Last updated: March 17, 2025
In Reading, United Kingdom, December ushers in a chilly embrace with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F), peaking at a mild 14°C (58°F) and occasionally dipping to a brisk -4°C (24°F). The month is characterized by a significant amount of rainfall, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) across approximately 14 damp days, reflecting the region's humid climate with an average humidity level of 92%. As the festive season unfolds, layers of winter gear become essential for braving the elements in this picturesque English town.
December in Reading, United Kingdom, marks a transitional phase as the year draws to a close. With minimum temperatures dipping to -4°C (24°F), residents can expect a crisp chill in the air, while average temperatures settle around 6°C (43°F), providing a stark contrast to the milder months preceding it. The maximum temperatures reach only up to 14°C (58°F), signaling the official onset of winter. As the days grow shorter and festive lights illuminate the streets, Reading embraces cold, but not extreme, winter conditions, making it a cozy backdrop for seasonal festivities and gatherings. The gradual decline in temperatures throughout the month highlights the seasonal shift, encouraging both locals and visitors to bundle up and enjoy the holiday spirit in this charming town.
December in Reading, United Kingdom, marks a notable uptick in precipitation, with an average of 83 mm (3.3 in) of rainfall over 14 days. This increase positions December among the wetter months of the year, only surpassed by October's peak of 95 mm (3.7 in). As the final month of the year, December typically experiences more rainy days compared to the drier months of April and September, which see fewer than 10 days of rain. This trend highlights a shift into the winter season, where the skies are more frequently overcast, and the steady rain transforms Reading into a lush, green landscape as the year comes to a close.
In December, Reading, United Kingdom, experiences a peak in humidity, matching November's level at 92%. This trend of elevated humidity during the winter months suggests a steady pattern, as both October and November also reported high percentages, with October at 90%. Following a gradual decline from the warmer summer months—where July recorded the lowest at 71%—the humidity levels increase sharply as the year closes, indicating the onset of damp, cool weather typical of the season. The consistently high figures in December underscore the region's propensity for a moist atmosphere during this time, making it a hallmark of Reading's winter climate.
In December, Reading, United Kingdom, experiences a UV Index of 1, placing it in the low exposure category. This means that residents can enjoy the cooler winter days without much concern for sunburn, with a generous burn time of 45 minutes before UV exposure becomes a risk. As the year progresses, there's a clear trend of increasing UV levels from the low indices in winter months through to the peak summer months of June and July, where values soar to 8 and result in a very high exposure category. Subsequently, the UV Index begins to decline again as autumn gives way to winter, signaling a cyclical pattern influenced by the changing seasons. So, whether you're basking in the summer sun or wrapped up against the winter chill, the UV Index provides essential guidance for safe sun exposure. For more details, visit the Reading UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Reading, United Kingdom, brings a cozy retreat into the winter months, with an average of 111 hours of sunshine. As the year draws to a close, this figure reflects a steady decline from the sun-drenched days of summer, where July peaks with a striking 397 hours. The trend is clear: each month transitions from the vibrant sunlight of May's 388 hours to November's crisp 144 hours, and finally to December's quieter glow. Despite the decrease, the soft light of December offers a charming backdrop for festive celebrations, ensuring that even the shortest days can feel warm and inviting.
In December, Reading, United Kingdom, experiences a notable dip in the likelihood of sunny weather, with only a 17% chance of sunshine gracing the city. This marks a stark contrast to the more promising conditions of April, which boasts a robust 51% chance of sun. As the year progresses from the sunlit days of spring to the winter months, the trend clearly reveals a decline in brightness, with December being one of the gloomiest months. Following a modest increase in sunshine during November at 31%, residents should prepare for shorter days and cloudier skies as they embrace the festive season.
As the year draws to a close, December in Reading, United Kingdom, greets residents with its shortest daylight duration of just 7 hours. This decline is a continuation of the typical trend observed throughout the winter months. Following a peak in June and July, where daylight stretches to a generous 16 hours, the days gradually shorten, slipping from 15 hours in May to the modest 8 hours seen in both January and November. This cyclical pattern reminds us of the shifting seasons, as daylight ebbs and flows, culminating in a serene yet brief daylight experience as the year wraps up.
As December sweeps into Reading, the city experiences a notable upturn in wind activity, with average speeds reaching 4.5 m/s (10 mph). This seasonal shift is indicative of the transition into winter, contrasting with the calmer summer months where winds barely grazed 3.2 m/s (7 mph). Interestingly, December sits among the higher averages when compared to previous months, such as April's 3.4 m/s (8 mph) and June's 3.2 m/s (7 mph). Overall, while the year's wind speeds fluctuate, December stands out not just for its briskness but also for paving the way toward the breezier conditions expected in early spring, maintaining an invigorating yet serene atmosphere as the year draws to a close.
The weather in Reading 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 Reading and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January exhibit relatively similar temperature ranges, with both months experiencing minimums around -4°C (24°F) and maximums reaching up to 14°C (58°F). However, December sees a slightly warmer average temperature of 6°C (43°F) compared to January's average of 5°C (41°F). Precipitation is notably higher in December, with 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days, while January has just 50 mm (2.0 in) of rainfall across 9 days. Humidity levels remain close, hovering around 92% in December and 91% in January, contributing to the overall chill in the air. For more detailed information on January weather, visit Reading weather in January.
December weather tends to be milder than February, with average temperatures around 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F). In contrast, February can be colder, with nighttime lows reaching as low as -8°C (17°F), though it may see slightly warmer daytime highs of up to 18°C (65°F). December experiences more precipitation, accumulating 83 mm (3.3 in) over about 14 days, while February has a total of 52 mm (2.0 in) across 10 days. Additionally, humidity levels in December are slightly higher at 92% compared to 89% in February. For more detailed insights, you can check Reading weather in February.
In December, temperatures range from a minimum of -4°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 83 mm (3.3 in) over approximately 14 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 92%. In contrast, March shows a slight drop in minimum temperatures, reaching -6°C (22°F), but boasts a higher maximum of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 7°C (45°F). The overall precipitation in March is lower at 59 mm (2.3 in) across the same number of rainy days, with humidity at a slightly reduced 86%. For more insights, you can explore Reading weather in March.
December and April present quite different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -4°C (24°F) to a milder maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 92% and considerable precipitation of 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. In contrast, April brings more seasonal warmth, with temperatures varying from -3°C (27°F) at night to a pleasant maximum of 26°C (79°F) during the day, averaging around 9°C (49°F). This month sees significantly less precipitation at 36 mm (1.4 in) across only 8 days and lower humidity at 85%. For more detailed insights on April weather, you can refer to Reading weather in April.
December and May weather present a striking contrast in temperature and overall climate. In December, the temperatures hover between a chilly -4°C (24°F) at night and a mild 14°C (58°F) during the day, accompanied by high humidity at 92% and frequent precipitation of around 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. In contrast, May offers much warmer conditions with minimum temperatures of 0°C (33°F) and maximums reaching up to 26°C (78°F). The average temperature in May is a comfortable 13°C (55°F), and while it also experiences some rainfall—68 mm (2.7 in) over about 11 days—the humidity is noticeably lower at 79%. For more detailed information about the weather in May, you can visit Reading weather in May.
In comparing the weather of December and June, December tends to be much cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly -4°C (24°F) to a mild 14°C (58°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 92% and frequent precipitation, averaging about 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. In contrast, June offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures averaging between 6°C (44°F) and a peak of 31°C (88°F). This month experiences lower precipitation, with only 75 mm (2.9 in) over about 10 days and humidity levels at 80%. For more detailed information about weather conditions in June, you can check this link: Reading weather in June.
December and July present striking contrasts in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (24°F) to a comfortable 14°C (58°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F). This month experiences significant humidity at 92% and an average of 83 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 14 days. In contrast, July boasts a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 7°C (46°F) and maximums soaring to 35°C (96°F), averaging around 18°C (65°F). The summer month enjoys a lower humidity level of 71% and less rainfall, with 66 mm (2.6 in) recorded over 12 days. For more information on July weather, you can visit Reading weather in July.
December and August present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures dip to a minimum of -4°C (24°F) and typically average around 6°C (43°F), with daytime highs reaching up to 14°C (58°F). The month is marked by high humidity at 92% and considerable precipitation, averaging 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days. In sharp contrast, August enjoys milder temperatures, with lows of 7°C (45°F) and averages around 17°C (63°F), peaking at a warm 33°C (92°F). Precipitation in August is slightly less at 70 mm (2.8 in) and occurs over 12 days, alongside a lower humidity level of 76%. For a detailed look at weather patterns, check out Reading weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, December tends to be significantly colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). In contrast, September enjoys milder temperatures, with minimums at 3°C (37°F) and maximums reaching 28°C (83°F), resulting in a much higher average of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation levels also differ, as December sees 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days, while September has only 49 mm (1.9 in) over 9 days. Humidity is slightly higher in December at 92% compared to 82% in September. For a more detailed look at September’s climate, you can visit Reading weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, December tends to be colder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (24°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), while October showcases milder conditions with temperatures from 0°C (33°F) to 23°C (73°F). Precipitation levels are fairly similar, with December receiving 83 mm (3.3 in) over 14 days and October slightly higher at 95 mm (3.7 in) across 13 days. Humidity is also slightly higher in December, averaging 92%, compared to October's 90%. For more detailed information on conditions during October, you can visit Reading weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, we can see a notable decline in temperatures. December experiences a minimum of -4°C (24°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), while November has slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and an average of 8°C (46°F). Additionally, December tends to be wetter, with 83 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation over 14 days, compared to November's 55 mm (2.2 in) over 12 days. Despite both months sharing a high humidity level of 92%, the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall in December make it feel distinctly colder than November. For more details, you can visit Reading weather in November.
As December settles over Reading, the weather showcases a notable shift compared to other months. With a maximum temperature that barely reaches 14°C and an average hovering around 6°C, the chill sets in, making it distinctly cooler. This month also experiences increased precipitation, with roughly 83 mm falling over about 14 days, contributing to the high humidity levels that linger at 92%. The combination of these elements creates a damp and brisk atmosphere, marking a stark contrast to the milder and drier days of the preceding months. For more insights on how this climate shapes the region, visit Reading Climate.