Farmer's rules for December: What winter 2025 really brings us!

Farmer's rules for December: What winter 2025 really brings us!

Today, December 1, 2025, the cold season draws attention to time-tested farming rules collected over generations about weather and nature. These rules are deeply rooted in the culture and provide insights into the connections between weather phenomena and the seasons that follow, which also oe24 emphasized.

A well-known rule says: “As cold as it is in December, it will be as hot in June”. This suggests that a harsh start to winter may result in a warm early summer. On the other hand, a wet December can be interpreted as a bad omen for the coming year, according to the rule “If December is wild with rain, then the next year has little blessing”. While the insights of Farmer's Rules are based on personal observations, they also show how deeply connected humans have been to the cycle of nature over the centuries.

Farmers' rules in the context of climate change

Peasant rules are not just cultural artifacts, they contain valuable meteorological clues. These are based on decades of observations, which are often intuitive, like swb explained. For example, swallows at high altitudes indicate good weather, while a weathercock that rotates several times indicates the approach of storms and rain.

Nevertheless, the validity of these rules is being challenged by climate change. Many farming rules remain relevant, particularly because they describe how weather influences future crop behavior or represent general meteorological phenomena. This confirms land and forestry, but also highlights that the accuracy of forecasts can vary and is often over 50%, especially for certain weather phenomena.

Traditional wisdom

Other notable rules are: “If there is a really severe cold in December, it lasts a full 18 weeks” and “December is mild, winter is child”. These words of wisdom address winter conditions and their potential impact on the coming months. An interesting insight is the rule: “December, cold with snow hurts the bugs”. The positive effect of frost and snow on pest control is discussed here.

Given the changing climatic conditions, agricultural practices also need to be adapted. Regional differences in agriculture are becoming increasingly apparent as seasonal shifts and the type of farming can result in different yields. These factors, coupled with poor networking between regions until the 19th century, contribute to the diversity of experiences and therefore the rules.

Overall, the fascination with farming rules remains unbroken. As the weather changes, they preserve our cultural heritage and remind us that nature can remain unpredictable.