If you can't wait for frosty countryside walks, catching snowflakes as they drift through the air and curling up in front of the roaring fire, mark your calendar: The first day of winter begins on 21 December 2025 and ends on 20 March 2026.
While many argue that the first day of winter should be earlier in the month, this date follows the astronomical start to the season. The first day of winter also coincides with the shortest day of the year, when the sun will typically set at 3.45 pm.
However, if you follow the meteorological calendar, the first day of winter is always 1 December, ending on 28 (or 29 during a Leap Year) February.
"Meteorological seasons consist of splitting the seasons into four periods made up of three months each," say the team at the Met Office. "These seasons are split to coincide with our Gregorian calendar, making it easier for meteorological observing and forecasting to compare seasonal and monthly statistics."
According to the Met Office, the seasons are as follows:
- Spring (March, April, May),
- Summer (June, July, August)
- Autumn (September, October, November)
- Winter (December, January, February)
Most winters can feel like a continuation of autumn, with plenty of rain and stormy weather. In fact, the Met Office says the UK sees some of its strongest winds during winter.
"People living in the south of the UK or nearer the coasts will likely have less cold winters than those in the north of the UK and away from the coasts."
It might be cold, but the season isn't all bad. Winter provides ample opportunities for fireside drinks, decorating the Christmas tree, hearty comfort foods, frosty walks across snow-covered landscapes and spotting wildlife darting across the barren woodland.
Just as the natural world slows down, winter gives us the perfect excuse to rest and recharge before spring.
12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Joules Olive Green Waxed Dog Coat
Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."
A warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat.
In olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life.
On the hunt for a warm knit jumper? To keep your furry friend extra cosy, why not pick up this Barbour jumper. Boasting a unique design with a roll neck for elite comfort, it's perfect for them to wear on a Christmas Day walk.
READ MORE: The Barbour Christmas advert 2021 stars Paddington Bear and his heart-warming family
Rosewood Teddy Bear Dog Hoodie - Large
Made from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.
William Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand's classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off.
OVER GLAM Medium faux leather sleeveless dog jacket
This sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy.
In vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topics—decorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amy’s experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as she’s previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
