December Weather in Oxford, United Kingdom

Last updated: March 17, 2025

In December, Oxford, United Kingdom, experiences a chilly climate with a maximum temperature reaching 14°C (58°F), while the average temperature hovers around 6°C (43°F) and can dip to a brisk minimum of -5°C (24°F). This month marks a notable increase in precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days, creating a lush and refreshing atmosphere, albeit with a high humidity level of 92%. Visitors can expect a mix of crisp winter air and occasional rain, perfect for cozy indoor activities as well as scenic strolls through the historic city.

December Temperature in Oxford

In December, temperatures in Oxford, United Kingdom begin to dip into the chill of winter, with minimums reaching as low as -5°C (24°F). The average temperature settles around 6°C (43°F), providing a brisk backdrop for the festive season. Despite the cold, daytime highs can still reach 14°C (58°F), offering a mild respite from the sharp winter air. As the year winds down, these patterns signal a significant drop compared to the preceding months, echoing the transition into deeper winter while retaining a hint of seasonal warmth during the day. Visitors are advised to bundle up, as the cooler evenings can be quite frosty, encapsulating the quintessential December experience in this historic city.

December Weather in Oxford: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Oxford, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec404245485461646358524643
Data source: Temperature data for Oxford generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

December Precipitation in Oxford

December in Oxford, United Kingdom, comes with a notable increase in precipitation, as the month records an average of 83 mm (3.3 in) of rainfall over 15 days—the highest count of wet days in the year. This spike in precipitation contrasts with the drier months of spring, highlighting a shift as winter sets in. Compared to November’s 57 mm over 12 days, December brings not only more rain but also a longer stretch of dreary weather, painting a typical picture of a British winter. As the year wraps up, these damp conditions contribute to Oxford's atmospheric charm, inviting cozy indoor pursuits while the outdoors becomes a tapestry of winter's embrace.

December Precipitation Trends in Oxford

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Oxford, with values for each month alongside December's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how December's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec515160386674647153955783
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

December Humidity in Oxford

In December, Oxford experiences a notable increase in humidity, reaching 92%, which aligns closely with the higher humidity levels of the preceding months, particularly November, also at 92%. This trend reflects the city's winter climate, where cooler temperatures typically contribute to elevated moisture levels in the air. As the year comes to a close, humidity gradually rises from the 71% recorded in the warmer July, peaking in late autumn and early winter. The consistent humidity throughout this period not only enhances Oxford's characteristic chill but also sets the stage for the cozy aesthetics of the city during the festive season.

December Average Humidity in Oxford

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Oxford, with December's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how December's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec91%89%86%85%79%81%71%76%82%91%92%92%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Oxford

In December, Oxford experiences a notably low UV Index of 1, suggesting minimal sun exposure is needed to avoid sunburn, with a burn time of up to 45 minutes. This trend aligns with the earlier months of winter, where the UV levels remain subdued, characterized by low exposure categories. As the year progresses from winter into spring and summer, the UV Index steadily climbs, reaching its peak during the sun-drenched months of June and July, where it hits a staggering 8. This seasonal cycle highlights the importance of adapting sun protection strategies as the UV levels fluctuate throughout the year. For detailed insights, check out the Oxford UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Oxford for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Oxford in December, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec124678876421
Data source: Oxford December UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

December Sunshine in Oxford

In December, Oxford enjoys a modest 111 hours of sunshine, bringing a gentle conclusion to the year as days grow shorter. Following the vibrant glow of summer—where July averages a generous 397 hours—the city sees a gradual decline in daylight through the autumn months, eventually reaching this lower December count. Interestingly, while November offers a somewhat dull 144 hours, the transition into winter is relatively gentle, allowing Oxford to bask in lingering daylight before the deep winter sets in. This trend of diminishing sunlight, particularly pronounced from June to December, highlights the seasonal rhythm of the English climate, where each month brings its own character, encouraging residents to cherish every flicker of warmth during these colder times.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Oxford: December Highlighted

The December sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Oxford experiences direct sunlight during the month of December, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of December with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec98h146h203h313h388h377h397h359h293h237h144h111h
Data source: Oxford December Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Oxford During December

In Oxford, United Kingdom, the likelihood of sunny weather in December is notably low, with only a 16% chance of sunshine, marking it as one of the gloomiest months of the year. Comparing this to other months reveals a clear trend: winter descends with reduced sunlight, especially when contrasted with the more vibrant spring months, where the chance of sun leaps to 50% in April. Even in the preceding months, such as November, the probability is more promising at 31%. As the year winds down, December clearly sets the stage for overcast days, reflecting the transition from autumn to the depth of winter—a time when residents may find themselves longing for the returning light of spring.

Percentage of Sunny Days in December in Oxford

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Oxford throughout the year, with December highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Oxford experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec21%24%26%50%31%25%36%22%27%24%31%16%
Data source: Oxford December chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Oxford in December

As winter sets in, December in Oxford marks the transition into the shortest days of the year, with daylight lasting a mere 7 hours. This decline in daylight follows a gradual decrease from the summer months, where June and July enjoy the longest stretches of sunlight, providing 16 hours of brightness. As the year progresses into autumn, daylight wanes, dipping to 8 hours in November before plunging further in December. The contrast is stark when compared to the longer days of spring and summer months like May and April, which boast nearly 15 and 13 hours of daylight respectively. This yearly rhythm reveals a fascinating fluctuation in sunlight that shapes the experience of the seasons in Oxford, making the arrival of spring all the more welcome after the dark days of December.

Average Daylight Hours in Oxford for December

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Oxford throughout the year, with December highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec8h 22m9h 57m11h 55m13h 54m15h 39m16h 34m16h 4m14h 30m12h 35m10h 36m8h 49m7h 52m
Data source: Oxford daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

December Winds in Oxford

As December rolls into Oxford, the air takes on a brisk energy, with average wind speeds reaching 4.6 m/s (10 mph), mirroring the gusts felt in October. This increase in wind velocity heralds the arrival of winter, standing in contrast to the calming breezes of the summer months, where speeds dipped as low as 3.2 m/s (7 mph) in July and June. Throughout the autumn, wind speeds fluctuated slightly, but December's consistent freshness serves as a reminder that the new year is on the horizon. The shift from the softer April and May winds captures the essence of change, making December a month where the chill in the air is not only a herald of winter but also a call to embrace the lively spirit of the season.

Average December Wind Speed in Oxford

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Oxford, with values for each month shown alongside December's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how December's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4.45.14.53.44.23.33.23.83.54.64.04.6 m/s
Data source: Oxford December wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How December Weather in Oxford Compares to Other Months

The weather in Oxford 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 Oxford and find detailed weather information for every month.

December weather typically features slightly colder temperatures, with an average minimum of -5°C (24°F) compared to January's -4°C (26°F). Both months experience similar maximum temperatures, reaching up to 14°C (58°F). However, December is noticeably wetter, receiving 83 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 15 days, while January has only 51 mm (2.0 in) across just 9 days. Humidity remains comparably high, at 92% in December and 91% in January. For a more detailed look at January weather in Oxford, visit Oxford weather in January.

December and February exhibit notable differences in weather conditions, despite having similar average temperatures. December experiences a slightly warmer average at 6°C (43°F), with maximum temperatures reaching 14°C (58°F). However, it also brings colder minimum temperatures that can drop to -5°C (24°F) and higher precipitation levels of 83 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days, coupled with high humidity at 92%. In contrast, February shows a marginally colder minimum temperature of -6°C (22°F) but can reach a higher maximum of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 51 mm (2.0 in) over 11 days, with humidity slightly lower at 89%. For more details, you can explore Oxford weather in February.

December and March exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 92% and frequent precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days. In contrast, March experiences slightly lower minimum temperatures at -6°C (22°F) but can reach up to a maximum of 21°C (71°F), with an average of 7°C (45°F). Precipitation in March is less, totaling 60 mm (2.4 in) over 13 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 86%. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can visit Oxford weather in March.

December and April present contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures typically range from a chilly -5°C (24°F) to a mild 14°C (58°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, averaging 83 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 15 days, accompanied by high humidity at 92%. In stark contrast, April experiences a more moderate climate, with temperatures varying from -3°C (27°F) to a warm 26°C (79°F), averaging around 9°C (49°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 38 mm (1.5 in) across just 8 days, and humidity decreases slightly to 85%. For a detailed look at April weather in Oxford, you can check Oxford weather in April.

In December, the weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). This month experiences relatively high humidity at 92% and significant precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days. In contrast, May brings milder conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). The precipitation in May is lower, at 66 mm (2.6 in) spread over just 11 days, and the humidity decreases to 79%. For more detailed information about the weather in May, please visit Oxford weather in May.

In December, the weather is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -5°C (24°F) to a mild 14°C (58°F), resulting in an average of 6°C (43°F). This month experiences more precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 15 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 92%. In contrast, June brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F), an average of 16°C (61°F), and a maximum of 31°C (87°F). The precipitation in June is slightly lower at 74 mm (2.9 in) over about 12 days, with humidity decreasing to 80%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Oxford weather in June.

In December, temperatures in Oxford can dip as low as -5°C (24°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum reaching 14°C (58°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 15 days, coupled with high humidity at 92%. In contrast, July brings warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation is less frequent, accumulating to 64 mm (2.5 in) across 12 days, along with lower humidity levels at 71%. Overall, December's chill and dampness starkly contrast with July's warmth and relatively drier climate. For more detailed information, you can refer to Oxford weather in July.

In December, the weather is significantly colder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences a high level of humidity at 92% and substantial precipitation of 83 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 15 days. In contrast, August offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a low of 7°C (46°F) to a warm high of 33°C (92°F), averaging around 17°C (63°F). Although August also sees some rainfall, it totals less at 71 mm (2.8 in) and occurs over 12 days, with a lower humidity level of 76%. For more details about weather conditions in August, you can visit Oxford weather in August.

In comparing the weather of December and September, we see significant differences in temperature and precipitation. December experiences much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -5°C (24°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), while September remains milder, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, falling on 15 days and totaling 83 mm (3.3 in), compared to September's 9 days of rain and 53 mm (2.1 in). Humidity levels are also higher in December at 92%, compared to 82% in September. For more information about September's weather, you can check out Oxford weather in September.

In comparing the weather of December and October, December tends to be significantly colder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), while October has a milder climate with temperatures from 0°C (32°F) to 23°C (73°F). Although both months see a fair amount of precipitation, December experiences slightly less rainfall, averaging 83 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days compared to October's 95 mm (3.7 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels are relatively high in both months, with December at 92% and October at 90%, which can contribute to a damp chill in December’s colder temperatures. For more details, you can check Oxford weather in October.

In comparing the weather of December to that of November, December tends to be colder, with average temperatures dropping from 8°C (46°F) in November to 6°C (43°F). The minimum temperatures plunge further, with December reaching -5°C (24°F) compared to November's -2°C (28°F). Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over 15 days, while November has 57 mm (2.2 in) over 12 days. Despite these differences, both months share a high humidity level at 92%. For a closer look at weather specifics during November, check out Oxford weather in November.

Compare Oxford's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From December Weather in Oxford

As December rolls in, Oxford transforms with a chill that distinguishes it from the milder months of autumn. The average temperature dips, bringing the crisp air that defines winter, while frequent rain showers contribute to a notable increase in humidity, reaching an atmospheric embrace of 92%. With approximately half the month experiencing precipitation, Oxford's landscape takes on a melancholic beauty, cloaked in mist and soft rain. This month sets the stage for the holiday season, where the cold contrasts with the warmth of festive gatherings. To explore more about the climate dynamics of this enchanting city, visit Oxford Climate.