As Christmas 2025 approaches, AccuWeather has released its updated White Christmas forecast, highlighting the states most likely to see snow on the holiday despite an unusual surge of above-average temperatures across much of the country.
To be considered a White Christmas, at least 1 inch of snow must be on the ground, including any snow that falls on Christmas Day, AccuWeather reports. The forecast comes just weeks after predictions from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, which initially suggested snow chances across the Plains, Midwest, Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and even parts of Texas.
Warm Conditions Across Much of the U.S.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center now expects a high likelihood of above-average temperatures over Christmas for much of the U.S., particularly in the Plains, South, and Midwest. These same regions are also forecast to experience below-average precipitation, further reducing snow chances.
AccuWeather’s revised forecast highlights the highest likelihood of a White Christmas in the following states:
- West Coast & Intermountain West: California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah
- Upper Midwest & Great Lakes: North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan
- Northeast & Mid-Atlantic: West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine
“Dreaming of a White Christmas? It’s a guarantee in the Rockies and near the Great Lakes, but hopes for snow in the central and eastern U.S. will hinge on a storm moving through just before the holidays,” AccuWeather posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Snow Melt Likely in Parts of the Central and Eastern U.S.
Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s lead long-range expert, explained that the current surge of warmth is “impressive,” with temperatures near 70°F in St. Louis on Christmas, virtually eliminating any remaining snow in that region. Likewise, Springfield and much of the central U.S. are expected to be snow-free by the holiday.
Some localized snowfall may still occur on Christmas Day, particularly across the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West, depending on the timing and track of a potential storm system between December 23 and 25.
Lowest Odds for Snow
The Northeastern coast and parts of the southern and central U.S. have the lowest odds for a White Christmas. Even though snow recently fell across parts of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic between December 13 and 14, rising temperatures make it likely that much of this snow will melt before Christmas.
Watching for a Late-Season Storm
Meteorologists are keeping an eye on a storm system moving in just before the holiday. Pastelok noted that its exact track could influence late snow chances, offering hope for some last-minute White Christmas conditions in affected areas.
Are you hoping for a White Christmas this year, or ready to enjoy a warmer, snow-free holiday?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what kind of Christmas weather you’re dreaming of!
