SeasonMapOxford weather in December
United Kingdom
December in Oxford: cold, a little rain, with clean air — a fair time to visit.
#12 of 12 months in Oxford · #1109 of 1383 destinations to visit in December · comfort 52/100 (tier D)
Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Traveller notes on Oxford in December
Notes from nearby London (83 km away)
Oxford doesn't have its own notes for December yet — these are about London, close enough to share the season.
London's December threads settle on an average around 6°C, a high chance of rain, and darkness closing in by about 4pm. Regulars rate it milder than January or February, and they're clear about timing: the Christmas feel is best from roughly 1 to 21 December. After that it turns awkward — no public transport on the 25th, shops shut, many attractions closed, and Christmas Day meals priced accordingly.
Other months in Oxford
Oxford's forum calls July warm by UK standards, peaking around 25°C with the occasional day up to 30°C, but nights can still drop to 12-16°C. Regulars are consistent that British summer weather changes day by day, so packing both light layers and an umbrella is the standard advice.
Add your own note from Oxford's card on the map.
Oxford climate normals — December
| Daytime high | 9°C / 49°F | 🧥 cold |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime low | 3°C / 38°F | |
| Feels like (high) | 6°C / 43°F | |
| Rainfall | 74 mm / 2.9 in | 🌦 some rain |
| Rainy days | 13 days | |
| Humidity | 90% | 💦 very humid |
| Dew point | 5°C / 40°F | |
| Sunshine | 2.7 h/day | |
| Daylight | 7.9 h | |
| Wind | 23 km/h / 14 mph | |
| Snowfall | 2.7 cm / 1.1 in | |
| Air quality (US AQI) | 32 | 🍃 good |
Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.
Crowds in Oxford in December
How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.
Peak crowdsOxford Christmas Market, Christmas holidays in United Kingdom, school holidays in 6 of the markets that fill it(estimated)
Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet
Best months for Oxford's weather
Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).
Toughest weatherOxford's weather peaks June–August, best around July.
December coincides with Port Meadow under water.
Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather
What's on in Oxford in December
Recurring seasonal events, natural spectacles, closures and holidays — curated and sourced.
- Festival
Oxford Christmas Market
21 Nov – 31 DecChristmas & New YearCrowdedWooden huts down Broad Street from late November to the new year, with the Sheldonian behind them. It is one street, so it is congested rather than large. Source ↗
- Hazard
Port Meadow under water
1 Dec – 28 Feb · usuallyFlood seasonThe Thames spreads across Port Meadow most winters and the towpath north of Walton Well goes under. It freezes some years, which is the only time Oxford skates. Source ↗
Nearby, and something's on
Within 300 km of Oxford — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.
Where is Oxford?
Oxford in December — FAQ
- Is December a good time to visit Oxford?
- December in Oxford: cold, a little rain, with clean air — a fair time to visit. It ranks #12 of 12 months for Oxford on SeasonMap's comfort score (52/100).
- What is the weather like in Oxford in December?
- In December, Oxford averages a daily high of 9.3°C and a low of 3.1°C, with about 73.5 mm of rain over roughly 12.7 rainy days.
- What is the air quality in Oxford in December?
- Oxford has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 32 in December.
- Does it snow in Oxford in December?
- Oxford sees roughly 2.7 cm of snowfall in December.
Other months in Oxford
Compare Oxford in December
Warmer or cooler than Oxford in December
Similar destinations in Northern Europe — December
Within 300 km: Bath's Bath Christmas Market on 26 Nov – 13 Dec, and Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market on 5 Nov – 24 Dec.