Weather in Cambridge

Planning your visit to Cambridge? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions and forecasts to make your trip as comfortable and predictable as possible.

The climate in Cambridge, like in most of the UK, can be characterized as temperate maritime. This means there are no extreme temperatures here, and the weather is notable for its changeability. The city experiences four clearly defined seasons: a cool but usually not freezing winter, a mild and blooming spring, a warm but not sweltering summer, and a fresh, colorful autumn.

The summer months, from June to August, are the warmest, with an average temperature of about 16-18°C, and maximum values reaching 20-22°C. This is the most comfortable time for long walks and outdoor activities. Winters, from December to February, are quite mild, with an average temperature of 4-6°C; although night temperatures can drop to 2-3°C, severe frosts are rare here. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with pleasant coolness and gradual temperature changes.

One of the characteristic features of the weather in Cambridge is the relatively even distribution of precipitation throughout the year, although the total amount, according to the provided data, is small – about 2 mm per month. At the same time, the number of days with precipitation is quite significant, varying from 10 to 14 days monthly. This suggests that light rain or drizzle can occur at any time of the year, so tourists are advised to carry an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket, regardless of the travel season.

Cambridge experiences a moderate temperature regime throughout the year, without sharp extremes. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the average temperature is about 4.8°C, with night lows potentially dropping to 2.2°C, and day highs rarely exceeding 7.4°C. The warmest months are considered to be July and August, with an average temperature of 18.0°C. During these summer months, the daytime temperature can reach a pleasant 22.2-22.3°C, creating ideal conditions for walking and exploring the city.

The summer period in Cambridge, covering June, July, and August, is characterized by pleasantly warm weather. In June, the average temperature holds at 16.0°C (from 11.6°C at night to 20.3°C during the day). July and August bring even more warmth, with average values of 18.0°C. Daytime maximums in these months consistently exceed 22°C, and nights remain quite warm, with temperatures around 13.7-13.8°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is more noticeable, amounting to approximately 8-9°C, which ensures comfortable cooling by the evening.

Winter in Cambridge, from December to February, is distinguished by cool but generally mild weather. Monthly average temperatures range from 4.8°C in January to 6.2°C in February. Night temperatures in the coldest period (January) can drop to 2.2°C, while during the day the air warms up to an average of 7.4°C. December and February are slightly warmer: average lows are 3.1-3.9°C, and highs reach 8.4-9.3°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to about 5-6°C. Severe frosts are not typical for Cambridge.

Precipitation in Cambridge has its own characteristic feature: its total monthly amount, according to the provided data, remains surprisingly constant and amounts to only about 2 mm throughout the year. This means the city does not have a clearly defined season of torrential rains or, conversely, a prolonged dry period, judging by the volume of falling moisture. Precipitation patterns here are determined more by their frequency than by their intensity.

Analyzing the number of days with precipitation, one can notice some seasonal fluctuations, despite the overall low volume. The highest number of "wet" days falls in March and December – on average 14 days in each of these months. These are periods when the likelihood of encountering rain or drizzle is slightly higher. On the other hand, June and August can be considered months with the lowest frequency of precipitation, as on average these months count 10 days with precipitation. In other months, such as January, February, April, May, July, September, October, and November, the number of days with precipitation varies from 11 to 13, which highlights the general trend towards frequent, but usually brief and light precipitation.

Given such an insignificant amount of precipitation (2 mm) with a relatively high frequency (from 10 to 14 days per month), it can be concluded that Cambridge is characterized predominantly by light rains, drizzle, or short-term precipitation of low intensity. Even in winter months, such as January (11 wet days, average minimum temperature 2.2°C) and December (14 wet days, average minimum temperature 3.9°C), the main form of precipitation will most likely be rain. Although with the temperature dropping to near-zero marks, the probability of wet snow cannot be completely ruled out, it is not a typical phenomenon. Thus, being prepared for light precipitation will be useful for travelers at any time of the year.

When planning a trip to Cambridge, it is important to consider the changeable British weather and frequent, though usually not heavy, precipitation. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. Regardless of the season, you will find a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella useful, as drizzling rain can catch you by surprise in any month. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as Cambridge invites long walks along its historic streets and along the River Cam. A light scarf can also be useful even in the warm season, especially on windy days.

For the spring and summer months (from March to August), when average temperatures range from 7°C to 18°C, and maximums reach 20-22°C, pack t-shirts, light shirts, trousers, or jeans. Do not forget a sweater or fleece jacket for cool evenings or fresher days, especially in early spring. In summer, despite moderate temperatures, the sun can be active, so sunscreen and a hat will not be amiss. Even in the warmest months, such as July and August, keep a light jacket with you in case of rain or evening chill.

In the autumn-winter period (from September to February), the air temperature gradually decreases, varying from 15°C in September to an average of 4-6°C in December-February. You will need warmer clothing: sweaters, warm trousers, as well as a mid-season or winter jacket, preferably waterproof and windproof. A hat, gloves, and a warm scarf will become your indispensable companions, especially from November to March. Although severe frosts are not typical for Cambridge, the night temperature can drop to 2-3°C, so warm socks and, perhaps, thermal underwear for those particularly sensitive to cold, will make your stay more comfortable.