Charlotte, North Carolina, December 17, 2025
Residents of Charlotte, North Carolina, can expect a predominantly warm Christmas this year, with forecasts indicating mild temperatures and minimal chances of precipitation. Historically, the city has only experienced a true white Christmas twice since 1878, making the prospect of a snowy holiday extremely rare. Factors such as the region’s climate and elevation contribute to this phenomenon, leaving locals with a much greater likelihood of enjoying a warm Christmas Day rather than a snowy one.
Charlotte, North Carolina
The likelihood of Charlotte experiencing a white Christmas this year remains exceptionally low, with forecasts predicting mild temperatures and minimal chances of precipitation around December 25, 2025. The official definition of a white Christmas in the United States requires at least one inch of snow to be on the ground by 7:00 AM local time on Christmas Day. Historically, Charlotte has only met this stringent criterion twice since record-keeping began in 1878.
Current Outlook for Christmas 2025
For Christmas Day 2025, Charlotte residents can anticipate partly cloudy skies. Temperatures are projected to range from a low of 44 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) to a high of 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius). There is only a 10% chance of rain, and a 5% chance of snow on Christmas Day, effectively ruling out the possibility of a widespread snowy landscape for the holiday. These conditions align with the typical December weather for the region, which is generally mild compared to other parts of the United States.
Charlotte’s Rare White Christmas History
The dream of a white Christmas is a rare occurrence in Charlotte. Records dating back to 1878 indicate that measurable snowfall on Christmas Day has only occurred four times in 147 years. Of these four instances, only two had accumulated at least one inch of snow, which qualifies as an official white Christmas. This means that the chance of Charlotte seeing a white Christmas in any given year is approximately 3%.
The snowiest Christmas on record for Charlotte occurred in 1947, when 5.8 inches of snow blanketed the city. Another significant snowfall was in 1880, which saw 4 inches of snow. The most recent Christmas when snow fell was in 2010, though it only amounted to 0.4 inches, which did not meet the official one-inch depth requirement for a white Christmas. Even so, the 2010 event was notable as it was the first snow on Christmas Day in 63 years.
Meteorological Factors Limiting Snowfall
Several meteorological factors contribute to the rarity of Christmas snow in Charlotte. The city is situated in a “transition zone,” meaning it is too far south for consistent heavy snow, yet far enough north to experience winter weather occasionally. For snow to occur, two critical elements must align simultaneously: sufficiently cold air and ample moisture. During December in the Carolinas, true Arctic air masses are not consistently present, resulting in temperatures that are often too warm when storm systems bring moisture to the region. This frequently leads to cold rain rather than snow, especially in urban areas.
The average daily high temperature in Charlotte during December typically ranges between 52 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit (11-14 degrees Celsius), while average low temperatures range from 35 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit (2-4 degrees Celsius). The month also sees a gradual increase in cloud cover, with precipitation often occurring as rain. Charlotte averages about 2 inches of snow per year, significantly less than the nationwide average of 28 inches per year.
A Warmer Christmas is More Probable
Historically, Charlotte is three times more likely to experience a Christmas Day with temperatures reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than to have an official white Christmas. For instance, the warmest Christmas Eve on record for Charlotte was 73 degrees Fahrenheit in 2015, and the record for warmest Christmas Day was 77 degrees Fahrenheit in 1955. This underscores the region’s humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters. While the charm of a snow-covered holiday remains a popular dream, the meteorological data firmly points to a predominantly warm and snow-free Christmas for Charlotte.
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Frequently Asked Questions About a White Christmas in Charlotte
Q: What is the official definition of a white Christmas in the United States?
A: The official definition of a white Christmas in the United States requires at least one inch of snow to be on the ground by 7:00 AM local time on Christmas Day.
Q: How often has Charlotte experienced an official white Christmas?
A: Charlotte has only experienced an official white Christmas, meaning one inch or more of snow on the ground, twice since record-keeping began in 1878.
Q: What is the probability of Charlotte having a white Christmas in any given year?
A: The chance of Charlotte seeing a white Christmas in any given year is approximately 3%.
Q: When was the snowiest Christmas on record in Charlotte?
A: The snowiest Christmas on record for Charlotte occurred in 1947, when 5.8 inches of snow blanketed the city.
Q: What were the other years when accumulating snow fell on Christmas Day in Charlotte?
A: Aside from 1947, accumulating snow fell on Christmas Day in Charlotte in 1880 (4 inches), 1909, and 2010 (0.4 inches).
Q: Why is snow rare in Charlotte during December?
A: Snow is rare in Charlotte during December because it is a “transition zone” where consistent Arctic air masses are not typically present when storm systems bring moisture. This often results in rain instead of snow.
Q: Is a warm Christmas more likely in Charlotte than a white Christmas?
A: Yes, Charlotte is three times more likely to experience a Christmas Day with temperatures reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than to have an official white Christmas.
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Key Features of Charlotte’s Christmas Weather
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Official White Christmas Definition | At least 1 inch of snow on the ground by 7:00 AM on December 25. | Nationwide |
| Historical White Christmases (Official) | 2 times since 1878. | City-level (Charlotte) |
| Historical White Christmases (Accumulating Snow) | 4 times since 1878 (1880, 1909, 1947, 2010). | City-level (Charlotte) |
| Probability of White Christmas | Approximately 3%. | City-level (Charlotte) |
| Snowiest Christmas on Record | 5.8 inches in 1947. | City-level (Charlotte) |
| Most Recent Christmas Snowfall | 0.4 inches in 2010. | City-level (Charlotte) |
| Average December High Temperature | 52-58°F (11-14°C). | City-level (Charlotte) |
| Average Annual Snowfall | 2 inches per year. | City-level (Charlotte) |
| US Average Annual Snowfall | 28 inches per year. | Nationwide |
| Climate Classification | Humid subtropical. | City-level (Charlotte) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
