The climate of Cambridge
Situated in the
United Kingdom,
Cambridge experiences the influence of a Marine west coast, warm summer climate, as classified by the Köppen climate system under the category Cfb. Temperatures annually vary from a minimum 1.7°C to a maximum of 21.3°C, exhibiting a reasonably moderate climate throughout the year. The hottest months typically are
July and
August with a peak temperature of 21.3°C, whilst the coldest are
January and
February, with a low of 1.7°C and 2.1°C, respectively.
In terms of rainfall, Cambridge receives an annual average of 25mm to 48mm, with heavier downpours occurring from
May to July. The proportion of cloudy days hovers around 48% to 61% annually while the average relative humidity ranges from 75% to 90%. Throughout the year, wind speeds vary between a standard of 12.7km/h to a maximum of 18.5km/h.
Although snowfall is minimal and confined to the winter months with a maximum of 14mm in February, the intriguing factor is the frequency of days with sunshine. Regardless of season, there is a consistent display of sunshine that ranges from 4.2 hours to 8.1 hours per day over a period of 9.6 to 15.5 days each month.
The best time to visit Cambridge
It would seem that the period between
May to
September is quite favorable for visiting
Cambridge. These months manifest the most pleasant climate with an average maximum temperature between 15.9°C to 21.3°C. Rainfall during this period is a bit on the high side, reaching 48mm in
June, but this gets balanced out by a substantial amount of sunshine received. An average of 15.7 hours to 16.7 hours of daylight in these months offers magnificent opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Cambridge
Potential visitors might find the winter months of
December to
February less appealing due to its cold climate. Average temperatures can drop to 1.7°C - 3.1°C and the city experiences the highest rainfall, reaching 35mm in December. Furthermore, snowfall, albeit intermittent and in small measures, occurs during this period, making outdoor exploration quite daunting.
Spring weather in Cambridge
Cambridge's spring climate from
March to
May marks the city's transition from the cold of winter to the warmth of summer. The temperatures rise gradually from 3.1°C to 15.9°C, resulting in a comfortable climate for outdoor pursuits. However, rainfall increases, peaking at 32mm in May. The increase in daylight hours from 11.9 hours to 15.7 hours provides longer periods for exploration of the city.
Summer weather in Cambridge
The summer months from
June to
August denote the zenith of
Cambridge's annual climate. The temperatures rise to a yearly high between 18.4°C to 21.3°C. These months see the highest rainfall, reaching 48mm in June. However, the city also receives 16.7 hours to 16.2 hours of daily sunlight. Despite the high rainfall, Cambridge lays out an enjoyable summer weather landscape for visitors.
Autumn weather in Cambridge
Autumn weather in
Cambridge during
September to
November portrays a climate transitioning from the heat of summer to the chill of winter. The temperature lowers gradually from 18.5°C to 9.6°C. Rainfall is lower compared to summer, dropping from 22mm in September to 29mm in November. Despite the changing weather, the city often enjoys a considerable amount of sunlight during autumn.
Winter weather in Cambridge
The winter weather in
Cambridge from
December to
February is profoundly cold with temperatures dropping to a chilling low between 1.7°C to 3.1°C. The city experiences its highest rainfall, with an uptick to 35mm in December. Despite the bracing cold and mild snowfall, Cambridge still manages to receive ample sunshine with daylight hours ranging between 7.8 hours to 8.3 hours. Nonetheless, the winter season presents an invigorating albeit frosty landscape in the city.
Weather in January
Stepping into the new year, the atmosphere in
Cambridge,
United Kingdom slightly warms up from the chilly festive season. Temperatures vary considerably during the day, with noticeable differences in highs and lows. The amount of snowfall goes down considerably from
December, with the city witnessing only 14mm of snow throughout the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Cambridge in
February often feels colder, despite quite similar temperatures to
January's. The air pressure in the city is relatively stable, while cloud cover often reaches slightly above 60%. Snowfall, at 23mm, is slightly higher than the previous month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Spring announces its arrival in
March, with the weather in
Cambridge taking a turn for the better. The city gets about 20mm less snowfall than
February, but the rainfall levels remain almost the same. The number of sunshine hours per day increases significantly, from 3.7 hours in February to 5.7 hours in March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Cambridge sees a notable drop in rainfall and snowfall, ensuring dry and reasonably comfortable weather. Average temperatures rise, with the afternoons growing warmer and the nights less gnawing. From 3.1°C in
March, April's low temperatures rise up to 4.8°C.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May introduces a warmer and more relaxed atmosphere in
Cambridge, with significantly warmer temperatures than
April. Rainfall amounts record a jump, indicating the onset of early summer showers. However, a total of 15.7 hours of daylight ensures that the wet days are balanced by a warm and bright environment.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings in the summer, with an increase in temperature, and thereby a rise in humidity levels.
Cambridge experiences a spike in rainfall, with about 48mm accumulating over the course of the month. Even though rainfall increases in June, the city enjoys the longest daylight hours of the year, providing residents ample time to soak in the summer sun.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Cambridge experiences the highest average temperature of the year. The city witnesses about 21.3°C in the afternoon, as it basks in the peak of summer. July also brings the maximum number of rainy days across the year, with an average of 19.6 days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As
August rolls in,
Cambridge weather continues to enjoy summer's warmth, maintaining the high-temperature pattern from
July. While the rainfall lessens slightly compared to the previous month, it is still considerably high. The length of daylight decreases, signaling the end of summer and the approaching autumn.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in the early signs of autumn in
Cambridge while still carrying the warmth from summer. With the average high temperature dropping to around 18.5°C, Cambridge experiences comfortably mild days. Rainfall decreases notably, and so does the number of rainy days compared to
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Cambridge is marked distinctly by shorter days and increased cloud cover. As the wind speed picks up and temperature drops, the autumn chill grows more pronounced. While the average high temperature decreases to around 14.5°C, the city witnesses a slight rainfall increase.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signals the cold season's arrival, with considerably cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours in
Cambridge. While the wind speed continues to increase from the previous month, the first hints of snow start to appear.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Cambridge sees significant snowfall of about 11mm, a contrast to
November which experiences almost none. As the wind speed reaches around 18.5km/h, the chill factor increases. The average high temperature drops to 7°C, marking the onset of the coldest time of the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]