When will winter bite this year? Glowing Embers has mapped the first frost dates for towns and cities across England in 2025. — helping households, gardeners, and businesses prepare for the cold season.
Our data shows frosts are arriving later than they did 40 years ago, with southern and coastal areas often waiting weeks longer than northern inland towns. While this may mean longer growing seasons for gardeners, it also brings uncertainty for households and businesses that rely on predictable cold weather patterns to plan heating, energy use, and seasonal stock.
There is growing debate about whether climate change and global warming are playing a role in shifting these seasonal patterns. Many meteorologists suggest that rising average temperatures are gradually pushing the first frost dates later in the year, particularly in coastal and southern regions. The State of the UK Climate report by the Met Office, released in May 2025, shows air and ground frosts have reduced by 25% since the 1980s. Glowing Embers conducted a quick survey, 77% of respondents said they believed the delayed first frost dates are related to global warming.
The team at Glowing Embers recommends households check and service their heating systems well in advance of these dates to avoid seasonal shortages or last-minute repairs. “We’ve seen increased demand for eco-friendly wood-burning stoves and efficient flue systems as homeowners look to reduce energy bills and prepare for unpredictable winters,” Fewings added. “Timing is everything — and this frost map helps take the guesswork out of it.”
Key Highlights
• Earliest frost forecast: Carlisle, Alnwick, Harrogate, Lincoln, and Oxford – 21 November
• Latest frost forecast: Newquay – 1 January 2026
• National shift: According to the Met Office’s State of the UK Climate 2025 report, frost days have fallen by 25% since the 1980s.
• Public perception: In our survey, 77% of respondents said they believe climate change is responsible for delayed frost dates.
Frost Map 2025
2025 Frost Forecast Table
| Location | Expected First Frost |
| Carlisle | 21st November 2025 |
| Alnwick | 21st November 2025 |
| Harrogate | 21st November 2025 |
| Lincoln | 21st November 2025 |
| Oxford | 21st November 2025 |
| Walsall | 24th November 2025 |
| Liverpool | 1st December 2025 |
| Sheffield | 1st December 2025 |
| Chelmsford | 1st December 2025 |
| Exeter | 1st December 2025 |
| Boston | 1st December 2025 |
| Gloucester | 11th December 2025 |
| Norwich | 11th December 2025 |
| Brighton | 11th December 2025 |
| Newcastle | 11th December 2025 |
| Dover | 26th December 2025 |
| Newquay | 1st Jan 2026 |
Methodology
• Definition of first frost: First forecasted minimum temperature at or below 0 °C.
• Sources: Regional weather model forecasts (cross-checked with Met Office regional data).
• Geographic scope: Selected towns and cities across England & Scotland with reliable long-term climate records.
• Limitations: Forecasts are subject to change. Local microclimates (urban heat islands, elevation, proximity to sea) may cause earlier or later frosts than forecasted.
• Last updated:10th October 2025.
Expert Commentary
“Knowing your region’s first frost date is essential for planning heating needs, garden care, and winter preparedness. This annual frost map gives our customers a visual guide for when to start thinking seriously about home heating, firewood orders, and stove maintenance.”
— Richard Fewings, Owner of Glowing Embers
Media & Embeds
Journalists, bloggers, and publishers are welcome to share this map and data with credit. We will shortly have regional map images too!
Embed this map on your site:
<figure>
<img src="https://www.glowing-embers.co.uk/path-to-frost-map.jpg" alt="First Frost Dates 2025 – Glowing Embers map of England" />
<figcaption>Source: <a href="https://www.glowing-embers.co.uk/first-frost-dates-2025/">Glowing Embers Frost Map 2025</a></figcaption>
</figure>
Downloadable assets:
- Frost Infographic Detailed PNG
- Frost Infographic Detailed SVG (Request via email)
- Frost Infographic Minimal PNG
- Frost Infographic Minimal SVG (Request via email)
Media Enquiries
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Tel: 01376 555 182
[email protected]
Glowing Embers – www.glowing-embers.co.uk
