Christmas in Liverpool usually feels damp, chilly, and gray, but it’s rarely extreme. Expect average daytime highs around 7°C (45°F) and lows near 3°C (38°F), with plenty of overcast skies and not much sunshine. Rain shows up a lot, and light snow can happen, but it doesn’t stick around for long.
Liverpool’s spot on the coast keeps things milder than inland, but that also means more wind and dampness. Short winter days—just a bit over seven hours—make it feel colder, and sunshine might only peek out for an hour or two.
If you know what to expect, you’ll plan better. Whether you’re walking along the waterfront or checking out museums and holiday markets, the weather shapes your plans.
Typical Christmas Weather in Liverpool
Late December in Liverpool brings cool temperatures, frequent rain, and not much sunshine. Snow can fall, but wet and cloudy conditions are much more likely around Christmas.
Average Temperatures in December
Daytime highs in December usually sit between 7°C and 9°C (45°F–48°F). At night, it often drops to 2°C–4°C (36°F–39°F).
Frosty mornings happen, especially away from the city or in less sheltered spots. The city doesn’t really get extreme cold, but the damp air and wind can make it feel a lot colder than the numbers say.
Winds often hit 10–20 mph, so if you’re outside, you’ll notice the chill. Liverpool’s coastal location keeps winter temperatures a bit steadier than inland places.
You probably won’t get severe freezes, but expect crisp, cold days.
Precipitation and Rainy Days
Rain kind of defines Liverpool’s December. The city gets about 80–100 mm (3–4 inches) of rain during the month.
You’ll likely see 15–20 rainy days, so showers or drizzle around Christmas are pretty much a given. Most of the rain comes as steady showers, not wild downpours.
Cloud cover sticks around, with the sky overcast or mostly cloudy about two-thirds of the time. Sunshine? Just 1–2 hours per day on average.
Bring waterproof clothes and sturdy shoes. Even if the rain is light, puddles and wet ground linger.
Snowfall Probability
Snow can fall in Liverpool during December, but don’t count on it. The city’s mild maritime climate means most of the precipitation ends up as rain.
When snow shows up, it’s usually light and doesn’t last. It hardly ever piles up, and snow cover melts quickly.
On average, you might only see 1–2 days with snowflakes in December, and even then, it often mixes with rain. If you’re hoping for a white Christmas, Liverpool probably won’t deliver.
Instead, get ready for damp, chilly, cloudy weather—snow’s more of a rare surprise here.
Relative Humidity and Comfort Levels
Late December in Liverpool brings damp air and cool temps that really affect how you feel outside. High relative humidity mixes with low temperatures and makes it feel colder than you’d expect.
Humidity Trends in December
Liverpool’s relative humidity usually peaks in December, averaging around 86%. That’s pretty high, honestly.
Short days, lots of clouds, and steady rain keep the air moist. Unlike summer, there’s not much sun to dry things out, so the dampness just hangs around.
At night, humidity stays up there, and with temperatures near 5–7°C, you’ll feel a persistent chill. Indoors, condensation on windows is really common, and outside, surfaces often stay wet all day.
Even a light wind feels uncomfortable in these conditions. The damp air makes it tough for your body to stay warm.
If you’re sensitive to cold, this high humidity will probably make December feel colder than you’d think.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
High humidity in December changes how outdoor activities feel. Walking along the waterfront or through parks can leave you colder than the thermometer says.
A 9°C day with 86% humidity can feel several degrees colder. Moisture in the air also means rain showers are frequent, and pavements and steps stay slick.
Good shoes and waterproof gear are a must if you want to be outside for long. If you’re checking out holiday markets or outdoor events, remember that damp conditions might cut your trip short.
Taking breaks inside to warm up and dry off is a good idea. For travelers, packing layers, gloves, and a water-resistant coat makes the damp, cool air much easier to handle.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Liverpool’s spot on the coast shapes its winter vibe, especially near the water. The Irish Sea stays cold in December, and you can feel it in the air—damp, foggy, and windy along the shoreline.
Average Sea Temperature in December
In December, the sea temperature in Liverpool is about 9.7°C (49.5°F). That’s way too cold for most people to swim without a wetsuit.
Even a quick dip feels icy and uncomfortable. For comparison:
- 13°C (55°F): Already too cold for most casual swimmers.
- Below 10°C (50°F): You risk cold shock if you get in without thermal protection.
You might spot a few brave cold-water swimmers or divers, but they’ll have insulated gear. For most, the sea’s best enjoyed from the shore this time of year.
The cold water slows evaporation, which adds to Liverpool’s damp winters. Mix that with frequent rain, and you get the city’s signature cool, heavy air.
Effects on Local Climate
The Irish Sea plays a big part in Liverpool’s December weather. It keeps the city a bit milder than places further inland, but it also ramps up humidity.
That’s why you’ll often notice more fog, mist, and drizzle by the coast. The sea acts as a thermal buffer.
Daytime highs average around 7°C (45°F), and nights rarely get much below freezing because the water releases stored heat slowly. This cuts down on long-lasting snow, though you’ll still get the occasional burst.
You’ll also feel stronger winds along the waterfront. The difference between cold water and slightly warmer air inland stirs up breezy conditions, especially near the Mersey estuary.
These winds really add to the chill, making the air bite harder than the numbers suggest.
Wind Speed and Weather Patterns
December in Liverpool means brisk winds, thanks to its spot by the Irish Sea. These winds shape how cold it feels and can affect both comfort and travel.
Typical Wind Speeds in December
December sits right in Liverpool’s windier season, which runs from mid-October to late March. Average wind speeds often top 12 mph, with gusts spiking higher when storms roll in.
Winds usually blow in from the west or southwest, dragging in damp maritime air. That’s a big reason why Liverpool feels cooler and wetter than inland places at the same time of year.
Breezy conditions are the norm, and calm days don’t show up often. December’s wind speeds are among the highest of the year.
| Measure | Typical Value in December |
|---|---|
| Average wind speed | 12–14 mph |
| Strong gusts | 20–30 mph (during storms) |
| Prevailing direction | West–Southwest |
Influence on Daily Weather
Steady winds in December don’t just lower the temperature—they change how you experience the weather. A 6°C reading can feel more like 2–3°C when the wind picks up.
Winds also move the rain around. Moist air from the Atlantic boosts the chance of showers, making December one of Liverpool’s wetter months.
Short bursts of heavy rain often follow windy fronts. Wind can impact ferry crossings on the River Mersey and sometimes cause delays at Liverpool Airport.
If you’re walking along the waterfront, expect stronger gusts than you’d feel in sheltered spots inland. Wind shapes Liverpool’s December, affecting both comfort and daily plans.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Late December brings Liverpool its shortest days. The lack of daylight and sunshine really shapes how you plan your time outside, especially during Christmas.
Average Daylight Duration
Around Christmas, Liverpool gets about 7 to 7.5 hours of daylight each day. The sun rises close to 8:30 AM and sets just after 3:45 PM.
That means long evenings and late mornings in the dark. Try to schedule your main activities earlier in the day.
Sightseeing, shopping, or walking tours work best between late morning and mid-afternoon. The short days change the city’s mood.
Streets and landmarks light up with festive displays, which help balance all those dark hours. Still, you’ll spend a lot of time under artificial lighting.
Sunshine Hours Around Christmas
In December, sunshine is in short supply. Liverpool averages just 1.5 to 2 hours of direct sun per day.
Most days stay cloudy, and overcast skies are the norm. This low sunshine is typical for the region’s marine west coast climate.
Even when the sun shows up, it barely rises above the horizon, so the light feels softer and weaker than in summer. Don’t count on clear skies for your visit.
Instead, enjoy Liverpool’s indoor attractions, museums, and festive markets—they’re lively no matter the weather. If you do catch a rare bright afternoon, it’s a great chance for outdoor photos or a walk by the water.
How Christmas Weather in Liverpool Compares to Other Months
Christmas in Liverpool feels colder and wetter than most of the year. Temperatures drop, daylight shrinks, and rainfall stays steady, making it a real contrast to the milder, brighter months.
Temperature and Rainfall Differences
In December, average daytime temperatures hover around 7°C (45°F), and nights often dip to 3°C (37°F). That’s several degrees cooler than September, when highs reach about 16°C (61°F).
Rainfall in December hits around 80–90 mm, which is similar to November but more than the drier summer months. July, for example, usually only gets about 60 mm.
Snow can fall, but it’s pretty uncommon, with only a few light days most years. Compared to spring, Christmas weather feels damp and chilly.
April brings highs of 11°C (52°F) and more sunshine, though it rains about as much. December stands out as one of the darker and wetter times of the year, even if it’s not the wettest month overall.
Seasonal Changes in Weather Patterns
Liverpool’s winter weather really depends on its spot along the Irish Sea. Around Christmas, you’ll probably notice the winds picking up and clouds hanging around more than they do in the summer.
In December, sunshine barely shows up—just 1–2 hours per day. By June, though, you can expect 6–7 hours of sunlight.
Daylight shrinks to about 7–8 hours in winter, which is the shortest stretch all year. In May, you’re looking at nearly 16 hours of daylight, and honestly, that changes how the weather feels, even if the temperature stays the same.
Rainfall doesn’t swing wildly from month to month, but winter storms definitely roll in more often. Gusty winds can hit hard, making the air sting a bit more than the numbers suggest.
So, December just hits differently than March or October, even if the rain totals look about the same.