What will the weather be like for the 2019 Cheltenham Festival?

Getting our head around the weather forecast for this week’s Cheltenham Festival (12-15 March) might not be quite as important for us as it is for the trainers and jockeys responsible for trying to get their horses to pass the finish line first, but as you’ll be spending most of your time in the great outdoors, soaking up the amazing Festival atmosphere, knowing whether it’s going to rain or shine is necessary (and to know how many layers to put on too). So here’s a summary of what you can expect…

Tuesday 12 March — Champion day

11am
Weather: heavy rain and a moderate breeze
Temperature: 7°C
Chance of rain: 86%
Wind speed: 15mph

1pm
Weather: heavy rain and a moderate breeze
Temperature: 7°C
Chance of rain: 84%
Wind speed: 14mph

4pm
Weather: light rain showers and a moderate breeze
Temperature: 7°C
Chance of rain: 45%
Wind speed: 14mph

Wednesday 13 March: Ladies’ day

11am
Weather: gusty winds and sunny intervals
Temperature: 9°C
Chance of rain: 17%
Wind speed: 42mph

1pm
Weather: gusty winds and sunny intervals
Temperature: 10°C
Chance of rain: 15%
Wind speed: 41mph

4pm
Weather: sunny intervals and a fresh breeze
Temperature: 10°C
Chance of rain: 11%
Wind speed: 20mph

Thursday 14 March: St. Patrick’s Thursday

11am
Weather: light rain and a fresh breeze
Temperature: 11°C
Chance of rain: 48%
Wind speed: 19mph

1pm
Weather: light rain and a fresh breeze
Temperature: 12°C
Chance of rain: 44%
Wind speed: 20mph

4pm
Weather: light rain and a fresh breeze
Temperature: 12°C
Chance of rain: 34%
Wind speed: 19mph

Continued below…

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Friday 15 March: Gold Cup day

11am
Weather: light cloud and a moderate breeze
Temperature: 12°C
Chance of rain: 25%
Wind speed: 17mph

1pm
Weather: light cloud and a moderate breeze
Temperature: 12°C
Chance of rain: 22%
Wind speed: 17mph

4pm
Weather: light cloud and a moderate breeze
Temperature: 12°C
Chance of rain: 17%
Wind speed: 16mph

Weather data from BBC weather. Information correct at the time of publication.
Don’t miss our Cheltenham Festival preview in 7 March issue, and read our full report from the big meeting in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday, 21 March.

Gemma Redrup

H&H features, racing and point-to-point editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, having been part of the H&H team since 2014, who is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting talents have taken her to numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.