White Christmas Calculator
Calculate the probability of a white Christmas (snow on the ground on December 25th) based on location and historical data.
How to Use This Calculator
- Optionally enter your location name.
- Enter your latitude (optional, for probability estimation).
- Enter average December snowfall in inches (optional, for better accuracy).
- The calculator displays white Christmas probability and likelihood.
- Use this to check your chances of a snowy Christmas.
White Christmas Probability Formula
Probability is estimated from latitude and historical snowfall data:
Latitude ≥ 60°: ~95% probability
Latitude 50-60°: ~80% probability
Latitude 45-50°: ~60% probability
Latitude 40-45°: ~40% probability
Latitude 35-40°: ~20% probability
Latitude < 35°: ~5-10% probability
Based on Snowfall:
Snowfall ≥ 12": ~90% probability
Snowfall 8-12": ~70% probability
Snowfall 4-8": ~50% probability
Snowfall 2-4": ~30% probability
Snowfall < 2": ~15% probability
Example: Location at 45°N with 6 inches average December snowfall: Probability ≈ 60% (from latitude) or 50% (from snowfall). The calculator uses the higher estimate. Note: These are approximations—actual probability depends on many factors including local climate patterns.
Full Description
A white Christmas is a beloved holiday tradition—snow on the ground on December 25th creates a magical atmosphere. However, not all locations experience white Christmases regularly. The White Christmas Calculator estimates the probability of snow on Christmas based on location (latitude) and historical snowfall data, helping you understand your chances of a snowy holiday.
White Christmas probability depends primarily on latitude and climate. Higher latitudes (closer to the poles) have colder winters and higher snow probability. Locations at 50°N or higher typically have 70-95% white Christmas probability. Lower latitudes (closer to the equator) have warmer winters and lower probability. Average December snowfall also indicates probability—locations with regular December snow are more likely to have white Christmases.
This calculator helps you estimate white Christmas probability. Enter location, latitude, or average snowfall, and it calculates probability and likelihood. Use it to check your chances, plan winter travel, understand climate patterns, or satisfy curiosity about snowy holidays. Remember, weather is unpredictable—even high-probability locations can have snowless years, and low-probability locations can have surprise snow!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a white Christmas?
A white Christmas is when there is at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on December 25th. This is the official definition used by weather services. Some people also consider it a white Christmas if it snows on Christmas Day, even if snow doesn't accumulate.
How is white Christmas probability calculated?
Probability is estimated from latitude (higher latitude = more likely) and average December snowfall (more snow = more likely). Northern locations (latitude 50°+) have 80-95% probability. Southern locations (latitude 30-35°) have 5-20% probability. Historical data improves accuracy.
What locations have guaranteed white Christmas?
Very high probability (90%+): Alaska, northern Canada, northern Scandinavia, high-altitude locations. High probability (70-90%): Northern US states, northern Europe, mountainous regions. Low probability (<20%): Southern US, Mediterranean, tropical regions.
Can I increase my chances?
Move to a higher latitude or altitude! Northern locations and mountain areas have higher probabilities. However, weather is unpredictable—even high-probability locations can have snowless Christmases, and low-probability locations can have surprise snow.