January is statistically the snowiest month in the UK. While snowfall varies year to year, higher-altitude regions consistently offer the best chance of snow, winter walking and some skiing.

Top UK Destinations for Snow and Winter Scenery

The Scottish Highlands – Best chance of guaranteed snow

Website: VisitScotland – https://www.visitscotland.com
Snow reliability: Very high
Skiing feasibility: Excellent (UK’s best)

The Scottish Highlands offer the most reliable snow conditions in the UK. Areas around the Cairngorms, Glencoe and Ben Nevis regularly experience sustained snowfall throughout January.

Skiing:

Home to the UK’s most established ski areas, including Cairngorm Mountain and Glencoe Mountain. Skiing is weather-dependent but January is peak season.

Transport:

• Train: Direct trains to Inverness, Aviemore or Fort William from Edinburgh & Glasgow
• Car: Recommended for flexibility in winter conditions

Accommodation tips:

• Aviemore is ideal for ski access and amenities
• Book early in January due to high winter demand
• Look for self-catered lodges for flexibility during weather changes

Cairngorms National Park – Snowy landscapes and winter sports

Website: Cairngorm Mountain – https://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk
Snow reliability: Very high
Skiing feasibility: Excellent

The Cairngorms are among the coldest places in Britain and frequently hold snow across plateaus, forests and ski slopes.

Skiing:

Cairngorm Mountain offers downhill skiing, snowboarding and beginner facilities when conditions allow.

Transport:

• Train: London–Aviemore sleeper or daytime services via Edinburgh
• Local buses connect Aviemore to the ski centre

Accommodation tips:

• Aviemore has the widest choice of hotels and lodges
• Look for properties with drying rooms for winter gear
• Book close to transport hubs if travelling without a car

Lake District – Snowy peaks in northern England

Website: Lake District National Park – https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk
Snow reliability: Moderate (high ground only)
Skiing feasibility: Limited (no ski resorts)

The Lake District often sees snow on higher fells such as Helvellyn and Scafell Pike, though valley snowfall is less consistent.

Skiing:

No formal ski resorts. Occasionally suitable for snow play or hill-based winter walking only.

Transport:

• Train: Direct services to Windermere, Penrith and Oxenholme
• Local buses run year-round but may be limited in snow

Accommodation tips:

• Stay near Keswick or Grasmere for winter access
• Choose places with good heating and parking
• Always check weather access routes before arrival

Snowdonia (Eryri National Park) – Winter snow in Wales

Website: Eryri National Park – https://www.eryri.llyw.cymru
Snow reliability: Moderate to high
Skiing feasibility: Very limited

Snowdonia frequently sees snow on Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) and surrounding peaks during January cold snaps.

Skiing:

No ski resorts. Snow is mainly suitable for winter hiking and mountaineering.

Transport:

• Train: London to Bangor or Betws-y-Coed
• Local buses serve Llanberis and surrounding villages

Accommodation tips:

• Llanberis is best for winter access
• Book flexible cancellation due to weather volatility
• Choose accommodation with local parking or station proximity

The Pennines – England’s “backbone” of winter weather

Website: North Pennines AONB – https://northpennines.org.uk
Snow reliability: Moderate
Skiing feasibility: Very limited

The Pennines often trap cold air, resulting in frequent snow across moorlands and uplands.

Skiing:

No resorts. Occasionally suitable for informal snow activities during heavy snowfall.

Transport:

• Train: Leeds, Manchester or Carlisle as gateways
• Car: Often easiest for reaching remote areas

Accommodation tips:

• Look for villages with year-round services
• Choose properties close to main roads for winter access
• Expect limited amenities in January

Peak District – Best chance of snow near major cities

Website: Peak District National Park – https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
Snow reliability: Low to moderate
Skiing feasibility: None

The Peak District is one of the most accessible snowy areas from Manchester and Sheffield, though snow tends to be short-lived.

Skiing:

No skiing facilities. Best for winter walks and scenic snow views.

Transport:

• Train: Sheffield or Manchester to Hope Valley
• Bus services run but may be reduced during snow

Accommodation tips:

• Castleton and Bakewell are good winter bases
• Book short stays to stay flexible with weather
• Prioritise heating and transport access

When is snow most likely in the UK?

January offers the highest probability of snowfall, particularly:

• After prolonged cold periods
• In northern regions.
• Above 300 metres elevation

Snow is rarely guaranteed in lowland southern England, but colder winters can still bring brief snow events even in London.

If you enjoy seasonal city living, explore winter-friendly apartments across London via Essential Living’s search available apartments.

Conclusion

Finding snow in the UK in January is all about location and elevation. Scotland offers the best reliability, while northern England and Wales provide accessible winter landscapes during colder spells. For those who prefer urban convenience alongside seasonal adventures, platforms like Homequarters.co.uk make it easier to balance city living with weekend escapes.

To discover well-located London homes ideal for winter city life, explore Essential Living apartments and use the search available apartments tool to find your perfect base this January.

Snow in the UK FAQ's

Where is snow guaranteed in the UK in January?

The Scottish Highlands offer the most reliable snow, particularly the Cairngorms and Glencoe regions.

Does it snow in England in January?

Yes, especially in northern and high-altitude areas such as the Lake District, Pennines and Peak District.

Can you find snow near London in January?

Snow near London is rare, but cold spells can bring short-lived snowfall. Travel north for more reliable conditions.

Is Snowdonia snowy in January?

Yes. Snowdonia frequently experiences snow on higher ground throughout January.

What month is best for snow in the UK?

January is statistically the snowiest month across much of the UK.

Where can you ski in the UK in January?

Primarily in the Scottish Highlands, including Cairngorm Mountain and Glencoe.

Is skiing guaranteed in Scotland in January?

No, but January offers the highest probability of skiable conditions.

Can you ski in England or Wales?

There are no permanent ski resorts. Snowfall may allow limited informal activities only.