On a nice sunny day, the usual (and often correct) conclusion is that it won’t last and that rain is soon on its way! Somehow though, when it’s raining, the opposite conclusion is reached; that it will go on for many days without a break! It seems a shame to destroy such myths with a few meteorological facts but needs must. So what’s the true score with the weather in Bedfordshire and what can we expect to enjoy doing during the different seasons?

Bedford in the Summer

With an average annual rainfall of about 584mm, Bedfordshire is a relatively dry county by English standards, being more part of East Anglia than the wetter Midlands to the north and west. In spite of what the average Bedfordian might think, June is their wettest month at almost 57mm although this doesn’t stop people from venturing out to play. Apart from the fact that it is much warmer at this time than in winter, the summer rains tend to be heavier but relatively short lived, which means there is still plenty of sunshine and warm dry days for outdoor activities such as walking, cricket and gardening. Another fun activity is paintball and this can be booked up through a professional company in the heart of Bedford and is ideal for a great day out in the summer.

Bedford in the Winter

Perhaps equally surprising is the fact that chilly February is actually the driest month in Bedford with barely a decent puddle to be found, thanks to an average rainfall of almost 37mm. This is, of course, usually the coldest month of the year, deterring the less hardy from venturing outside for very long, especially when the wind is blowing in from the Continent. Winter activities are based mainly indoors and include trips to the cinema, shopping and ice skating.

Bedford in the Rain

Who hasn’t looked out of the window at some time praying for the rain to stop sheeting down? Even simple shopping trips become difficult with all those clashing umbrellas, wet bags and puddles to avoid, while country walking on the heavy Bedfordshire clay can be a very sticky business indeed! However, some activities like rowing or fishing on the river are eagerly pursued come rain or shine, and those masochistic joggers and cyclists (the ones with grimaces etched on their faces) seem impervious to any kind of weather and actually profess an unlikely enjoyment.

Of course, if you don’t mind getting really wet when it’s wet, then why not take your swimming gear down to the Oasis Pool on the edge of town? Otherwise, in the Bedfordshire rain it’s probably the pub, restaurant or cinema.

Bedford in the Sun

Yes, the sun does shine down on this town and for more often than you probably thought it did. The highest recorded temperature in June is a creditable 26°C with only three days on average with precipitation. July’s record is 30°C with only four rainy days while August has been known to reach a sizzling 33°C and three days of rain. If the North Sea was a bit nearer, then perhaps Bedford would become a successful seaside destination, but then that would surely spoil the special character of this place. Hire a boat on the lake close to the river or check out a local rugby union game. The Woburn open air swimming pool is located within the boundaries of Bedfordshire as is Woburn Safari Park, Whipsnade Zoo and the Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre in Biggleswade and they all make for fun days out in the sun!