Winter in Birmingham brings short days, chilly air, and a dampness that seeps into daily routines. You can expect average temperatures between about 1.5°C (34°F) at night and 7°C (44°F) during the day. Cloudy skies and the occasional snowfall are the norm.
Snow doesn’t always show up, but when it does, it’s usually just a light dusting or a frosty morning. These moments can change how you plan your day.
Rain sticks around through winter, mostly arriving as steady showers instead of heavy downpours. Sunshine is scarce, and daylight sometimes only lasts about eight hours in December.
This all creates a calm, mostly gray atmosphere that’s just part of life in Birmingham during the colder months.
If you want to get through winter in Birmingham comfortably, it helps to know what you’re up against besides the cold. Rainfall, cloud cover, wind, and humidity all play a role in how winter feels.
A bit of practical knowledge can make travel planning easier and help you handle everyday life when it’s chilly and damp.
Overview of Birmingham’s Winter Climate
Birmingham’s winters feel cool, cloudy, and damp. There’s not much daylight, and snowfall is only occasional.
The city’s inland spot and maritime climate keep things moderate compared to the north of the UK.
Geographical Location and Climate Type
Birmingham sits in England’s West Midlands, about 120 miles northwest of London. Because it’s inland, you don’t get the sea’s moderating effect as much as you would on the coast.
The city has a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb) according to the Köppen system. That means winters are mild, clouds are frequent, and rainfall spreads out across the year.
Unlike the southern coasts, Birmingham gets more chilly nights in winter. Average lows hover near 1°C (34°F), and highs reach about 7°C (45°F).
Snow isn’t common, but it can happen, with an average of only about 4 cm (1.6 inches) per year.
Humidity stays high, and the dampness is hard to avoid. You’ll see gray skies and not much sun, especially in December and January.
Comparison with United Kingdom Averages
Compared to the rest of the UK, Birmingham’s winters feel moderate. Scotland and northern England get harsher cold, more snow, and lower temperatures.
Birmingham stays milder, though it’s not as gentle as the southern coastal cities like Brighton or Plymouth.
Daytime highs usually hit the mid-40s Fahrenheit (6–8°C). That’s a bit cooler than southern England but warmer than the north, where highs can stay near freezing.
Snow doesn’t visit Birmingham often. Edinburgh or Newcastle see more regular snow because of their latitude and exposure to cold air.
Birmingham’s lower elevation and central location cut down the risk of heavy snow.
Rain falls steadily but never gets too extreme. You can expect about 60–70 mm of precipitation each winter month, which lines up with the national average.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Winter in Birmingham runs from December to February. December is the darkest, with about 7.8 hours of daylight. February brings nearly 10 hours.
Short days help create that gray, subdued winter mood.
Clouds rule the sky about two-thirds of the time. When clear days come, they usually bring crisp, cold air.
Rain shows up often, mostly as light or moderate showers. Snow might appear briefly in January or February, but it rarely sticks around.
Winds usually blow in from the west or southwest, carrying moist air from the Atlantic. This keeps temperatures from dropping too far and adds to the damp feeling that’s so familiar in Birmingham winters.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Birmingham
Birmingham’s winters are cold, cloudy, and damp. Daytime highs stick around the mid-40s °F (about 7 °C), and nights often dip close to freezing.
Temperatures don’t swing wildly, but frost and icy mornings happen pretty often.
Average High and Low Temperatures
During winter, Birmingham’s average high temperature stays near 7 °C (45 °F). The average low drops to about 1 °C (34 °F).
These numbers stay pretty steady from December through February.
You’ll want to bundle up, especially when the wind picks up. Nights bring frost, especially outside the city center.
At Birmingham Airport, which sits in a more open spot, lows can drop a bit further than in the city itself.
Snow isn’t frequent, but when it comes, it usually falls overnight or early in the morning when temperatures are lowest.
Ice on roads and pavements is more common than heavy snow. Warm clothes and sturdy shoes are a must if you’re heading outside.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter runs from December through February. Each month shifts a little in temperature, but not by much.
- December: Highs average 7 °C (45 °F), lows about 2 °C (36 °F). Frost starts showing up more often.
- January: Usually the coldest month. Highs average 6 °C (43 °F), and lows hover near 1 °C (34 °F).
- February: Temperatures creep up a bit. Highs return to about 7 °C (45 °F), and lows stay near 1–2 °C (34–36 °F).
At the airport, you’ll notice similar differences, but the open space can make it feel even colder.
Clouds are still common, but by February, you might notice the days getting just a little longer. It’s a subtle change, but it does shift how cold the months feel when you’re outside.
Record Winter Temperatures
Birmingham’s winters are usually moderate compared to the north, but sometimes the city gets hit with extremes.
The lowest winter temperatures on record have dropped below -10 °C (14 °F), usually during cold snaps from the east.
These events are rare, but they can disrupt travel, including flights at Birmingham Airport.
On the flip side, mild winter days sometimes reach 12–14 °C (54–57 °F) when warm Atlantic air sweeps in.
These warm spells usually pop up in December or February.
These records show just how much Birmingham’s winter climate can vary. Most of the time you’ll face mild cold, but it’s good to watch out for the occasional extreme that might mess up your plans.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Winter in Birmingham means steady rain, lots of damp days, and a bit of snow here and there. The weather stays cool and cloudy, with precipitation spread out pretty evenly across the season.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Birmingham during winter is moderate compared to other UK cities. The city gets about 55–70 mm of precipitation per month from December to February.
That’s enough to keep the ground damp, but it doesn’t usually cause flooding.
The rain mostly falls as light or moderate showers, not heavy downpours.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~65 mm |
| January | ~60 mm |
| February | ~55 mm |
Rainfall stays pretty consistent all winter, without any big spikes or dips.
Rainy Days Per Month
You’ll want to keep your umbrella handy. Birmingham averages 12–15 days of measurable precipitation per month in winter.
Most rainy days bring drizzle or short showers under gray skies. Long spells of heavy rain are rare, but the near-constant dampness means waterproof clothing is a good idea.
Rain spreads out evenly, so there’s no “dry” winter month. You’ll get a steady pattern of light rain and not many clear skies.
Snowfall and Mixed Precipitation
Snow does fall in Birmingham, but not as often as rain. On average, the city gets 5–7 days of snow or sleet each winter, usually from late December through February.
Snowfall amounts are small, and the snow rarely lasts more than a couple of days. Sometimes you’ll wake up to a dusting, but it usually melts by the afternoon.
Mixed precipitation, like sleet or freezing rain, pops up during cold spells. These don’t last long, but they can make the roads slippery.
Birmingham avoids the heavy snow seen in the north, but you’ll still want to be ready for the occasional icy patch.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Winter in Birmingham means a lot of cloud cover, short days, and not much sunshine. Skies stay overcast most of the time, and you only get brief glimpses of sun during the darkest months.
Typical Cloudiness in Winter
Cloudy days dominate Birmingham’s winter. On average, the sky stays overcast or mostly cloudy about two-thirds to three-quarters of the time.
December is the cloudiest, with about 72% of days under heavy cloud. By February, it drops a bit to around 66%, but the gray sky sticks around.
Clear days are rare, so if you’re heading out, don’t count on much sun. The cloud cover adds to the city’s damp, cool winter vibe.
Average Daily Sunshine
Sunshine is in short supply during Birmingham’s winters. December only brings about 1.6 hours of sunshine per day.
January gets a tiny bit better, but not by much.
By February, daily sunshine averages around 2.5 to 3 hours. It’s still pretty dim compared to summer, when you might see over 6 hours a day.
Total monthly sunshine in December is just about 48 hours. January and February bring 60–90 hours.
Don’t expect long, bright spells—even on those rare clear days.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight makes a difference too. In December, Birmingham only gets about 7.8 hours of daylight per day, the shortest of the year.
By January, daylight grows to around 8.5 hours, and by February it’s nearly 10 hours.
These slow changes make late winter feel a little lighter compared to early December.
Short daylight, plus all those clouds, make winter days feel especially brief. If you’re visiting, maybe save outdoor plans for midday and stick to indoor activities in the darker afternoons.
Humidity, Wind, and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Birmingham feels damp, breezy, and cloudy. You’ll notice high humidity, steady rainfall, and winds that shape the city’s winter weather.
Birmingham Airport sees the same trends, with changes in visibility and pressure sometimes affecting travel.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high all winter—often above 80–90%. This moisture makes the cold feel sharper, even if the temperature isn’t that low.
Mornings feel especially damp, and fog sometimes rolls in. December and January get the most of this.
High humidity, paired with frequent rain (about 60–70 mm per month), keeps pavements and roads wet for ages.
Unlike drier places, Birmingham’s winter air almost never feels crisp. The dampness just hangs around, making outdoor activities less appealing.
Inside, you might spot condensation on windows where warm rooms meet the moist air outside.
Prevailing Wind Speeds and Directions
Winter winds in Birmingham usually come from the southwest, bringing in moist Atlantic air.
These winds keep the climate milder than other inland spots at the same latitude.
Average speeds run from 12 to 18 km/h (7–11 mph), but stronger gusts can show up when weather fronts pass through.
Sometimes, winds rise above 30 km/h (19 mph), especially in open areas.
At Birmingham Airport, crosswinds can affect flights, but it doesn’t happen too often. For most people, the wind just makes it feel colder than the numbers say.
When the wind shifts north or east, things turn colder and drier. These spells don’t last long, but they can bring some frost and clearer skies.
Atmospheric Pressure and Visibility
Pressure patterns in Birmingham change a lot during winter. Low-pressure systems usually take over, so you get unsettled, cloudy, and often wet weather.
When high-pressure settles in, the days turn calmer, but fog and frost become more likely.
Visibility tends to be moderate or good, but fog can drop it quickly, especially early in the morning. This stands out most around Birmingham Airport, where thick fog sometimes causes flight delays.
On damp days, mist lingers in low-lying spots, making it harder to see on roads and in parks. Clear days don’t happen often, but when they do, you get brighter skies and can see much further across the West Midlands.
Pressure swings, humidity, and wind all mix together to create a winter feeling that’s unsettled but rarely too harsh. You’ll probably notice the weather shifting a lot between wet, breezy days and those quiet, misty mornings.
Practical Considerations for Winter in Birmingham
Cold mornings, shorter days, and the odd bit of snow shape how you get around Birmingham in winter. Travel plans, airport routines, and your daily schedule might need a tweak or two to handle weather conditions.
Impacts on Daily Life and Travel
You can expect winter temperatures in Birmingham to run between 1°C and 7°C (34°F–45°F). Heavy snow almost never shows up, but light snow or frost sometimes appears, especially in January. Roads get slippery, and bus or train services might slow down a bit.
Daylight only lasts about 8 hours in December. That really shapes commuting, shopping, and getting outdoors. Walking or cycling after dark means you need to be extra careful, particularly when the pavement is wet or icy.
Rain shows up a lot, but it’s usually light. Carrying a waterproof jacket or umbrella just makes sense, since showers can surprise you. Public transport mostly works well, but it’s smart to allow a little extra time when it’s cold.
Weather at Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport deals with much the same winter weather as the rest of the city. Highs hover near 6°C (43°F) and lows drop to about 2°C (36°F), so frost often forms on the runways in the morning. Crews de-ice aircraft as a routine when temperatures get close to freezing.
Snow doesn’t usually last long, but even a little bit can cause a short delay. Fog gets in the way too, especially in December and January, when visibility sometimes drops below 200 meters. That can mean flights get rescheduled or even diverted.
Wind usually blows at 13–18 km/h (8–11 mph), which isn’t too bad, but gusts can still affect takeoff and landing times. If you’re flying, it’s a good idea to check with your airline for the latest updates on travel day.
Tips for Visitors and Residents
Dress in layers so you can handle the weather swings that happen all day. I’d say a waterproof coat, gloves, and sturdy shoes with solid grip make walking on damp or icy ground a lot easier.
If you’re visiting, keep your plans flexible—maybe mix indoor and outdoor activities. Museums, galleries, or even shopping centers can save the day when it suddenly gets cold or starts pouring.
For folks living here, having some salt or sand handy for your driveway or walkway really helps cut down on slipping hazards.
At Birmingham Airport, try to get there early in winter, just in case security lines or weather slow things down. Check both train and bus timetables before heading out, so you’ve got a backup if your usual route gets delayed.