Glasgow Travel Forum

This is probably a dumb question, but I'm wondering what the weather in Glasgow is normally like around X-mas and New Years... I know it's cold, but because it's cold, is there much snow? I know it rains a lot, but is the rain like Seattle or Southern California (when we get rain)? Seattle rain is more of a constant mist that is just in the air with a few down pours. So Cal rain is more like it comes down hard for about 10 minutes, and then dissipates.

I'm not worried about the weather. Just curious so I can pack the right gear to protect my camera.

Thanks,

Jim

Snow is unusual, but it can happen.

Typically about 5c, and wet.

Can be windy too.

UK rain does not always just fall heavily and then go away. It comes in numerous varieties, from drizzle to very heavy, from brief bursts to whole days. You may well experience all types during your stay. And fog/mist.

Snow is unusual in the UK, and more so in December. The chances of seeing snow in the north are higher, but even so it's pretty unlikely.

Have a look at the BBC 5-day weather forecast before you come:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=1946

Agree with the previous poster. I would like to add that damp is going to be your real problem. The cold is not a dry cold but a wet cold. My husband, who would go out happily in shirt sleeves in minus 15 degrees in Montreal, shivers even when it is plus 10 here. It's the damp. Hat, gloves and scarf for you. Your camera will be able to look after itself!! There are days when the drizzle just seems to keep on coming but mostly, the type and frequency of the rain is entirely umpredictable. And of course, there are days when it doesn't rain, the sun shines and the whole place looks wonderful!

Well, it'll probably rain like Seattle with a bit of California rain thrown in just for a laugh

And when it looks as if it won't rain, it almost certainly will.

Dead right about damp cold though. UK cold is always damp, and it feels a heck of a lot colder than dry cold.

Definitely hat/scarf/gloves. And water-resistant shoes/boots......trainers/sneakers are not a good idea in December1 :-)

Real snow is pretty rare in Glasgow. When it does fall, it's usually gone after a day or two. We do see a lot of rain in winter, and that's likely to be the case in late December.

Oh man, I was just going to pack shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops ;-) For me pesonally, I'm well prepared for the damp cold. Damp and cold really is nothing new to me. I've spent way too much time in Fairbanks, Alaska in January or the San Francisco area any time of year... I just need to go get a couple more pair of thermals and an umbrella, and I'll be set. I worry about my camera gear because it's a money maker for me. It's a nice way to recoup some of the money I spend on my vacations.

As I set off for the Highlands, any ideas what kind of weather I'll be facing, I'm sure it's more of the damp and cold just much more intense... Thanks for all of the replies folks.

Cheers,

Jim

You're more likely to find colder weather and snow in the Highlands, especially the north, central + eastern bits.

Typically that weather does not happen around the holiday season - when people could go skiing etc!

Of course, like anything else involving the weather here the only predictable thing is its unpredictability. BBC News website has 5 day forecasts, but in reality only the 1st couple of days are predictable.

Isn't the unpredictability of the weather universal? I've been hearing the weather reports here for the last couple of days that it's going to rain the next day... It's been right around 70˚F (about 21˚C) and sunny. Not a cloud in the sky. I really think the weather people get drunk before they make their predictions. :)

Hi! I'm in Inverness, capital of the Highlands right now and it has been below freezing for a few days now - slippy underfoot, so boots with a decent tread would be a good idea as would thermal socks and if you wear layers you'll find you'll stay warmer! In the Highlands people don't dress up too much so walking boots/shoes, fleece and good anorak will do fine ... and you could always pick up lambsfleece gloves and woolly bobble hat here! Enjoy when you do come! Fiona

WooHoo!!! I'm going to bust my butt at least once... Be sure to have the cameras ready to catch this 6'3" slipping and sliding on the ice (providing you're not too busy laughing). Lol... Just a question... What is an anorak?

Anorak is an anti-fashion item beloved of Scottish outdoor types.

Ideal to protect you from the Scottish elements, pigeon & seagull droppings etc.

Anorak: waterproof, windproof, warm. Mine has a fur-lined hood.

Not just for Scots. Beloved also of bird-watchers, train-spotters, and archaeologists.

Definitely anti-fashion.

Very practical indeed.

Mind you, there may well be no ice whatsoever over Christmas/New Year....

Dirt4Fun: translation - Parka

I'm definitely into anti-fashion bad weather clothing. A few weeks back, I bought myself a German army surplus goretex jacket. Camouflage in various shades of green, and waterproof to a high degree. Cost me all of £20, rather than £150 for a similar item by a popular brand. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching and fishing.

Unfortunately, various persons have commented on how fashionable it is, mistaking it for the kind of camouflage print stuff one sees in high street stores. Can't win.

Thank you Hawkhead... I'm definitely not a fashion mogul... I leave that up to my brother. Function always outweighs fashion in my mind.

I'll be bringing my favorite coat which is a waterproof oil cloth. Nothing gets through this thing. I actually have 2 of them, one is a full length and the other is a 3/4 coat.

I'm really starting to look forward to this trip. Anyone up for a pint or 5 while I'm in the area?