Travel time: Year-round
The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in south-central England, is defined by a temperate maritime climate. Influenced heavily by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, the region avoids extreme temperature swings, instead offering a soft, ever-changing atmosphere of rolling mists, gentle sunshine, and frequent rain.
Weather in the Cotswolds is famously variable. On any given day, you may experience a "four seasons in one day" phenomenon. The region is characterized by high humidity—often exceeding 80%—which creates the lush, green landscapes the area is known for. Because it is an upland region, it generally receives more rainfall and experiences cooler temperatures than the neighboring low-lying Severn Valley.
Spring is a period of rapid awakening. While March can remain biting with late-season frosts, May often brings mild temperatures around 16°C (60°F). Rain is frequent but usually comes in the form of short, squally showers rather than prolonged downpours. The "reawakening" feel is literal, as wildflowers like snowdrops and bluebells carpet the woodlands.
Summer brings the most stable weather, with average highs of 19°C–21°C (66°F–70°F). July is typically the sunniest month, offering long days with up to 16.5 hours of daylight. While comfortable, the region can experience occasional heatwaves where temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F), often ending in thundery downpours.
Autumn is defined by a gentle cooling and a shift toward more unsettled weather. September often retains a late-summer warmth, but by November, the "autumnal damp" sets in. The landscape transforms into deep gold and russet hues, often accompanied by breezy conditions as Atlantic depressions move across the UK.
Winters are long, damp, and chilly, though rarely sub-zero for extended periods. Average daytime highs hover around 6°C–8°C (43°F–46°F). This is the dampest season; however, crisp, clear days are common and are prized by locals for winter walks. Snow is infrequent but can settle deeply on the higher hills, where winds may cause it to drift.
The Cotswolds' topography creates distinct microclimates. The high limestone plateau (the "Wolds") is windier and can be several degrees colder than the sheltered valley floors like the Stroud Valleys or the Vale of Evesham. In winter, temperature inversions occasionally occur, where freezing fog gets trapped in the valleys while the hilltops bask in clear, slightly warmer air.
Locals live by the rhythm of the weather, transitioning from summer pub gardens to the "log fire season" in October. Adaptive lifestyle habits include early closing times in rural villages during winter and a cultural emphasis on the "walk and a pub" routine, regardless of a light drizzle.
In the Cotswolds, the temperature on the thermometer rarely tells the full story. The high humidity means that 5°C (41°F) in winter can feel "bone-chillingly" damp, while 25°C (77°F) in summer can feel surprisingly heavy or "close." There is a distinctive freshness to the air on the hills, often accompanied by a persistent breeze that makes the "feels like" temperature slightly lower than the actual reading.