Washington, DC – If you’re hoping for a classic White Christmas in the Mid-Atlantic this year, forecasters say the odds are very low, as mild weather continues to dominate the region.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington, the last official White Christmas across the Washington and Baltimore metro areas occurred in 2009, following a major snowstorm on December 19 of that year. Current weather patterns for 2025 suggest conditions will remain too mild for snow to be on the ground Christmas morning.
A White Christmas is officially defined as having at least one inch of snow on the ground at 7 a.m. on Christmas Day at designated observation sites, typically major airports.
Local White Christmas History
NWS data shows how rare White Christmas mornings are in the region:
- Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA): Last White Christmas in 2009 (7 inches); only 13 out of 132 years (~9.9%)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Last White Christmas in 2009 (9 inches); 7 out of 63 years (~11.1%)
- Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI): Last White Christmas in 2009 (6 inches); 17 out of 132 years (~12.9%)
Forecasters note that while snow can still fall during December, it often melts quickly due to warmer daytime temperatures, especially in urban corridors stretching from southern Pennsylvania through New Jersey, Maryland, and the DC metro area.
Looking Ahead
The NWS says mild conditions are expected to continue into Christmas week, significantly reducing the chance of lingering snowpack across the Mid-Atlantic. While colder air may briefly move in at times, long-lasting snow cover appears unlikely.
Residents traveling for the holidays should expect quiet weather impacts, with no major winter storms currently indicated.
