Could it snow in Raleigh this Christmas? ❄️

Historic Christmas Day weather in Raleigh

A historic photo of a snow day on Fayetteville Street.

A snow day on Fayetteville Street circa 1920. | Courtesy of @ncmuseumhistory

With predictions calling for the coldest Christmas morning in decades, it’s easy to dream of a white Christmas in Raleigh. But although temperatures are predicted drop into the low 20s — thanks to an arctic blast traveling down from Canada — snowfall is still unlikely this weekend.

According to WRAL, bitter cold will set in Friday afternoon with a wind chill in the single digits and teens. Flurries are possible, but don’t expect accumulation. On Christmas Eve and Christmas, temperatures are expected to only reach the low 30s. There will be lots of sun, a consistent chill, and probably no snow. Don’t lose hope, though — according to climatologist Corey Davis, snow is more likely in January.

We examined weather data to see what the holiday has historically felt like in the City of Oaks. Spoiler alert: Measurable snow has fallen on Christmas Day just twice since 1944.

Historical averages

The average weather on Dec. 25 in Raleigh is:

High of 53.2º
Low of 33.4º
33.6% chance of rain
1.7% chance of snow

Historical records

Now, let’s dive into some historical Christmas Day weather records:

Hottest Christmas: High of 75º recorded in 1955
Coldest Christmas: Low of 4º (and a high of 19º) recorded in 1983
Rainiest Christmas: 2.2 inches recorded in 1914 (for context, the wettest day in Raleigh in 2022 brought down 3.4 inches of rain.)
Snowiest Christmas: 0.4 inches recorded in 2010 and 1947.

This year’s forecast

Here’s what to expect this year on Christmas Day:

High of 37º
Low of 17º
0% chance of rain

Note: These weather predictions are based on data available at the time of publication.

Raleigh weather isn’t exactly consistent (but you already knew that). Last year’s temperatures reached a high of 72º and low of 49º.

Prepare for cold weather with these tips from the National Weather Service. Stay warm out there, Raleigh.

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Thursday, Dec. 22

Miracle at The Haymaker | Thursday, Dec. 22-Friday, Dec. 30 | 5 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Haymaker, 555 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free | Sip on holiday drinks like the Yippee Ki Yay served in Santa’s boot at this holiday pop up bar.

Friday, Dec. 23

The Dessertery | Friday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $25 | It’s the last night to enjoy this holiday-themed dessert café featuring elaborate holiday decor, all-you-can-eat sweets, and hot cocoa.

Saturday, Dec. 24

Illuminate Art Walk | Saturday, Dec. 24-Saturday, Jan. 14 | All evening | Fayetteville St. and Glenwood South districts, Raleigh | Free | Sip N’ Stroll your way through this year’s light installation, featuring an international exhibit that’s made appearances at Burning Man.

Sunday, Dec. 25

NC Chinese Lantern Festival | Sunday, Dec. 25-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 6-10 p.m. | Koka Booth Amphiteatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $15-25 | This year’s event features 40+ new displays, all crafted by Chinese artisans and comprised of hundreds of parts and thousands of lights.

Saturday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Party | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 7 p.m.-1 a.m. | Young Hearts Distilling, 225 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $120 | Welcome 2023 with an open bar featuring craft cocktails, live entertainment, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a complimentary bubbly toast at midnight.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

50º | Showers | 99% chance of rain 🌧️

Coming Soon

The team behind Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing is opening another restaurant in Research Triangle Park at 8 Davis Dr., Durham. The new concept, named Twisted Ladder, will offer upscale American breakfast and lunch with counter service. The “everyday cafe” is slated to open in January or February. (Triangle Business Journal)

Civic

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 11, the City of Raleigh will host weekly, in-person information sessions to discuss zoning changes, housing affordability, and sustainable growth. During each meeting, there will be time to ask questions and provide feedback in small groups. The first session will be at Durant Nature Preserve from 6 to 8 p.m.

Trending

We’ve always known Raleigh is the best city, and some out-of-towners are catching on. From CNN and the TODAY Show to Southern Living and Travel + Leisure, the City of Oaks was shouted out by national and international media outlets many times in 2022. (Visit Raleigh)

Ranked

There’s no place like home for the holidays… and we have proof. Raleigh ranked No. 19 on WalletHub’s “2022’s Best Cities for Christmas” based on criteria like shopping options, events, and the community’s generosity. (WalletHub)

Number

1 hour and 20 minutes. That’s how early you should arrive to RDU before a domestic flight. A recent study from Upgraded Points analyzed criteria including the number of gates and terminals, average TSA wait time + airport size to determine this metric. Pro tip: Read our guide to navigating RDU for parking tips and terminal eats.

Sports

Calling all soccer fans: Season tickets for the NC Courage’s 2023 season are now on sale. Fans who join or renew by Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 will be entered for an opportunity to join a road trip for two during the 2023 season. ⚽ *

Wellness

Did you know? It’s recommended to change your skincare routine with the seasons. Synergy Face + Body offers a variety of skincare products like cleansers, creams, serums + more. Not sure where to start? Request a consultation.*

Real Estate

Looking for a new home in the new year? Bedford at Flowers Plantation has several move-in ready homes available with improved pricing. Bonus: Energy-efficient and eco-friendly designs with Smart Home features. 🏠*

Shop

Looking for something sweet to gift this holiday? Lowes Foods’ Sugar and Spice box is packed with everything nice. Pro-tip: Order five boxes or more to get free grocery pickup and delivery for a year.* 🍭

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anne.

Editor’s pick: Yesterday was the Winter Solstice (AKA the first day of winter) and it certainly feels like it with this upcoming chilly weather. Pro tip: Warm up with a steaming cup of local hot cocoa. If you must go outside, consider hanging out at a restaurant or bar with a heated patio. 🔥

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We rounded up 23 New Year’s Eve events to ring in 2023.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Charis Painter | Advertise with us.

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