Residents of the northern Netherlands hoping for a white Christmas might not want to get their hopes too high. According to Jaco van Wezel, meteorologist at WeerOnline.nl, while the chance of snow is slightly higher than usual this December, a snow-covered holiday remains unlikely.
“Dreaming of a white Christmas is always allowed,” van Wezel said. “But the first half of December doesn’t show any clear signs of winter weather. Frost during clear nights or a fleeting wintery shower might occur, but extended periods of cold and snow are not expected.”
The first weeks of the month are forecasted to be relatively mild, with daytime temperatures hovering around 7 degrees Celsius (45°F) and nighttime lows around 5°C (41°F) due to persistent cloud cover. This aligns with seasonal norms for early December, typically 7°C during the day and 2°C at night. While there’s less rain than usual expected, light drizzles could still dampen plans for outdoor activities.
Is Jack Frost coming to town?
The outlook changes slightly in the latter half of December, with weather patterns normalizing. Afternoon highs of 5-7°C will become the norm, but there’s a glimmer of hope for snow. “Some models suggest colder-than-average conditions during Christmas week,” van Wezel explained, raising the chance of a white Christmas to 15% – more than double the usual 7%.
Statistically, a white Christmas in the Netherlands, defined by a snow-covered landscape for both Christmas days, is rare. However, the possibility of seeing snowflakes somewhere in the region remains significantly higher than the official metric. “With nighttime temperatures close to freezing and regular precipitation, there’s always the chance of a wintery surprise after a frosty night,” van Wezel noted.
Despite the potential for colder weather, the odds of a green Christmas, with no snow in sight, remain dominant at 85%.
Layer up and keep dreaming of snow, Dutch style!
For international residents unaccustomed to the Dutch winter, the gray skies and damp weather typical of December may be a challenge. A good umbrella and warm layers are essential. While you might not need snow boots, keeping a scraper handy for frosty car windows is still a good idea.
While a festive blanket of snow might not be guaranteed, the possibility of colder weather closer to Christmas provides a touch of hope. Until then, the northern Netherlands can expect a damp but manageable December
