Does it snow in Leeds? Located in West Yorkshire, England, Leeds is a lively city that draws visitors with its fascinating history, vibrant arts scene, and bustling shopping areas.
Many people are interested in knowing about the city’s climate, especially the amount of snowfall it receives. This information is important for planning travel and outdoor activities.
So, does it snow in Leeds, UK?
Let’s find out more about it now.
Leeds does get snow, but it is not very common, as the area usually gets no more than 2.4 inches of snow on average.
More about Climate in Leeds
Leeds experiences an Oceanic climate, characterized by generally mild summers and cold winters. You can visit this part of the world almost any time of the year since the weather is rarely extreme.
However, the weather in Leeds, like the rest of the country, is quite unpredictable. It is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day.
Here is a bit about the average temperatures in Leeds throughout the year:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg Temp | 40°F | 40°F | 43°F | 46°F | 52°F | 57°F | 61°F | 60°F | 56°F | 50°F | 44°F | 41°F |
Average Low and High Temperatures in Leeds
The climate in Leeds experiences distinct variations between seasons.
The weather is usually pleasant during the summer, which starts on June 12 and ends on September 10. The skies are frequently partly cloudy, and temperatures typically stay within a comfortable range, with daily highs reaching above 63°F.
However, winter in Leeds is quite different. The winter season begins on November 17 and ends on March 17. It is known for being long, with cold temperatures and frequent windy conditions.
During the colder months, the daily high temperatures rarely exceed 48°F. January is known for being the coldest month, with average temperatures reaching a high of 44°F and dropping to a low of 36°F.
Here is a bit about the average low and high temperatures in Leeds throughout the year:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average Low (F) | 36°F | 35°F | 37°F | 40°F | 45°F | 50°F | 54°F | 53°F | 50°F | 45°F | 40°F | 36°F |
| Average High (F) | 44°F | 44°F | 48°F | 53°F | 59°F | 64°F | 67°F | 67°F | 62°F | 55°F | 49°F | 45°F |
Fact: July is known for being the warmest month, with daytime temperatures reaching a peak of around 67°F and dropping to about 54°F at night.
The Impact of Rainfall
Leeds experiences consistent rainfall throughout the year, which significantly impacts its climate in different ways.
Upon closer analysis of the rainfall patterns, it becomes evident that the distribution is not consistent throughout the year.
October is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 2.2 inches.
On the other hand, March has the lowest amount of rainfall, averaging only 1.4 inches. Although this is still a considerable amount, it is relatively less humid compared to other months.
It means that in March you will have slightly warmer or more consistent weather, which would make it ideal for certain outdoor activities.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Rainfall | 1.8 inches | 1.4 inches | 1.4 inches | 1.5 inches | 1.7 inches | 1.9 inches | 1.8 inches | 2.1 inches | 1.9 inches | 2.2 inches | 2.1 inches | 2.0 inches |
Fact: Although the amount of rainfall in Leeds may vary from month to month, it is worth noting that no month is entirely devoid of rainfall.
Does It Snow in Leeds, UK?
Leeds experiences a moderate amount of snowfall in the winter. The snowy season usually lasts from November to April, and the intensity and frequency of snowfall can vary from year to year.
Leeds typically receives approximately 21 days of snowfall per year, on average.
This suggests that although snow is common, it doesn’t cover the city for long periods of time.
On average, Leeds receives about 62mm or 2.4 inches of snow each year. Although it may not appear significant, it does add to the overall wintry scenery.
When to Expect Snow in Leeds?
Snowfall usually starts in November and December, but we tend to see more snow from January to March.
As a result, Leeds usually experiences the highest amount of snowfall in January and February.
During the winter, the city typically witnesses about three major snow events, characterized by the accumulation of 10cm or more of snow.
History of Snowfall in Leeds
Leeds has experienced several significant snowstorms. In February 1947, the city had an unusual snowfall event where over 30cm of snow accumulated in just one day.
In the more recent past, during the winter of 2009-2010, there was consistent snowfall over several months. It snowed multiple times, with accumulations of 20-30cm each time.
Leeds experienced heavy snowfall in February 2018, with snow depth reaching over 25cm. This caused significant disruptions in transportation.
An Important Consideration
Although Leeds may not receive as much snowfall as some other cities in the northern UK, it still experiences wintry weather.
The amount of snowfall can vary greatly from year to year.
However, it is almost certain that some snow will accumulate during the colder months.
How Cold Does It Get in Leeds?
Leeds experiences cold temperatures and frequent snowfall during the winter season. Winter weather conditions can greatly affect daily lives, so it’s important to be well-prepared.
In January, the coldest month of the year, Leeds experiences average daytime highs of around 41F.
At night, the temperatures range from 34 to 36 F. These temperatures suggest the city experiences a predominantly cold winter climate.
Lowest Temperatures in History of Leeds
Leeds has experienced extremely cold temperatures throughout its history.
The city experienced its lowest temperature ever recorded in December 1995, when the mercury dropped to a bone-chilling -18.3°C (-0.9°F).
From November to March, it is common for temperatures to drop below freezing, resulting in regular overnight frosts.
Fact: Cold snaps can be extremely severe, resulting in daytime temperatures falling below 0°C (32°F) and nighttime temperatures dropping into the -10°C range.
Why is Snow Rare in Leeds?
As you may have noticed, snowfall is not all that common in Leeds. And there are some possible explanations for this weather phenomenon.
For instance:
Geographical Location
Due to its proximity to the coast, Leeds frequently experiences rainfall instead of snowfall, as weather systems from the North Sea tend to bring in more rain.
Leeds, being a coastal climate, does not often experience long periods of cold weather that result in substantial snow buildup.
Even when it’s cold outside, the warming effects from the nearby ocean often cause snow to turn into rain.
Rain Shadow Effect
Leeds is in the rain shadow of the Pennines, which are located to the west of the city.
The presence of the Pennines causes moisture from weather systems to be blocked and condensed before it reaches Leeds, leading to a drier climate.
The rain shadow effect plays a significant role in causing Leeds to have lower snowfall compared to other cities in northern England.
The Urban Heat Island Effect
The urban heat island effects also contribute to a decrease in snow cover within Leeds.
Buildings, traffic, and other human activities in the city center produce considerable heat.
The warmer microclimate in urban areas makes it more difficult for snow to settle and build up, unlike in rural areas.
Fact: Snow in Leeds often turns into rain before it reaches the ground due to the heat.
Temperature Climate
Leeds benefits from a temperate maritime climate, which helps to prevent extreme cold and snowy weather.
Frigid Arctic air masses are not able to frequently establish themselves due to their inland location. And that is another reason why you are less likely to see snow in Leeds.
What is the Best Time to Visit Leeds?
The best time to plan your visit to Leeds is usually during the summer.
It means you should book your trip from mid-May to anywhere close to early October.
During this period, the temperatures are generally pleasant and you will have a lot of time engaging in outdoor activities.
However, it is advisable to carry an umbrella and a sweatshirt or sweater for cooler evenings or days.
Takeaway
Does it snow in Leeds? Yes, it does, but do not expect a lot of it, even in the winter. Although Leeds experiences cold snaps, its winter temperatures are moderated by the nearby ocean, which helps prevent heavy snowstorms.
At the same time, the weather in the city is not cold and dry enough to support regular major snow events.
But, the good thing is that you can still find a lot to see and it does not matter when you plan your visit to Leeds.
