Early winter · Weather & things to do
The Cotswolds in December
The Cotswolds cools off: highs slip to 43°F (6°C), from 48°F in November, with lows of 35°F (2°C) and about 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 45/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 43°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 35°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 3.0 in (77 mm)
- Humidity
- 96%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~7 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 45/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Afternoons only reach about 43°F (6°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Lows average 35°F (2°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.0 in (77 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
Daylight is short, roughly 7 h 33 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 7 h 33 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 53/100 in November to 45/100.
- Our London, the Cotswolds & Bath route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 43°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in The Cotswolds in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Daylesford Organic Farm
Organic farm shop, café and bakery in converted barns near Kingham.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 43°F.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Hilltop market town with antique shops and a church door framed by two yew trees.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 43°F.
Chipping Campden
Wool town with a curving high street and a 1627 Market Hall; start of the Cotswold Way.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Arlington Row
Row of 17th-century weavers' cottages beside a water meadow in Bibury.
Broadway Tower
Folly tower on a hilltop above Broadway with views across up to 16 counties.
Nearby in December
- Bath in December~44 mi · highs 46°F, 3.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- London in December~76 mi · highs 46°F, 2.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Dublin in December~213 mi · highs 47°F, 3.8 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Bruges in December~220 mi · highs 44°F, 3.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
The Cotswolds in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit The Cotswolds?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 45/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – September. Expect highs of 43°F (6°C) and 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain. Our London, the Cotswolds & Bath route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is The Cotswolds in December?
Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and average lows 35°F (2°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in The Cotswolds in December?
Some: about 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 31.2 in (793 mm).
What should I pack for The Cotswolds in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 43°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on The Cotswolds
Planning The Cotswolds in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.