When you picture Christmas in Mississippi, you probably imagine mild air instead of snowy streets. Most years, highs reach the upper 50s while lows drop to the mid-30s. There’s a fair chance of rain, but snow is almost out of the question. That mix of cool but not freezing weather really shapes how folks plan celebrations, travel, and outdoor fun during the holidays.
Conditions shift a lot depending on where you are in the state. The Gulf Coast feels milder and wetter. Northern Mississippi sometimes dips into colder ranges, and every now and then, you might even get a hint of wintry air. These local differences make it worth checking your town’s forecast when you’re planning Christmas gatherings.
Mississippi’s Christmas weather history is all over the place. Some years brought heavy rain and flooding, while others surprised people with rare snowfalls or ice storms. If you look at past weather patterns and compare December to the colder months that follow, you get a practical idea of what to expect and how to prep for holiday travel or outdoor events.
Typical Christmas Weather in Mississippi
You’ll usually get mild daytime temperatures, cool nights, and a decent shot at rain during Christmas in Mississippi. Snow almost never shows up, but sometimes you’ll get a light frost or a chilly breeze to add to the holiday vibe.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Daytime highs around Christmas usually land somewhere between the mid-50s and low 60s °F (12–17 °C). In Jackson, the average high comes in at about 60 °F (15 °C), and lows settle around 39 °F (4 °C).
If you head farther north to towns like Oxford or Tupelo, things get a little cooler. Highs stick closer to the low 50s °F (11–13 °C), and lows hover near freezing. Down south, places like Hattiesburg and Gulfport stay warmer, often hitting the low 60s °F (16–17 °C) during the day.
At night, it gets chilly. Temperatures can drop into the upper 30s °F (3–4 °C) in the central part of the state, and into the low 30s °F (0–2 °C) up north. You’ll want a light jacket or coat, especially after sunset.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rain is a familiar part of Christmas weather in Mississippi. Central areas like Jackson see about a 30% chance of rain on Christmas Day, based on historical data. December is one of the wetter months, with many cities picking up 4–5 inches of rainfall.
Most of the time, rain falls as light or moderate showers, not all-day storms. You might get a mix of cloudy and sunny spells, depending on the day. Down south, rainfall totals usually run higher, while up north, amounts are lighter.
If you’re planning anything outdoors, it’s smart to keep a raincoat or umbrella handy. The ground often stays wet, and the damp air can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
Chance of Snow and White Christmas Probability
Snow on Christmas in Mississippi? Almost never happens. Most years, you won’t see any measurable snowfall at all. Around Jackson, the chance for a white Christmas is usually less than 5%.
Northern Mississippi, closer to Tennessee, gets a slightly better shot, but snow is still rare. If it happens, it’s usually just a dusting.
Instead of snow, you’ll probably wake up to a frosty morning or a crisp, cold evening. For most of the state, Christmas just looks like a cool, damp winter day—not exactly a snowy postcard.
Regional Differences in December Weather
Mississippi’s December temperatures really depend on where you are. Up north, things trend cooler. Central regions stay moderate, and the south is the mildest, thanks to the Gulf of Mexico.
Northern Mississippi Conditions
Northern Mississippi sees the coldest weather in December. Highs average 52–57°F (11–14°C), and lows often fall to 32–36°F (0–2°C). Cities like Oxford, Tupelo, and Holly Springs can get frost on a lot of mornings.
Snowfall hardly ever happens, but it’s not impossible. Sometimes you’ll see light flurries, especially near the Tennessee border. Rain still shows up more often than snow.
You’ll notice shorter days and colder nights, so bring warm layers. If you’re heading outside, expect damp conditions since rainfall is spread out all month.
Central Mississippi Overview
Central Mississippi, including Jackson, stays milder than the north but still feels wintry. Highs usually reach 58–61°F (14–16°C), and lows drop near 37–40°F (3–5°C).
The weather here can be a bit unpredictable. Some days are crisp and chilly, while others are mild enough for just a light jacket. Rain happens often, but you don’t get the big storms you’d see in spring.
Jackson tends to set the tone for the region. Its climate sits right between the northern chill and southern warmth, so it’s a decent guide for towns like Meridian, Vicksburg, and Greenwood.
Southern Mississippi Climate
Southern Mississippi, including Hattiesburg, McComb, and Natchez, feels noticeably warmer. Highs usually land between 59–63°F (15–17°C), and lows range from 37–41°F (3–5°C). Along the Gulf Coast, places like Biloxi and Gulfport stay even milder, with lows closer to the mid-40s.
Snow is almost unheard of in this part of the state. You’ll want to plan for frequent rain showers and cloudy skies instead. The Gulf’s influence keeps temperatures steady, so you don’t get the sharp drops you see farther north.
This area feels more comfortable for outdoor activities in December. Light jackets are usually enough during the day, but evenings can still get cool. Coastal towns also get a bit more humidity, which actually softens the chill.
Historical Christmas Day Weather Events
Mississippi’s Christmas weather has swung wildly over the years. Some holidays brought record warmth, others were bitterly cold. A few included storms, flooding, or even rare snow. These events shape your memories of Christmas, depending on when and where you spent it.
Notable Warm and Cold Years
Christmas Day in Mississippi usually averages a high near 59°F and a low around 37°F. But extremes aren’t that rare.
Back in 1983, parts of the state plunged into the teens, making it one of the coldest Christmas Days ever. Pipes froze, and travel got tough in central and northern counties.
Then there’s 2015, which stands out for the opposite reason. Highs soared into the upper 70s and even touched 80°F in some spots, including Jackson. That year, it felt more like spring than winter, and people ended up outside in short sleeves.
These swings just show how Christmas in Mississippi can feel either brisk and wintry or unexpectedly mild.
Significant Storms and Flooding
Storms have left their mark on Christmas in Mississippi, too. Severe weather isn’t common in late December, but it can happen.
On December 23, 2014, a tornado hit Columbia, right before Christmas. That was a sharp reminder that the season doesn’t always block out severe weather. Heavy rain has also led to localized flooding during the holidays, especially in southern counties near the Gulf.
Strong fronts moving through can bring thunderstorms and gusty winds. Even if tornadoes are rare on Christmas Day itself, the days leading up to the holiday sometimes bring a higher risk.
If you’re planning to travel around Jackson or anywhere else, it’s a good idea to check the forecast during wetter years.
Rare Snowfall Occurrences
Snow on Christmas Day in Mississippi barely ever happens, but every so often, the weather surprises everyone. Most years, there’s no wintry precipitation at all, especially in central and southern parts of the state.
The 2004 Christmas snow event stands out. Parts of north and central Mississippi, including areas near Jackson, got measurable snow. Roads turned slick, and plenty of folks woke up to a rare white holiday.
Some other years brought light flurries, but real accumulations are rare. For most of Mississippi, a white Christmas is more of a dream than reality.
If you’re hoping for snow on Christmas, you’ll need both luck and a perfect weather setup.
Comparing December Weather to January and February
December brings cool but mostly mild weather across Mississippi. After the holidays, temperatures drop, rainfall shifts a bit, and the coldest part of winter settles in before things start to warm up again.
Temperature Shifts After Christmas
In December, highs usually range from the upper 50s °F in the north to the low 60s °F along the Gulf Coast. Nighttime lows fall into the mid-30s °F in northern towns and the low 40s °F farther south.
By January, you’ll notice a sharper chill. Northern Mississippi can see lows near 27°F (-3°C), while central and southern areas average lows in the mid-to-upper 30s °F. Highs in January typically run about 3–5 degrees cooler than December.
February brings a bit of a rebound. Highs climb back toward the upper 50s °F statewide, and lows tick up a few degrees compared to January. It’s a slow transition toward spring, though cold snaps still pop up.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rain doesn’t really take a break during winter. December brings frequent showers, especially in southern Mississippi, with totals averaging 4 to 6 inches depending on where you are. Snow is rare, but a dusting is a little more likely up north.
January usually keeps up with similar rainfall, but storms can feel heavier when the air is colder. Ice is uncommon, but possible in the north during strong cold fronts. Down on the Gulf Coast, you’ll just get chilly rain most of the time.
February tends to be a touch wetter than January in a lot of years. Rainfall stays in that 4 to 6 inch range, but you might notice longer, drawn-out rain events. Snow chances drop compared to January, though a quick flurry can still show up up north.
Winter Weather Progression
The season follows a pretty clear rhythm. December starts things off with cool but manageable weather, so you can still do outdoor stuff with just a light jacket.
January brings the coldest stretch. That’s when you’ll see the lowest temps, especially overnight. Frost is common in the mornings, and folks crank up the heat.
By February, things start to loosen up. Cold fronts still roll through, but you’ll get more warm days. The mix of chilly nights and milder afternoons makes February feel like the turning point before spring finally arrives.
Travel and Outdoor Planning Tips for Christmas
Mississippi’s Christmas weather usually brings cool days and chilly nights. Average highs run from the upper 50s to low 60s °F in the south, with cooler air up north. Rain is common, so planning for comfort and safety makes your trip a lot easier.
Packing Recommendations
Pack clothes you can layer. A light sweater or fleece with a medium-weight jacket usually does the trick during the day. Nights can dip into the 30s °F, so a heavier coat helps, especially if you’ll be up north.
Bring comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet ground. December’s frequent rain means waterproof or at least water-resistant shoes are a good idea. Toss an umbrella or a compact raincoat in your bag, too.
Gloves and a hat aren’t always needed in the southern part of the state, but they definitely help in cooler regions. If you plan to check out evening parades or light displays, warm accessories make a big difference since temps drop fast after sunset.
Best Activities for December Weather
Cooler weather makes outdoor sightseeing way more pleasant than the sticky summer months. You can stroll historic towns like Natchez or Oxford without sweating it out. Holiday parades and Christmas markets pop up all over, and you’ll enjoy them more if you dress in layers.
On the Gulf Coast, mild afternoons are perfect for waterfront walks or checking out outdoor light shows. In central and northern areas, you might prefer indoor activities during rainy spells—think museums or local holiday performances.
Since December days are short, plan your outdoor stuff earlier in the afternoon. Sunset usually comes before 5:30 p.m. in most places, so keep that in mind for evening events like tree lightings or caroling when it’s cooler.
Safety Considerations
Rainfall really stands out as the main weather risk in December. Wet roads get slippery fast, especially at night when northern temperatures dip close to freezing. If rain’s in the forecast, you’ll want to drive extra carefully and give yourself more time for travel.
Check your local forecast every day since weather can turn on a dime. Sometimes, cold snaps move through and bring frost or even a little ice north of Jackson.
Snow hardly ever shows up, but northern counties can still get a surprise dusting.
If you’re planning outdoor events, wear layers so you don’t get chilled once you stop moving around. Keep a dry change of clothes in your car or wherever you’re staying, just in case rain soaks you.
If you stay ready for damp and cool weather, you’ll get a lot more out of Mississippi’s Christmas season.
Climate Patterns Affecting Christmas Weather
Christmas weather in Mississippi usually matches the state’s humid subtropical climate. You’ll probably see mild or cool temps, some rain here and there, and now and then a cold snap that brings freezing weather.
History says snow’s not common, but the weather swings between warm and cold years. That’s just part of life here.
Influence of Regional Climate
Mississippi’s spot in the Deep South really shapes Christmas weather. The Gulf of Mexico has a big influence, keeping most winters milder than places farther north.
Moist air from the Gulf cranks up the odds of rain, especially around central spots like Jackson.
In late December, average highs land somewhere in the mid-50s to low 60s °F. Lows usually drop to the mid-30s °F.
Some years, warm air pushes temps into the 70s °F, but when Arctic air comes down, lows can fall into the teens.
Rain happens more often than snow. In Jackson, folks have measured precipitation on about 3 out of every 10 Christmas Days.
A true White Christmas with deep snow? That’s almost unheard of—just a few times in the past hundred years.
The back-and-forth between warm Gulf air and occasional northern cold fronts makes Mississippi Christmases feel either damp and chilly or, if you’re lucky, mild and pleasant.
Long-Term Weather Trends
If you look at long-term records, you’ll notice Christmas weather in Mississippi can swing wildly. Jackson, for instance, has seen Christmas highs hit a balmy 80°F, while other years brought lows down to a frigid 7°F.
These wild swings really show just how unpredictable the season gets. Cold waves in the 1980s slammed Jackson with record lows, and even caused water main breaks.
But lately, warm Christmases have become more common, sometimes pushing highs up near 70°F. That lines up with broader warming trends across the Southeast.
Some holidays have been shaped by heavy rain too. Back in 2012, severe storms and flash flooding hit central Mississippi on Christmas Day.
Other years, like 1973 and 1982, heavy rainfall led to flooding, proving severe weather isn’t just a spring thing.
If you’re planning for Christmas in Mississippi, you can usually expect mild weather, but honestly, anything from a cold snap to heavy rain could show up, depending on how those bigger weather patterns shake out.