The climate of Oxford
Oxford inhabits the temperate realm, falling under the Cfb - Marine West Coast, warm summer on the Köppen climate classification. This climatic region is known for consistent rainfall, mild temperatures, and balanced seasons. Throughout a typical year, the city displays a subtle approximation, with the highest temperatures observed in august at 20.7°C (69.3°F) and the lowest in
January at 1.4°C (34.5°F).
Reviewing the weather elements, rainfall seems to be equally distributed across the months, with an increase noticed from 18mm (0.71") in
March to 35mm (1.38") in
August. The city receives a substantial amount of precipitation throughout the year, with rainfall days ranging from 11.3 in
September to 16.9 in
July. In the winter months, there is a sprinkle of snow, particularly in January and
February, where figures reach 10mm (0.39") and 19mm (0.75") respectively.
Relative humidity in Oxford tends to be on the higher side, with the lowest recorded at 80% between July to September and the highest at 91% in
December. The daylight hours vary significantly from 8.4 hours in January to 16.6 hours in
June, while sunshine is a coveted commodity ranging narrowly from 3.7 hours in February to 7.6 hours in July.
Unusual patterns can be observed in cloud percentage and visibility. Cloud coverage peaks in December at 63% and dips to a yearly low of 51% in September. Visibility remains high most of the year but sees reduced figures in
April and June where it drops to 8 km.
The best time to visit Oxford
If looking to enjoy pleasant temperatures and the most extensive daylight hours,
June emerges as the ideal time to visit. During this month, the city experiences an average high temperature of 18.3°C (64.9°F), while benefiting from maximum daylight hours of 16.6. June also offers an average of 7.2 sunshine hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits. Relative humidity stands at 84%, maintaining a comfortable environment for visitors.
The worst time to visit Oxford
Those who are not fond of cold temperatures or reduced daylight may find
January less appealing. The temperature plunges to an average low of 1.4°C (34.5°F), and daylight is restricted to 8.4 hours. However, anyone charmed by the sight of a snowy
Oxford may overlook this drawback since January records a snowfall level of 10mm (0.39").
Spring weather in Oxford
Spring in
Oxford emerges gradually, signaling the end of winter. Beginning in
March, the top temperature rises moderately from 7°C (44.6°F) to 9.9°C (49.8°F) in March, reaching 13.1°C (55.6°F) in
April, and capping at 15.5°C (59.9°F) in
May. Alongside temperature, daylight expands from 11.9 hours in March to 15.7 hours in May. Despite these changes, precipitation remains steady ranging between 18mm (0.71") to 24mm (0.94"), showing consistency throughout spring.
Summer weather in Oxford
Oxford's summer commences in
June, where the upper temperature steadily ascends from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F) in
July.
August maintains a similar peak at 20.2°C (68.4°F). Daylight during this period is abundant, reaching over 16 hours in June and July. However, the summer period isn't devoid of precipitation, with rainfall levels peaking at 35mm (1.38") in August.
Autumn weather in Oxford
As leaves start changing colors,
Oxford welcomes the start of autumn by bidding farewell to the balmy summer heat. This period witnesses a gradual drop in temperatures from a high of 18°C (64.4°F) in
September to 9.5°C (49.1°F) by
November. Daylight hours also dwindle from 12.6 hours in September to 8.9 hours in November. The precipitation level sees a rise, peaking at 36mm (1.42") in November.
Winter weather in Oxford
The onset of winter introduces a chilling shift in
Oxford's climate. From
December to
February, the city experiences average low temperatures of between 2.6°C (36.7°F) to 1.4°C (34.5°F). Daylight shrinks to its yearly minimum, with the darkest month, December, receiving just 7.9 hours of daylight. Despite the chill, the city only sees a modest level of snowfall, peaking at 19mm (0.75") in February.
Weather in January
Chilly
January in
Oxford,
United Kingdom, features drops in temperature as cold as 1.4°C (34.5°F) and sporadic snowfall reaching 10mm (0.39") in volume. This beginning of the year period is characterized by cool conditioned weather, with frost being a common sight in the mornings.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February in
Oxford sees a slight increase in temperature, with the rise in snowfall being a standout characteristic, reaching 19mm (0.75") in volume. The ambient conditions in February continue to remain on the colder side, however, the daylight hours slowly start to increase.
Weather in February »Weather in March
When
March comes around in
Oxford, marked by a rise in temperature and a significant decrease in snowfall to 3mm (0.12"), spring starts showing its early signs. The cooling yet pleasant climate of March is a welcome break from the chill of winter.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Oxford signifies the middle of spring, with no noted snowfall and warmer temperatures compared to the previous months. Refreshing breezes and heightened daylight become more apparent throughout April, offering a delightful climate for outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May progresses in
Oxford, the temperatures enhance further, signifying the approach of summer, yet rain persists, reaching up to 24mm (0.94"). The month of May welcomes extended daylight hours, providing ample sunlight to the city.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Oxford,
United Kingdom, signals the start of summer with temperatures consistently rising, and rainfall making a notable increase up to 33mm (1.3"). The arrival of summer brings warmth and abundant daylight to the area, enhancing the beauty of natural landscapes.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Summer reaches its peak in
July, hitting the highest temperatures and witnessing an average rainfall of 28mm (1.1"), yet it is still lesser than
June's 33mm (1.3") rainfall. This mid-summer month in
Oxford generally promises abundant sunshine and considerably longer daylight hours.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August,
Oxford experiences a slight decrease in temperatures, with the rainfall peaking at 35mm (1.38"), making it the wettest month of the year. August is typically characterized by its mixed weather conditions; while maintaining summers inherent warmth, it also witnesses the highest rainfall of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Oxford marks the arrival of autumn, with temperatures continuing to dip, and the rainfall reducing notably to 18mm (0.71"). The fall atmosphere begins to emerge, with shorter daylight hours and longer shadows. A gradual change in the environment can be noticed, with leaves starting to change their hues.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The autumn season progresses in
October, with temperatures continuing to drop in
Oxford. In contrast to
September, the rainfall increases to 31mm (1.22"), signaling the approach of winter. The city dons a myriad of hues, rendering a picturesque scene as the leaves continue to change color.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Oxford marks a significant drop in temperature, and an increase in rainfall to 36mm (1.42"), reaching its second rainfall peak of the year. This pre-winter month brings noticeable change as the temperature continues to fall, and daylight hours get drastically shorter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The final month of the year,
December in
Oxford, brings a further drop in temperature, and occasional snowfall of up to 8mm (0.31") occurs, indicating the solid presence of winter. The festive month of December sees an increase in cloud cover along with shorter daylight hours.
Weather in December »