Cambridge is weird. Honestly, if you’ve lived here for more than a week, you know the sky has a mind of its own. One minute you’re punting down the Cam under a glorious sun, and the next, you’re scrambling for a raincoat because a rogue Fenland breeze decided to ruin your afternoon.
Right now, as of Sunday night, January 18, 2026, the cambridge weather forecast uk is looking pretty typical for a mid-winter stretch. It’s 47°F out there. Not freezing, but it feels like 43°F thanks to a 9 mph wind coming in from the southeast.
It’s mostly cloudy. There’s a 21% chance of rain tonight, so basically, it’s that damp, heavy British air that makes you want to stay inside with a massive mug of tea.
The Fenland Factor: Why Our Forecasts are "Special"
Most people think Cambridge is just a bit flatter than the rest of the UK. That’s an understatement. We are basically at sea level—some parts of the Fens nearby are actually below it. This flat landscape means there is nothing to stop the wind. When a cold blast comes off the North Sea, it hits us with full force.
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The Numbers for Today
The high for today topped out at 50°F. The low is sitting at 42°F. Humidity is high at 89%, which is why that 47°F temperature feels a lot "sticker" and colder than the thermometer suggests.
The day-time condition was light rain, and we're transitioning into a partly cloudy night. You’ve got a 25% chance of seeing some rain before morning.
Rain here isn't usually a monsoon. It’s more of a persistent, annoying drizzle. The Met Office data shows Cambridge is actually one of the driest cities in the UK, receiving only about 550mm of rain a year. Compare that to somewhere like Glasgow, and we’re basically a desert. But it feels wet because it’s overcast so often.
Seasonal Realities and Microclimates
Cambridge has its own microclimate. The University buildings, all that ancient stone, they hold heat. This is the "Urban Heat Island" effect. If you’re walking through the Market Square, it might be 2 degrees warmer than if you’re out by the Girton fields.
What to Expect This Week
Looking ahead, the next few days are sticking to a "grey but mild" script.
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- Monday: 11°C, cloudy.
- Tuesday: 11°C, cloudy.
- Wednesday: 10°C, light rain.
Notice how steady those temperatures are? It’s that maritime influence. We don't get the crazy swings you see in the US or Central Europe. It’s just... consistent.
A lot of visitors make the mistake of trusting the "sunny" icons on their apps. Don't. If the forecast says 10% chance of rain, in Cambridge, that means there’s a 100% chance a single cloud will follow you specifically and drip on your head for five minutes.
The Best Way to Handle Cambridge Weather
If you’re planning to visit the colleges or take a walk to Grantchester, layers are your best friend. Seriously.
The wind speed is currently 9 mph, which sounds like nothing. But in an open space like Parker’s Piece, it cuts right through a light sweater. You need a windproof shell.
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Pro Tips for Navigating the Forecast:
- Check the "Feels Like" Temp: The raw number is a lie. The humidity makes the cold bite more, and the sun (when it appears) makes the heat feel more intense.
- Watch the Wind Direction: Southeast winds like we have tonight usually bring in that damp, murky air. North or East winds? That’s when you need the heavy coat because it’s coming straight from the Arctic or Siberia.
- Punting Strategy: If you’re punting, check the wind speed. Anything over 15 mph and you’ll be fighting the pole more than enjoying the view. Today’s 9 mph is actually perfect for being on the water if you don't mind the clouds.
Why Does It Always Feel Damp?
It’s the humidity. Right now, it’s at 84%. In the summer, Cambridge can actually get surprisingly hot. We held the UK record for a while—38.7°C (about 101°F) back in 2019 at the Botanic Garden. When it gets hot here, it’s a heavy, oppressive heat because the air doesn't move much in the valley of the Cam.
In winter, like right now, that humidity just hangs. It’s why the stone on the King's College Chapel always looks a bit darker in January. It’s literally soaking up the atmosphere.
Honestly, the best thing you can do is embrace the gloom. There’s something very "Cambridge" about the mist rolling off the river on a 42°F night. It looks like a scene out of a spy novel.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep a compact umbrella in your bag even if the sky looks blue—Fenland weather turns on a dime. If you're heading out tonight, stick to the inner city where the "Heat Island" effect will keep you a touch warmer than the exposed riverside paths. Check the wind direction before you cycle; a southeast wind means a struggle if you're heading toward Addenbrooke's.