Last updated: March 17, 2025
December in Cambridge, United Kingdom, presents a chilly yet captivating atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 15°C (59°F) to a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). This month typically sees around 80 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation, spread over approximately 15 days, creating a damp ambiance accentuated by high humidity levels of 88%. Although the weather may be brisk, the charm of Cambridge during December is undeniable, inviting both locals and visitors to explore its historic streets and cozy cafés amid the seasonal chill.
In December, Cambridge experiences a cool transition into winter, with temperatures typically ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F). This month sees an average temperature of 6°C (43°F), marking a slight dip compared to the more moderate autumn months. As the year draws to a close, the chilly air sets the stage for cozy gatherings and festive cheer. Interestingly, December's temperatures reflect the decreasing trend in warmth as winter approaches, offering a stark contrast to the milder conditions of earlier months like November, where the average was a brisk 8°C (46°F). While frosty nights become the norm, daytime highs still provide a comfortable, albeit cool, backdrop for enjoying the festive season and exploring the enchanting charm of this historic city.
December in Cambridge, United Kingdom, marks a notable increase in precipitation, with 80 mm (3.2 in) of rain spread across 15 days—the highest monthly total of the year. This uptick contrasts sharply with the drier autumn months, as November recorded just 49 mm (1.9 in) over 10 days. The trend showcases a transition into winter, where the frequency of rainy days peaks, contributing to a damp, chilly atmosphere that characterizes the festive season. As the year draws to a close, Cambridge residents can expect more gray skies and the rhythmic patter of rain, reinforcing the city’s reputation for its cool, moist climate.
In Cambridge, United Kingdom, December wraps up the year with a modest humidity of 88%, slightly dipping from the November high of 89%. This pattern reflects a gradual decline from the peak summer months, where humidity levels hovered around 78% to 79% in July and August. As the colder months approach, humidity tends to rise again, peaking around January. Notably, the winter months generally maintain higher humidity levels, with January and February also remaining above 85%. This rhythmic fluctuation signifies a balance between the chill of winter and the residual moisture lingering in the air from the previous seasons, contributing to the characteristic dampness often associated with the British winter.
As December rolls in, Cambridge experiences a significant dip in the UV Index, registering at 1, which falls into the low exposure category. This trend marks a safe retreat from the higher indices of summer months, where values soared to 8 in June and July, indicating very high exposure and necessitating a burn time of just 15 minutes. In contrast, the end of the year offers a more forgiving environment for sun exposure, allowing for up to 45 minutes without the risk of sunburn. As the seasons change, the UV Index in Cambridge illustrates an annual rhythm, with winter months inviting a cozy reprieve from the sun's intensity. For detailed insights on daily UV levels, check out Cambridge UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In December, Cambridge basks in a modest 101 hours of sunshine, marking a stark contrast to the vibrant light of the spring and summer months. As the year closes, daylight dwindles significantly from 381 hours in July, reflecting the seasonal retreat of sunlight. This month’s sunshine is a subtle reminder of winter’s grip, following the rich tapestry of brightness experienced throughout the year, with the peak in May at 378 hours. The gradual decline from the radiant summertime to December's cooler glow illustrates a rhythmic ebb and flow of light, reminding residents and visitors alike that even the darkest days are part of nature’s cyclic beauty.
In December, the likelihood of sunny weather in Cambridge, United Kingdom, drops to a modest 16%, making it the month with the least chance of sun throughout the year. This decline in sunlit days is part of a noticeable trend as the seasons shift; the preceding months show a gradual increase, peaking in April at 46%. Following the vibrant spring, the chances begin to dwindle again, with November seeing a moderate 31%, before plummeting to the chilly depths of December. As the year wraps up, it seems that Cambridge residents may have to embrace the charm of winter with fewer sun-drenched days ahead.
As the year draws to a close, December in Cambridge, United Kingdom, brings a notable dip in daylight, offering just 7 hours of sunlight—less than any other month. This gradual decline begins in late fall, where November also sees a mere 8 hours of light. The transition from the bright summer days of 16 hours in June and July is stark, emphasizing the seasonal ebb and flow of daylight. As we move from the longer days of spring and summer to the shorter, darker winter months, December heralds the year's twilight, inviting cozy evenings as the light wanes and the nights lengthen, serving as a reminder of the cycle of the seasons.
As December settles over Cambridge, the wind picks up its pace, averaging 4.8 m/s (11 mph), a trend that mirrors the gusts felt in both October and February. This increase in wind speed, alongside the notable dip observed in the summer months, suggests that winter is making its presence known, bringing with it a brisk chill that invigorates the city. Interestingly, while the spring months show a gentle tapering off in wind speeds, December's robust airflow signals a shift towards the more turbulent winter season. With the holiday spirit in the air, the cool breezes of December carry whispers of festivity, making for a striking backdrop against the historical tapestry of this vibrant university town.
The weather in Cambridge changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Cambridge and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (27°F) to a mild 15°C (59°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 80 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days, and the humidity remains high at 88%. In contrast, January brings slightly colder temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (24°F) and an average of 5°C (41°F), though it shares the same maximum of 15°C (59°F) as December. Precipitation decreases to 50 mm (2.0 in), spread over just 9 days, and humidity remains similar at 89%. For more detailed information, visit Cambridge weather in January.
December typically experiences milder temperatures compared to February, with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). However, it also has a chilling minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F) and higher precipitation levels, totaling 80 mm (3.2 in) over about 15 days. In contrast, February shows a slightly colder minimum of -8°C (18°F) but peaks at a higher maximum of 18°C (65°F) while boasting lower precipitation levels at 47 mm (1.8 in) across 10 days. Despite the slight drop in humidity, which stands at 87% in February compared to 88% in December, both months maintain a similar average temperature. For more detailed information on February weather, check out Cambridge weather in February.
In December, the weather tends to be quite chilly, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, with about 80 mm (3.2 in) spread over 15 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 88%. In contrast, March sees slightly milder conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation in March is lower at 53 mm (2.1 in) and occurs across 13 days, coupled with a slightly lower humidity of 86%. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can check Cambridge weather in March.
December and April present quite different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (27°F) at their lowest to a max of 15°C (59°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 80 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 15 days, and humidity levels are quite high at 88%. In contrast, April sees milder conditions with temperatures fluctuating between -2°C (28°F) and reaching up to 27°C (81°F), averaging around 9°C (49°F). Precipitation is significantly lower at 32 mm (1.3 in) across just 8 days, and humidity is slightly reduced at 85%. For more detailed insights on April weather, you can visit Cambridge weather in April.
December and May present quite contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). The month tends to be quite damp, with around 80 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation spread over 15 days and a high humidity level of 88%. In comparison, May experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 27°C (82°F), averaging at 13°C (55°F). Although May sees less rainfall at 66 mm (2.6 in) across 11 days, the humidity is slightly lower at 83%. These differences highlight the transition from the cold, wet conditions of winter in December to the warmer, more pleasant weather of late spring in May. For more specific weather information about May, you can visit Cambridge weather in May.
December and June present strikingly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -3°C (27°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and highs reaching only 15°C (59°F). This month is characterized by higher humidity at 88% and considerable precipitation, averaging 80 mm (3.2 in) across 15 days. In contrast, June enjoys milder weather, with minimum temperatures around 7°C (44°F) and average highs of 30°C (87°F), offering a more pleasant climate with an average of 16°C (62°F). Rainfall is less frequent in June, totaling 69 mm (2.7 in) over just 10 days and a lower humidity level of 83%. For more details on June weather, you can refer to Cambridge weather in June.
December and July present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -3°C (27°F) to a milder maximum of 15°C (59°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 80 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days and boasts high humidity at 88%. In stark contrast, July features much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 18°C (65°F), and a peak of 36°C (97°F). Precipitation in July is less frequent, totaling 65 mm (2.6 in) across 12 days, and the humidity level is lower at 79%. For more details, visit Cambridge weather in July.
December and August present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (27°F) to a mild 15°C (59°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F), accompanied by frequent precipitation over 15 days and high humidity at 88%. In contrast, August boasts a much warmer climate, with temperatures starting at 8°C (47°F) and reaching as high as 34°C (94°F), averaging around 18°C (64°F). Despite slightly less rainfall, with 70 mm (2.8 in) over 12 days, the humidity remains lower at 78%. For more detailed information, you can check Cambridge weather in August.
December and September showcase distinctly different weather patterns. December experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), compared to September's milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to an average of 15°C (59°F) and peak at 29°C (85°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, occurring on about 15 days and totaling 80 mm (3.2 in), whereas September sees less rain, with 52 mm (2.1 in) spread over 10 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 88%, compared to September's 84%, emphasizing the chillier and more damp conditions of the winter month. For a closer look at September weather, you can refer to Cambridge weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, notable differences arise in both temperature and precipitation. December experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C and an average high of 15°C, whereas October's temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C to a more pleasant maximum of 24°C. Precipitation levels are quite similar, with December receiving 80 mm over 15 days and October slightly less at 79 mm across 12 days. Additionally, both months share the same humidity level of 88%. For more detailed insights into October weather, you can check Cambridge weather in October.
In comparing the weather of December and November, December showcases a slightly colder range, with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F) compared to November's 8°C (46°F). Both months experience chilly minimum temperatures, with December dipping to -3°C (27°F) and November to -2°C (28°F). Additionally, December has higher precipitation levels, totaling 80 mm (3.2 in) over 15 days, while November sees only 49 mm (1.9 in) over 10 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent, with December at 88% and November at 89%. For more details on November's weather, visit Cambridge weather in November.
As December settles in, Cambridge experiences a distinct shift in weather that sets it apart from the milder months of autumn. The chill in the air is palpable, with colder temperatures, and the city's charm is often cloaked in a blanket of overcast skies and persistent humidity. Frequent rainfall adds to the wintry ambiance, making it one of the wetter months of the year. Despite the lower temperatures and increased likelihood of precipitation, December brings a unique beauty to Cambridge, inviting visitors to embrace the cozy spirit of the season. To learn more about why December stands out among the months, visit Cambridge Climate.