The climate of Reading
Snuggled in the
United Kingdom, the climate in
Reading is classified as warm and temperate under the Köppen climate classification. It falls within the Cfb zone, characterized generally by marine west coast conditions and relatively warm summers. Throughout the annual cycle, several shifts in climate metrics are discernible, indicating the town's highly seasonal weather.
Ranging from a low of 1.8°C (35.2°F) in
January to a high of 21.4°C (70.5°F) in
July, temperatures manifest distinct, seasonally-driven variations. High temperatures average from 6.6°C (43.9°F) in January and peak at 21.4°C (70.5°F) in July. The lows, on the other hand, exhibit a similar pattern, rising from 1.8°C (35.2°F) in January to reach a peak of 12.8°C (55°F) in
August.
Accompanying these thermal fluctuations are changes in humidity levels, with the average relative humidity swings between 79% from July to August to 90% in
December. Precipitation records also indicate an undulating pattern. Rainfall amounts peak at 36mm (1.42") in
November and take a dip to 17mm (0.67") in
September, while the number of rainfall days veers between 10.3 days in September and 15.9 days in July.
The occurrence of snowfall in Reading mostly concentrates in the first quarter and the last month of the year. Within these periods, snowfall amounts rise from 1mm (0.04") in November to 11mm (0.43") in
February and the snowfall days increase from 0.2 days in November to 2.9 days in February.
The best time to visit Reading
A visit to
Reading between
May and
August guarantees encounters with the warmest season. Enjoying average high temperatures of 16.1°C (61°F) to 21.4°C (70.5°F), summer engenders an ambience perfect for outdoor activities. Moreover, the average sunshine hours slightly peak at this period, stepping up from 7.2 hours in May to 7.9 hours in
July. Sunshine days during this period are ranging from 11.7 in July to 17.7 in
September. UV index hints towards a moderate level at this period with most months having a UV index of 4 while July has the highest at 5.
The worst time to visit Reading
The period fraught with the most uncomfortable weather conditions falls between
November and
February. Cold weather settles in, with average low temperatures ranging from 3.2°C (37.8°F) to 5.3°C (41.5°F) and high temperatures wavering between 6.6°C (43.9°F) to 10.1°C (50.2°F). Not only does the winter season register low temperatures, but it also comes along with the year's highest relative humidity, peaking at 90% in
December. In addition, both rainfall amounts and days record at its highest between these months.
Spring weather in Reading
Spring sees a gradual increase in temperatures from 10.2°C (50.4°F) in
March to 16.1°C (61°F) in
May for the high temperatures, and 2.7°C (36.9°F) to 6.9°C (44.4°F) for the low temperatures. Likewise, spring experiences a moderate amount of rainfall, from 19mm (0.75") in March to 22mm (0.87") in May, with rainfall days continuing their gradual increase pattern from 11.3 to 13.8 days within the same period. Shifts in brightness are evident as daylight hours increase from 11.9 hours to 15.6 hours between the spring months.
Summer weather in Reading
Summer presents breathtaking weather patterns. The average highest temperature stands at 21.4°C (70.5°F) in
July and lowest at 12.3°C (54.1°F) in July. The rainfall pattern portrays a moderate increase from 22mm (0.87") in
May to 32mm (1.26") in
August with rainfall days slightly increasing from 13.8 days in May to 15.9 days in July. Daylight hours enjoy a slight increase peaking at 16.5 hours in
June while the average sunshine hours remain moderately constant at around 7.4 hours.
Autumn weather in Reading
Autumn in
Reading ushers in a pronounced drop in temperatures. The high temperature plunges from 18.4°C (65.1°F) in
September to 10.1°C (50.2°F) in
November, mirroring a similar trend with the lows that plummet from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 5.3°C (41.5°F) within the same period. Subsequent to this thermal shift, the average rainfall is at the peak with 36mm (1.42") registered in November. Rain days are fairly high ranging from 10.3 days to 12.8 days within this season.
Winter weather in Reading
Winters in
Reading are dominated by cold temperatures, with the average high temperatures dipping to 7.6°C (45.7°F) in
December from 10.1°C (50.2°F) in
November. Low temperatures descend to 3.2°C (37.8°F) in December from a November average of 5.3°C (41.5°F). The chilly conditions coincide with a prevalent moisture atmosphere, with relative humidity peaking at 90% in December. Rainfall amount persistently high during this season, reaching 33mm (1.3") in December, and a similar trend is observed in a number of rainfall days. Snowfall occurrence peaks in this period, registering 7mm (0.28") in December and an average of 1.4 snowfall days.
Weather in January
Weather in
January in
Reading,
United Kingdom, tends to be rather cold and damp, often with chances of snow. The highest average temperatures gravitate towards 6.6°C (43.9°F), while on the low end it drops to 1.8°C (35.2°F), with an average snowfall measuring 9mm (0.35"), higher than much of the adjacent months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar moves to
February, so does the weather pattern, albeit with slight improvements. Readers can expect a minor rise in average high temperatures to 7.3°C (45.1°F) and a low of 2.1°C (35.8°F), which offers a moderate relief from the frigid weather of
January, particularly towards the end of the month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The start of the spring season in
March brings further enhancements to
Reading's weather conditions, with temperatures trending upwards and snowfall becoming virtually non-existent. Average high temperatures continue to escalate, leading the charge towards 10.2°C (50.4°F), with lows sitting at 2.7°C (36.9°F), offering cool but not uncomfortably cold nights.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April continues the journey to bullish conditions, as the city's weather steps out of winter's shadow.
Reading sees increased levels of sunshine and longer daylight hours changing the overall weather pattern. Temperature highs reach a comfortable 13.4°C (56.1°F) with the lows still chilly at 4.5°C (40.1°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May in
Reading is characterized by the real emergence of spring. It typically commands the city's transition to warmth and brightness. Weather conditions continue to improve astronomically, with an increase in the levels of sunshine and daylight hours.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The arrival of
June marks the start of summer in
Reading, with some of the most pleasant weather conditions experienced throughout the year. This is when temperatures start soaring well into the high zone. The city is treated to average high temperatures of 19°C (66.2°F) and relatively warm nights with lows averaging 9.8°C (49.6°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July comfortably sits in the heart of the summer season in
Reading, typically offering the warmest weather. The city shakes off any lingering chill, clocking in an average high temperature of 21.4°C (70.5°F) and an impressive low of 12.3°C (54.1°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signals the end toast of the summer season in
Reading, with weather that is typically warm and humid. Although conditions are still favorable for outdoor activities, there is a slight dip in temperatures. Despite the trivial temperature decline, the city still enjoys a generous high of 20.8°C (69.4°F) and a comfy low of 12.8°C (55°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September welcomes the advent of the autumn season in
Reading. Weather conditions undergo noticeable change, with temperatures declining and rainfall becoming more prevalent. The heat of the summer significantly dwindles with average high temperatures settling at 18.4°C (65.1°F) and lows at 10.4°C (50.7°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Reading is characterized by the full swing of the autumn season. A steady decline in temperature is eminent, with average highs descending to a cooler 14.6°C (58.3°F), partnered by average lows of 8.6°C (47.5°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees
Reading make a reluctant shift from the fresh autumn season to the harsh winter. The comfortable warmth fades, with temperatures dropping significantly. Weather pattern changes, seeing highs hovering around 10.1°C (50.2°F), and lows drop to an increasingly chilly 5.3°C (41.5°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Reading marks the official onset of the winter season, bringing with it notably colder weather and shorter days. The average high drops to 7.6°C (45.7°F) with crisp and chilly lows at 3.2°C (37.8°F), often coupled with bouts of snowfall, averaging 7mm (0.28") for the month.
Weather in December » [Resources]