Newcastle currently second-favourite with the bookies to have a white Christmas

With snow expected in several areas across the UK this week, bookmakers have released the latest odds on whether we’ll see a white Christmas this year.

The betting market focuses on snow being spotted at specific airports across the UK, and Oddschecker has crunched the numbers to reveal which locations are most likely to experience a festive flurry.

According to the latest odds, Edinburgh leads the way as the 2/1 favourite, with a 33.3% implied probability of snow on Christmas Day. Close behind are Newcastle at 5/2 (28.6%) and Belfast at 3/1 (25%). Meanwhile, locations further south, including London and Cardiff, are given a much slimmer chance, with odds of 12/1 (7.7%) and 8/1 (11.1%), respectively.

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What defines a White Christmas?

The Met Office defines a White Christmas as at least one snowflake being observed falling anywhere in the UK within the 24 hours of December 25. It’s not about snow settling, just being observed, which means the odds reflect this broader definition.

Weather conditions leading up to Christmas

With snow already forecast this week in parts of the country, including the North East, the early conditions suggest a higher chance of wintry weather this festive season. Historically, however, the actual occurrence of a “widespread” White Christmas remains rare, with the last official one recorded in 2021, when lying snow was reported in 83% of weather stations.

Leon Blackman from Oddschecker said: "As we head into December, anticipation for a White Christmas is building, and Edinburgh currently leads the betting markets as the most likely spot to see snow on Christmas Day.

"While locations further south like London and Cardiff have much slimmer odds, it’s worth noting that snow can often surprise us when it comes to festive weather. With snow forecasted in parts of the UK, we’ve seen a spike in betting interest in this market in the past 72 hours."

You can find the full list of the latest odds of a white Christmas here.