Everyone knows that snow in Germany is not uncommon. For many people, Christmas ideally means cozy warmth indoors and dreamy snowy landscapes outside. Add romantic lighting decorations, and the dreary winter quickly transforms into the coziest months of the year.
Related topic: 10 unforgettable events in Germany in December 2023
Unfortunately, there's a feeling that there used to be much more snow. Where in Germany is the most likely chance of seeing snow during the Christmas holidays?
Where You Can Expect Snowfall in Germany During Christmas
Much depends on factors like geographical location and climate. As with regular weather forecasts, meteorologists can usually make accurate predictions only shortly before the holidays. However, there are regions, such as the Alps or some low mountain ranges, where the likelihood of snowfall is significantly higher.
There are places in Germany where almost every Christmas sees snow, while others have been waiting for it for over a decade. To find out where the chances are generally higher and where not to expect snow at Christmas, the educational platform Preply compiled historical weather data from the German Meteorological Service.
Information on weather conditions was analyzed for the period from 1950 in 135 cities in Germany from December 24 to 26. Based on this data, results were obtained to determine where it's more likely to see snow in Germany at Christmas.
Ein paar Eindrücke vom winterlichen Thüringen von heute Vormittag... hier wurden sogar bereits die Bäume weihnachtlich geschmückt. 🧐 🎄
— DWD (@DWD_presse) November 28, 2023
Fotos: Rüdiger Manig / DWD pic.twitter.com/oDXkWtNEBz
Over the past 72 years in Oberwiesenthal, a white Christmas has been observed 66 times. The likelihood of it happening again this year is 92%.
A good alternative could be Quedlinburg in Saxony-Anhalt – there's a probability of at least 75% for snowfall during the Christmas holidays. The already picturesque town transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
When comparing federal states, Bavaria takes the lead. Looking at the entire country, the probability is around 27%. A white Christmas is more likely to occur in Hof in Franconian Vogtland, with a success rate of 42%.
Even in Munich, the probability is 35%. Since 1950, it has snowed here 25 times during the Christmas holidays. The statistical likelihood of snowfall on Christmas in Nuremberg this year is 24%.
However, the chances of having a snowy Christmas are very low if you celebrate it in North Rhine-Westphalia. The likelihood is less than 10% in most of the 36 analyzed cities in North Rhine-Westphalia.
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In the Alps and certain low mountain ranges, the likelihood of snowfall during the Christmas holidays is significantly higher due to geographical location and climate. While North Rhine-Westphalia has a less than 10% chance of snow during Christmas in most cities, Munich still has a 35% probability, making it a slightly more promising location for a white Christmas.
