Key message: Potential CH 4 oxidation in the top soil layer increased with decreasing soil water content in spring but was inhibited during severe summer drought in naturally-regenerated oak-dominated temperate deciduous forest stands regardless of their age. No direct effect of mineral nitrogen on soil CH 4 oxidation was found. Soil CH 4 oxidation in temperate forests could be reduced by extreme climatic events. Context: The oxidation of atmospheric methane (CH 4) by methanotrophic bacteria in forest soils is an important but overlooked ecosystem service. Aim: Our objective was to determine which factors drive variations in soil CH 4 oxidation in oak-dominated temperate deciduous forest stands of different ages. Methods: Soil samples were collected in 16 stands aged 20 to 143 years in periods of high and low soil water content (SWC). The potential rate of soil CH 4 oxidation was measured by incubating the first five centimetres of intact soil cores at 20 °C. Results: SWC was the main driver accounting for variations in CH 4 oxidation. In spring, a twofold reduction in SWC greatly increased CH 4 oxidation. But when the soil was dry in late summer, a further reduction in SWC led to a decrease in CH 4 oxidation in the top soil layer. No direct effect of mineral nitrogen on soil CH 4 oxidation was found. Conclusions: With regard to soil CH 4 oxidation, naturally regenerated forest stands contribute equally to climate change mitigation regardless of their age. Considering future climate scenarios for Europe, soil CH 4 sink in temperate forests could be reduced, due to both an increase in the number of flooding episodes in spring and drier summers.