Weather in Oxford

Stay informed about the current weather conditions in Oxford. In this section, you will find the latest data, detailed forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your time in the city.

The climate in Oxford, like in most of the United Kingdom, is temperate maritime. This means there are no temperature extremes here — neither sweltering heat in summer nor severe frosts in winter. The weather is characterized by the changing of four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences for travellers.

Summer in Oxford (June-August) is usually warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 15.5-17.5°C, making it ideal for strolling through ancient streets and sightseeing. Winters (December-February) are cool but mild, with average temperatures staying above freezing, around 4.5-5.9°C. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming and blooming, while autumn (September-November) paints the city in golden hues as the temperature gradually drops.

One of the characteristic features of the weather in Oxford is frequent cloudiness and regular rainfall throughout the year. Although the total monthly rainfall, according to the provided data, is small (on average 2-3 mm), the number of days with precipitation is quite significant (from 10 to 15 days per month). This suggests that light rain or drizzle can be frequent occurrences, so having an umbrella or a light raincoat will be a useful addition to your luggage at any time of year. Overall, the weather is changeable but predictable in its seasonal manifestations.

The temperature pattern in Oxford is characterized by moderation throughout the year, without extreme peaks of heat or cold. The warmest months are traditionally July and August. In July, the average temperature is 17.5°C, with daytime highs reaching 21.6°C and nighttime lows dropping to 13.3°C. August is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 17.1°C, a daytime maximum of about 21.1°C, and a nighttime minimum of 13.2°C. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature holds at 4.5°C, with daytime highs around 7.1°C and nighttime drops to 2.0°C.

The summer months in Oxford, from June to August, offer pleasantly warm weather, ideal for walking and sightseeing. Average daily temperatures range from 15.5°C in June to 17.5°C in July. Daytime temperatures at the height of summer are most often in the comfortable range of 19-22°C, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without exhausting heat. Nights remain relatively warm, with temperatures rarely falling below 11-13°C. The fluctuation between day and night temperatures in summer is approximately 8-9°C, providing refreshing coolness by the evening.

Winter in Oxford, covering the period from December to February, is distinguished by cool but mild weather. Average temperatures during these months vary from 4.5°C in January to 5.9°C in December and February. During the day, the thermometer usually rises to 7-9°C, and at night it drops to 2-4°C. Although frosts do occur, especially in January when the minimum temperature can reach 2.0°C, severe and prolonged frosts are uncharacteristic for the region. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to about 4-6°C.

Precipitation in Oxford is characterized by its regularity throughout the year rather than its intensity. There is no distinct rainy season or prolonged dry period here. The average monthly rainfall is quite low and stable, mainly amounting to 2 mm, with a slight increase to 3 mm in September and October. This indicates that heavy downpours or prolonged rains leading to a large volume of precipitation are not typical for Oxford.

Despite the small total amount, precipitation falls quite often. The number of days with precipitation in Oxford ranges from 10 to 15 days per month. The highest number of such days usually falls in March and December (on average 15 days each), as well as in October (14 days). Even in the "driest" month in terms of precipitation frequency, January, there are about 10 days with rain. The nature of the precipitation is predominantly light rain or drizzle, which is a distinctive feature of the climate of the United Kingdom.

Thus, when planning a trip to Oxford at any time of year, it is worth being prepared for possible precipitation. Although September and October formally receive a slightly higher amount of millimetres of rainfall, the difference is insignificant. It is much more important to consider the high probability of encountering rainy days in practically any month. Considering that average winter temperatures usually stay above freezing, snowfalls are an infrequent phenomenon here; winter precipitation most often falls as rain or occasionally sleet.

When planning a trip to Oxford, remember that the weather here can be quite changeable, and light rain is a frequent guest at any time of year, despite the small total amount of precipitation. Therefore, a waterproof jacket or raincoat and a compact umbrella will become your faithful companions. Given that you will be walking a lot through ancient streets and colleges, comfortable waterproof shoes are an absolute necessity. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering: this will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day by adding or removing layers of clothing, such as a light sweater or fleece jacket.

In the summer months (June-August), Oxford is usually warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 15-17°C. You will need T-shirts, light trousers or skirts, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses for clear days. However, do not forget to grab a light jacket or cardigan for evening walks or cooler, windy moments. In winter (December-February), it becomes noticeably cooler, with average temperatures hovering around 4-6°C. You will need a warm jacket (preferably windproof and water-resistant), sweaters, warm trousers, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves. In spring and autumn, the weather is the most variable, so a combination of a mid-season jacket, jumpers, and the ability to bundle up or, conversely, remove extra layers, will be the optimal solution for a comfortable stay in the city.