When does winter start in the United Kingdom?

According to the National Physical Laboratory, winter in the United Kingdom starts on Dec. 21 at 17:11 Coordinated Universal Time. December, January and February comprise United Kingdom's winter season, which are its coldest months, bringing freezing temperatures and sometimes snow.

According to the British Council, the day that winter starts, which is also called the Winter solstice, has the shortest daylight hours. On this day, Dec. 21, the sun rises at around 8 a.m. and sets at around 4 p.m. in the United Kingdom. During winter, the average UK temperature ranges from 36 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, but this often drops to slightly below 36 degrees Fahrenheit.