Winter in Liverpool feels cool and damp, shaping how people go about their days and make travel plans. You’ll usually see average daytime highs around 7°C (45°F) and lows near 3°C (37°F), with plenty of overcast skies and steady rainfall.
Snow pops up now and then, but it doesn’t stick around, so rain and clouds take center stage most of the season.
If you head outdoors, you’ll quickly notice how short the days get. December barely gives you eight hours of daylight, and sometimes there’s less than two hours of actual sunshine.
The damp air, plus those brisk winds off the Irish Sea, can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
From the steady drizzle to the rare snowy morning, winter really sets the mood in Liverpool. Whether you’re wandering historic streets or just running errands, you’ll definitely feel the season’s impact.
Overview of Liverpool Winter Climate
Liverpool winters bring cool temperatures, frequent rain, and lots of cloudy days. Snow does happen, but not often, and the city’s spot near the coast keeps things from getting too cold.
Frost and heavy snow don’t usually cause big problems here.
General Climate Characteristics
From December through February, you’ll see average daytime highs around 7°C (45°F) and lows near 2–3°C (36–37°F).
Temperatures rarely dip far below freezing, though you might get the occasional brief cold snap.
Rain falls steadily throughout winter, with totals around 70–90 mm per month. Instead of heavy downpours, you’ll notice light to moderate rain spread over many days.
Clouds hang around a lot, so sunshine is pretty scarce—often just 1–2 hours per day in December.
Snow can fall, but it’s usually light and melts fast. You might see a few snow days each winter, but deep snow is pretty rare.
Frost shows up more often than snow, but Liverpool still gets fewer frost days than many inland UK spots.
Winter days are short, with daylight dropping to about 7–8 hours in December. With all those clouds, the season feels darker and chillier than the numbers suggest.
Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification
Liverpool’s climate fits into the Cfb category of the Köppen-Geiger system, which is called an oceanic climate. That means mild winters, cool summers, and rain spread out through the year.
The Irish Sea helps keep winter temperatures pretty stable. You don’t really see extreme lows, since the water moderates the cold air.
This also means humidity stays high, so the air often feels damp.
Because of this oceanic climate, Liverpool avoids the long freezing spells you’d get in continental climates. Winters are cool, cloudy, and wet, with just a bit of snow now and then.
That consistency actually makes winter travel planning a bit easier—you can count on things being gray, but not too wild.
Comparison to Other UK Cities
Compared to inland cities like Manchester or Birmingham, Liverpool winters feel milder. The sea keeps temperatures from dropping sharply.
Manchester might get more snow and frost, but Liverpool usually just gets rain instead.
If you look at southern cities like London, the winter temperatures are similar, but Liverpool is generally wetter and cloudier. London sees more sunshine during winter.
Up north, cities like Newcastle or Glasgow are colder and snowier. Liverpool’s maritime setting shields it from the worst cold.
So, Liverpool’s winter climate is less extreme than many parts of the UK. It’s cool and damp, but rarely severe—good to know if you’re planning a visit or thinking about moving during the winter months.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Liverpool
Winter in Liverpool brings cool, damp conditions and mild extremes compared to much of the UK.
Temperatures don’t usually fall far below freezing, but the short days and constant clouds make it feel colder than you might expect.
Average Daily Highs and Lows
From December to February, average daily highs land between 8°C and 9°C (46°F to 48°F). Average lows sit close to 3°C to 4°C (37°F to 39°F).
You’ll want a warm coat most days, but heavy-duty winter gear isn’t always necessary. Frost happens, especially overnight, but snow is less common.
Liverpool’s spot near the Irish Sea keeps the cold in check. The water stops temperatures from dropping too suddenly.
That’s why winters here are damp and cloudy, not brutally cold.
Coldest Months and Extremes
January usually takes the prize for coldest month, with an average mean temperature around 6°C (43°F).
Nighttime lows near 3°C (37°F) are typical, and frost is more likely then.
Every so often, a cold snap pushes temperatures close to 0°C (32°F). Snow might show up, but it’s normally light and melts quickly. Long-lasting snow cover is pretty rare, even in mid-winter.
December can actually feel colder than the numbers show, since it’s the wettest month, with about 80 mm of rain on average. Dampness plus short daylight hours makes the chill really sink in.
Temperature Trends Over Recent Years
Recent climate records show Liverpool winters haven’t changed much—average temperatures are pretty stable.
The long-term average mean temperature in winter sits around 5–6°C (41–43°F).
Winters might feel a bit milder than decades ago, with fewer long freezing spells, but you’ll still get the occasional cold snap, often when winds come from the east or north.
Rain and clouds are always part of the picture, so even if it’s not freezing, it can feel colder than you’d expect. That’s just typical Liverpool winter weather.
Winter Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Liverpool winters bring steady rain, lots of damp days, and the odd bit of sleet or snow. Rainfall stays high compared to many UK cities, and the wet weather really shapes how you experience winter outdoors.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain in Liverpool during winter is pretty consistent, with December usually being the wettest month. You’ll see about 100–110 mm of rain in December, and 80–95 mm in January and February.
There’s rarely a truly dry winter month here. Unlike places with sharp wet and dry seasons, Liverpool’s maritime climate keeps the rain coming pretty evenly.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~110 mm |
| January | ~90 mm |
| February | ~85 mm |
With this much rain, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes are a must if you’re heading outside.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain falls on a lot of winter days, even if it’s not always a downpour. December averages about 18 days with measurable rain, while January and February bring around 15–17 wet days each.
Most of the time, you’ll get light to moderate showers that last for hours. The dampness hangs around, especially with the constant cloud cover.
You should expect wet conditions on more than half the days in a typical winter month. Even quick trips outside usually mean grabbing an umbrella or raincoat.
Snowfall and Sleet Occurrence
Snow in Liverpool is pretty rare compared to rain. The city averages about 25–30 mm of snow per year, which is much less than inland or northern UK spots.
When snow does fall, it’s usually just a quick shower that melts fast because the coastal temperatures stay mild. Sleet shows up more often than heavy snow, often mixing with rain during colder spells.
You might see 1–3 days of snow or sleet in a typical winter. These don’t usually mess up travel for long, but icy spots can show up overnight if temperatures drop close to freezing.
Humidity, Wind, and Sunshine Levels
Winter in Liverpool means damp air, steady breezes, and not much daylight. Overcast skies, high humidity, and only a few hours of sunshine each day really define the season.
Typical Humidity in Winter
Humidity in Liverpool during winter stays high. Average relative humidity ranges from 82% to 86%, with December usually being the most humid.
The damp air makes the cold feel sharper, especially when the wind picks up.
You’ll notice the air feels heavy, and drying clothes indoors can take ages. Unlike drier places, Liverpool’s winter air doesn’t feel crisp.
The constant moisture gives the city its reputation for grey, misty days.
Fog isn’t an everyday thing, but it does show up sometimes, especially in the early mornings. This can make driving tricky and adds to the chilly feel outside.
If you’re heading out, waterproof clothing is more useful than thick coats, since dampness is more of a problem than extreme cold.
Prevailing Winds and Gusts
Liverpool’s spot by the Irish Sea means it gets plenty of wind. In winter, winds usually come from the west and southwest, bringing moist air inland.
Average wind speeds are 15 to 20 km/h (9–12 mph), but gusts can get stronger during storms.
These winds make it feel colder than the thermometer says. A day at 6°C can feel more like 2°C when the wind is steady. That’s the “wind chill” effect.
Strong gusts happen more during Atlantic low-pressure systems, which bring rain and unsettled weather. While really damaging winds aren’t common, blustery days can make umbrellas almost useless.
A windproof jacket is a good idea.
Average Winter Sunlight Hours
Daylight in Liverpool is short during winter. In December, you get only 7.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise after 8 a.m. and sunset before 4 p.m.
Actual sunshine is even less—often just 1–2 hours per day because of all the clouds.
By February, daylight stretches to about 10 hours, but skies still stay overcast most of the time. You might go days with barely any direct sunlight.
The lack of sunshine affects outdoor plans, so it’s smart to use the brighter hours in late morning and early afternoon.
If you’re visiting, indoor spots like museums and galleries are popular during these darker months.
If you’re sensitive to low light, a small daylight lamp for indoors can help with the gloom.
Seasonal Weather Variability and Notable Events
Winter in Liverpool can feel unpredictable, with some years bringing mild, wet weather and others marked by colder spells or a bit of snow.
Strong storms have hit the city in the past, so locals know to stay prepared for whatever winter might bring.
Year-to-Year Weather Fluctuations
Liverpool’s winter temperatures usually stay mild compared to inland northern England. Average daytime highs hover around 6–8°C, while nighttime lows sit near 2–4°C.
Frost is common, but snow doesn’t stick around for long stretches.
Rainfall can vary a lot. Some winters bring steady drizzle and lots of clouds, while others have drier patches broken up by quick cold snaps.
The city’s maritime climate plays a big role, since Atlantic winds often keep temperatures above freezing.
Some years bring stronger winds and more frequent storms, while others feel calmer. These swings usually connect to bigger weather patterns over the North Atlantic.
If you’re traveling, it’s best to pack for wet, chilly weather, but also be ready for sudden changes in temperature or rain.
Historic Winter Storms in Liverpool
Liverpool’s seen its share of wild winter storms, and they’ve definitely thrown daily life off balance. The Boxing Day Storm of 1998 stands out, hammering northwest England with damaging winds that left transport networks struggling.
Heavy snow doesn’t show up often here, but when it does, the city really feels it. Back in December 2010, a long, stubborn cold wave swept through the UK. Liverpool got hit with icy roads, frozen pipes, and bursts of heavy snow that, thankfully, didn’t stick around too long.
Strong coastal winds keep coming back, too. Gusts shoot up the River Mersey and somehow make it feel much colder than you’d expect. If you’re planning a winter visit, just remember—extreme weather isn’t the usual, but it does happen, and it can surprise you.
How Winter Weather Affects Daily Life in Liverpool
Cold air, nonstop rain, and those short winter days really shape how you get around Liverpool. People end up changing plans, grabbing extra layers, and thinking twice about heading out.
Impact on Transportation
Most winters, Liverpool’s daytime highs hover around 6–7°C (43–45°F). There’s a lot of rain, and snow pops up every now and then. These conditions slow down travel, making driving, cycling, or even walking a bit of a hassle.
Rain or frost can make roads slick, so you’ll probably want to give yourself more time for the commute. Sometimes, snow falls for a few days in January or December, which can lead to temporary delays.
Buses and trains usually keep running, but heavy rain or ice might throw in a short disruption. Walking works fine, but you’ll need waterproof shoes and warm layers to handle the wet sidewalks and those biting winds.
If you drive, it helps to keep de-icer and an ice scraper handy. Parking gets trickier when it’s icy, especially in the neighborhoods.
Advice for Visitors and Residents
Pack a waterproof coat, sturdy shoes, and a few layers before you head out. You might want to grab an umbrella, but honestly, the wind along the waterfront sometimes makes them almost useless.
In December, you’ll only get about 7–8 hours of daylight. If you want to do anything outside, it’s best to start early. When the weather’s not great, you can always duck into museums, galleries, or maybe catch some live music—those spots keep running no matter what’s happening outside.
If you live here, winter usually brings higher heating bills, so it helps to keep an eye on your energy use. For visitors, hotels and rentals often get cheaper in winter, but don’t count on many outdoor festivals or big events like you’d see in summer.
Toss some gloves, a hat, and a scarf in your bag, and walking around the city gets a whole lot nicer. Winters here are cool and cloudy, but with a bit of planning, Liverpool’s still a great place to explore.