-4, snow fell in parts of Scotland, the Midlands, and southeast England, causing widespread travel disruptions. The deepest lying snow on an Easter weekend was 36 cm (14 inches) reported in Strathdearn, Inverness-shire, on Easter Friday in 2010.
The coldest Easter Sunday on record occurred in 2014, with temperatures reaching -12.5°C at Braemar in Aberdeenshire.
These events affect travel, outdoor activities, and local economies in the UK, particularly in rural and northern regions where snow can disrupt roads and public services. Stakeholders including the Met Office and transport authorities monitor forecasts to prepare for potential impacts. Background climate trends show decreasing snow frequency overall, though spring variability persists.
