Weather in Manchester

Planning your visit to Manchester? In this section, you will find the latest weather information, including current data, forecasts, and weather charts.

Manchester has a temperate maritime climate, typical of the United Kingdom. This means the city experiences four distinct seasons, but without extremes in temperature. Winters here are generally cool and wet, with average temperatures around 4-5°C. Spring brings gradual warming, albeit with frequent rain. Summer in Manchester is usually warm, with average temperatures in July and August around 15-16°C, while autumn is characterized by freshness and changeable weather as temperatures gradually decrease.

One of the key features of the weather in Manchester is its tendency for rainfall throughout the year. Data shows that the number of days with precipitation remains significant in almost every month, ranging from 12 to 18 days. Therefore, regardless of the season of your visit, it is recommended to carry an umbrella or waterproof clothing. Although summer offers the warmest days, rain is possible even during this period. The highest amount of precipitation, according to the provided data, falls in the summer and autumn months, but overall, wet weather is something to be prepared for when traveling to Manchester.

The climate of Manchester is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, without sharp extremes. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature is about 4.1°C, with overnight lows dropping on average to 1.7°C, and daytime highs around 6.4°C. December (average temperature 5.0°C) and February (average temperature 5.2°C) are slightly warmer. The warmest period falls in July and August. In July, the average temperature reaches 15.6°C, with daytime highs rising on average to 19.2°C, and overnight lows staying around 12.1°C.

The summer months in Manchester, from June to August, offer pleasantly warm weather, ideal for walking and exploring the city. Average daily maximum temperatures during this period range from 18.1°C in June to 19.2°C in July, and in August are about 18.8°C, creating comfortable conditions without exhausting heat. Nights remain fresh, with average minimum temperatures around 10–12°C (from 10.4°C in June to 12.1°C in July). In the warmest months, July and August, average maximum temperatures stay around 19°C (reaching 19.2°C in July), making summer in Manchester quite mild.

Winter in Manchester, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by cool but not severe weather. Average temperatures in these months vary from 4.1°C in January to 5.2°C in February. At night, the thermometer can drop to 1.7°C – 3.0°C, which means the possibility of light frosts, but severe freezes are atypical. Daytime highs are usually in the range of 6.4°C – 7.8°C. Temperature fluctuations between day and night are more noticeable in the spring and summer months; for example, in April the difference between the average maximum (12.0°C) and minimum (4.0°C) temperature is 8°C, and in July it is about 7.1°C (between 19.2°C and 12.1°C). In winter, this difference is somewhat smaller, averaging from 4.1°C to 5.3°C.

In Manchester, precipitation is a frequent occurrence throughout the year, and it is difficult to distinguish a clearly defined dry or rainy season in the classical sense. The city is known for its changeable and wet weather, which is confirmed by data: the number of days with precipitation remains significant in almost every month. Travelers planning a trip to Manchester should be prepared for the likelihood of rain regardless of the time of year.

The highest number of days with precipitation, according to statistics, falls in July, August, and October – on average 18 days in each of these months. During these periods, as well as in February, September, and December, the maximum average amount of precipitation falls, indicated as 4 mm per month. Relatively "dry" months can be considered April and May: at this time, the lowest amount of precipitation is recorded (2 mm per month) and the fewest rainy days. For example, in April there are on average 12. Nevertheless, even in these seemingly drier months, the probability of catching rain remains quite high.

The character of precipitation in Manchester, judging by the provided data, most often presents itself as light rain or drizzle. Despite the large number of days with precipitation, the total monthly amount of fallen moisture remains comparatively small (from 2 to 4 mm). In the winter months – January (average temperature 4.1°C, minimum 1.7°C), February (average temperature 5.2°C, minimum 2.5°C), and December (average temperature 5.0°C, minimum 3.0°C) – with a drop in air temperature, precipitation in the form of wet snow or sleet is possible. However, it is worth noting that heavy and prolonged snowfalls are not a typical phenomenon for Manchester.

When packing for Manchester, first think about protection from the rain. The city is known for its changeable weather, and as the data shows, precipitation here is a frequent guest at any time of the year, with 12 to 18 rainy days monthly. Therefore, a waterproof jacket or a quality umbrella should become your faithful companions. The key principle when packing a suitcase for Manchester is layering. The weather can change during the day, and the ability to easily remove or add a layer of clothing will ensure your comfort and allow you to adapt to any whims of the British weather.

For a trip during the cold season (approximately from October to March), when average temperatures range from 4°C to 10°C, be sure to take warm outerwear (preferably waterproof and windproof), sweaters or fleece jackets, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. In the warmer months (from April to September), when the average temperature rises to 11-16°C, you will need lighter items, but do not forget a light jacket or windbreaker in case of rain or evening chill. T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and light jumpers will be appropriate. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes, preferably with water-repellent properties, are extremely important, as you will surely want to walk a lot around the city. Sunscreen will also not be superfluous, especially in the summer months, when the sun does delight with its appearance, albeit not as often as one might like.