December 2025 brought a mix of unsettled and settled weather across the UK, with notable regional contrasts in rainfall, temperature, and sunshine.
In this blog, we take a closer look at how the month unfolded and what the statistics reveal about the weather experienced in different parts of the country.
A mild and wet start
The first three weeks of December were mild and wet as low pressure brought unsettled conditions and frontal systems across the country. December 8 and 9 saw persistent and occasionally heavy rainfall as Storm Bram arrived, with western and northern areas the worst affected. Western areas also saw strong winds, with some severe gale force winds.
The weather remained wet following Bram, with bands of frontal rain crossing the country. The unsettled conditions continued until December 24, when high pressure arrived over the UK. This brought strong easterly winds to some parts of the southwest and freezing temperatures to many, with frosts and freezing fog especially in northern areas. Conditions remained clear, sunny and cool for most of the UK over the final week of December.
READ MORE: Christmas weather extremes: Records from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day
Rainfall: A tale of two halves
By December 16, the UK overall had provisionally recorded 75% of the average monthly rainfall, and several counties including West Glamorgan and Cornwall had recorded over 100% of their average December rainfall. The second half of December was drier, resulting in only slightly above average rainfall for the month overall. England (114% of average) and Wales (115% of average) were wetter, but Scotland (88% of average) and Northern Ireland (83% of average) were much drier.
Regionally, the wettest conditions were found in the south-west of England and south Wales, where rainfall reached 199.7mm, 131% of the average for the area. The Midlands also saw notably wet conditions, with 96.9mm (118% of average). In contrast, East Anglia was much drier, recording just 46.6mm (80% of average). Scotland’s west was particularly wet, with 197.6mm (96% of average), while the east was drier at 117.2mm (96% of average). The north and east of England also saw above-average rainfall, with the north-west and north Wales recording 172.8mm (111% of average).
Temperature: Above average for most
The month began with above average temperatures for the first three weeks, before turning colder than average for the final week. The UK mean temperature was 5.8°C, 1.6°C above the long-term average. Although provisionally 1.6°C warmer than average, this was not record-breaking.
Looking at the regions, the highest mean temperatures were recorded in the south, with East Anglia reaching a mean of 6.7°C (1.9°C above average), and the south-east and central south at 6.9°C (1.6°C above average). The Midlands also saw a mean temperature of 6.3°C (1.8°C above average). Scotland, while milder than usual, was cooler overall, with the north recording a mean of 4.4°C (1.4°C above average), the east at 4.3°C (1.8°C above average), and the west at 5.3°C (1.5°C above average).
READ MORE: Weather records for New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve across the UK
Sunshine: A bright end to the year
Sunshine duration was slightly above average for the UK overall, which recorded 108% of the long-term average sunshine duration. Wales was particularly sunny, seeing 126% of average sunshine hours. There was also a clear north/south divide in England, with the north recording 85% of its December average and the south 123% in comparison.
Regionally, East Anglia enjoyed 70.8 hours of sunshine (130% of average), and the south-west and south Wales saw 64.3 hours (133% of average). The Midlands recorded 52.2 hours (104% of average), while the north-west and north Wales had 41.4 hours (103% of average). Even Scotland’s north, despite the wet start, recorded 23.3 hours (103% of average).
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