Winter in Glasgow brings damp air, lots of rain, and a steady chill that shapes daily life in the city. You’ll usually see average temperatures between 1°C and 6°C (34°F to 43°F), with short daylight hours and plenty of cloud cover.
Snow falls sometimes, but it rarely sticks around for long. Wet and windy days are far more common than snowy streets.
You’ll notice the weather here feels less extreme than in colder parts of Europe, though the constant moisture can make it feel raw. Rain happens often, and storms from the Atlantic bring gusty winds that add to the chill.
These conditions really shape how you plan your days, whether you’re exploring the city or traveling through Scotland.
Despite the gray skies, winter in Glasgow has its own rhythm. The mix of rain, the occasional frost, and limited sunshine makes this season more about adapting than bracing for harsh extremes.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Glasgow
Glasgow’s winters stay cool and damp, with steady temperatures that don’t swing wildly. You’ll get mild highs compared to many northern cities, and lows that hover just above freezing most nights.
Average Highs and Lows
From late November through February, daily highs usually land between 44°F (7°C) and 46°F (8°C). Lows drop to about 34°F (1°C), so frost is common but deep freezes are rare.
Snow happens, but not often. When it does, it usually melts within a day.
Rain and drizzle show up much more frequently, which keeps nighttime lows from dropping too far below freezing.
Glasgow’s maritime climate helps moderate these temperatures. The Atlantic Ocean keeps things from getting as cold as they do inland.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Each winter month brings slightly different conditions.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Mean Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 45°F (7°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 40°F (4°C) |
| January | 45°F (7°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 39°F (4°C) |
| February | 46°F (8°C) | 35°F (2°C) | 40°F (4°C) |
December feels damp and chilly, with frequent rain. January is the coldest month, but temperatures still stay moderate compared to much of northern Europe.
February starts to warm up a little, though frosts still pop up pretty often.
Daytime highs rarely get past 50°F (10°C), so you’ll want to stick with cool-weather, layered clothing all season.
Temperature Trends Over Recent Years
If you look at long-term data, Glasgow’s winter temperatures haven’t changed much. The average low usually sits in the mid-30s °F (1–2°C), and highs stay in the mid-40s °F (7–8°C).
In the past few decades, winters have had slightly milder nights, with fewer long freezes than before. You’ll also see fewer days with snow, but rain totals haven’t really dropped.
So if you’re visiting, you’ll probably deal with wet, gray weather more than heavy snow or harsh cold.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Glasgow gets steady precipitation all winter, with rainfall spread across many days. Moist air from the Atlantic keeps things damp, and you’ll notice frequent light rain or drizzle instead of heavy downpours.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Winter months in Glasgow are some of the wettest all year. January often has the most rain, with an average around 140 mm. December and February are also wet, usually between 110–130 mm.
Rainfall adds up gradually over many days. Unlike some places that get quick, heavy storms, Glasgow’s rain comes in frequent showers.
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~120 mm |
| January | ~140 mm |
| February | ~115 mm |
This means you should expect damp conditions all season, even when it’s not pouring.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain in Glasgow is more about how often it happens than how hard it falls. In winter, you’ll see 18–22 days each month with measurable precipitation.
Most days bring at least a little rain, drizzle, or mist.
January and December are usually the wettest, but even February sees more than half its days with some rain. Snow can happen, but rain wins out because of the city’s mild maritime climate.
Since the rain is so spread out, you’ll rarely get long dry spells. Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes really come in handy if you’re out and about.
Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high in winter because of all the moisture in the air. Average relative humidity usually runs between 80% and 90%, especially in the mornings and evenings.
This makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
The dampness also means lots of cloud cover, which limits the sunshine. In January, for example, you might only see 35–40 hours of sunshine for the whole month.
Fog and mist show up a lot too, especially near the River Clyde and in low-lying spots. If you’re traveling early or late in the day, be ready for reduced visibility.
Snowfall and Frost in Winter
Glasgow’s winters bring more rain and clouds than snow, but you’ll still get occasional snow and plenty of frosty mornings. Cold nights are common, and when temperatures dip, ice can make travel and outdoor plans tricky.
Likelihood of Snow
Snow falls in Glasgow, but not very often compared to other parts of Scotland. The maritime climate, thanks to the Atlantic, keeps things milder than inland areas.
You’re most likely to see snow between January and February, when lows reach around -1°C (30°F). Snow can also show up in December and March, but it’s usually light and doesn’t last.
Even during the coldest months, snow rarely hangs around for more than a couple of days. Rain and slightly warmer air usually melt it fast.
On average, you might see just a few days each winter with snow that actually settles.
If you want heavy snow, you’ll need to head up to the Scottish Highlands.
Frost Occurrences
Frost happens much more often than snow in Glasgow. Clear nights and low temperatures lead to icy surfaces, especially from November through March.
Morning lows often drop below freezing in January and February, so frosty conditions are pretty regular.
You’ll wake up to frozen grass, icy pavements, and windshields that need scraping—sometimes several times a week during cold spells.
Central Glasgow gets a little less frost thanks to the urban heat island effect, but suburbs and parks get it more often.
So, if you spend time outside in winter, expect frosty mornings to be part of your daily routine.
Impact on Daily Life
Snow and frost both change how you get around the city. Even a little snow can slow traffic, delay buses, and make walking tricky on untreated pavements.
Frost is an even bigger hassle day-to-day. You might need extra time in the morning to clear ice from your car or to walk carefully on slippery sidewalks.
Road travel can get disrupted during cold snaps, though air travel is less affected. Local councils usually grit major roads, but smaller streets can stay icy.
If you’re visiting, plan for flexible travel times and bring warm, waterproof footwear to stay safe and comfortable.
Wind and Storm Conditions
Winter in Glasgow brings lots of windy days and the occasional strong storm. You should expect steady breezes most of the season, with periods of intense gusts that can affect travel and outdoor plans.
Average Winter Wind Speeds
You’ll notice winter winds in Glasgow are stronger than in other seasons. Average speeds often run between 15–20 km/h (9–12 mph), but gusts can get much higher, especially near the River Clyde or on open hillsides.
The main winds come from the southwest, bringing in moist air that adds to the city’s frequent rain.
This pattern makes the air feel colder than the temperature suggests, especially on damp evenings.
If you’re outside, be ready for the wind chill. Even on days when it’s 5°C, the breeze can make it feel much colder.
Light but constant winds are the norm here, so still days are rare in winter.
Storm Frequency and Severity
Winter storms in Glasgow aren’t unusual, but most are moderate. Several Atlantic low-pressure systems sweep through between December and February, bringing bursts of heavy rain, strong gusts, and sometimes short-lived gales.
Severe storms with damaging winds happen, but not often. These usually bring gusts over 70–80 km/h (45–50 mph), which can disrupt public transport and cause minor damage to trees or roofs.
Most winter storms last only a day or two before things calm down. Wind and rain are much more common than snow, though sleet or icy rain can show up in stronger storms.
If you’re planning to travel, it’s smart to check local forecasts since sudden changes in storm paths can happen.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Winter in Glasgow brings short days and not much sunshine. You’ll get fewer daylight hours than at any other time of year, with frequent cloud cover making things even dimmer.
Average Daily Sunlight
During winter, daylight is in short supply. In December, the sun rises after 8:30 a.m. and sets before 4 p.m., so you get about 7 hours of daylight.
January is about the same, with just a little more light. By February, days stretch to about 9 hours, but sunlight is still pretty limited.
Actual sunshine hours are even lower because of all the clouds. On average, January has only about 1 to 2 hours of sunshine per day, which is the lowest of the year.
December is similar, while February gets a slight bump to 2 to 3 hours daily.
Most winter days feel gray, even if daylight technically lasts longer. If you want to do things outside, you’ll need to make the most of midday.
| Month | Avg. Daylight Hours | Avg. Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~7 | ~1–2 |
| January | ~7.5 | ~1–2 |
| February | ~9 | ~2–3 |
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloudiness really defines Glasgow’s winter. The city gets mostly overcast skies for much of December and January, with only occasional breaks.
Even when the sun comes out, it usually doesn’t last long.
You’ll see a lot of thick, low clouds that keep things dim all day. This is typical for maritime climates, where the Atlantic brings in lots of cloud layers.
Drizzle or light rain often show up with the clouds, making things even gloomier. Snow is less common, but it can happen under the same gray skies.
By late February, cloudiness starts to ease a little, so afternoons get a bit brighter. Still, Glasgow stays on the cloudier side compared to many European cities in winter.
Travel and Accessibility During Winter
Winter weather in Glasgow usually means cloudy skies, frequent rain, and short days. Snow doesn’t show up much, but wet and windy conditions can still affect transport and travel plans.
If you prepare ahead, you’ll get around the city and region with fewer hassles.
Glasgow Airport Operations
Glasgow Airport stays open during the winter, even when the weather turns wet or windy. Snow rarely causes much trouble here, so the airport almost never shuts down completely.
Heavy rain or strong winds can sometimes push back flights, mostly for smaller planes.
Staff handle winter weather using de-icing gear and runway treatments. They also keep a close eye on schedules.
You might run into short delays when the weather gets rough, but they rarely cancel flights altogether.
Ground transport usually works well. Buses, taxis, and private cars all connect the airport to central Glasgow.
Crews maintain the roads leading to the airport, but surface water or the odd patch of frost can slow things down a bit.
If you’ve got a connection through another UK airport, remember that snow in southern England or northern Scotland might mess with the bigger flight schedule.
It’s always smart to check live updates before you set out, just in case.
Tips for Winter Travel
Pack clothes that actually handle rain and wind. You’ll want a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and probably an umbrella if you plan on walking around the city.
Grab gloves and a hat too, since January especially can feel brutally cold.
Daylight doesn’t last long—sunset can sneak up before 4 PM in December. Try to do outdoor stuff earlier, and give yourself extra time to get places if the weather’s bad.
Public transport keeps running all year, but storms can slow down buses and trains. I’d carry a contactless card or just use your phone to pay, it’s way faster.
If you’re driving, watch out for wet roads and those sneaky icy patches.
Turn your headlights on if visibility drops, and leave more room to stop than you think you’ll need.
You can rent a car, but honestly, buses and trains often end up being easier when winter hits.