Weather in Manchester: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Manchester is one of England's most vibrant cities, and thanks to its moderate climate and relatively temperate weather it's the sort of place that attracts visitors year-round. Although England has a reputation for lots of rain, it's not as wet and dreary as people might think. In fact, Manchester's wettest month, October, brings around two inches of rain on average, which means that the city is typically dry and welcoming.

Summer is pleasant, with an average of 60 degrees F (16 degrees C) , while the temperature in winter rarely drops below 40 F (4 C). It can get hotter or colder, but visitors should expect to feel comfortable walking around outdoors throughout the year. December, January, and February tend to be the coldest months (as well as the darkest), so consider visiting later in the year if you plan to spend lots of time outdoors or you want to take advantage of local day trips.

Fast Climate Facts:

• Hottest Month: July (68 F / 16 C)
• Coldest Month: January (44 F / 5 C)
• Wettest Month: October (2.1 inches)

Summer in Manchester

Summer in Manchester is notably nice, with many locals spending time outdoors and in the city's many parks. Because the days are long, with the sun setting after 9 p.m. in July and August, it's a great time to explore Manchester's local attractions and nearby nature areas, like the Peak District. There may be some cloudy days or rain, but for the most part expect pleasant days. It's not the sort of city where you'll end up sun-bathing by the pool, but there are a lot of ways to take advantage of the mild summer weather.

What to Pack: No trip to England is complete without an umbrella, which is always useful to have on hand in case of a drizzly day. It doesn't necessarily always get hot enough for shorts, but many locals will shed their layers the minute the sun comes out. A light jacket or a cardigan can come in handy if it cools down in the evenings.

Fall in Manchester

The temperature in Manchester starts to drop in September, and it begins to get chilly by the end of October and early November. October is Manchester's wettest month, so expect some rain and clouds (although it typically doesn't stay rainy for an entire day). Kids in England go back to school in September, so the crowds will thin out by mid-month, making fall a good option for those who want to avoid lines. Evenings will start to get dark noticeably early by November.

What to Pack: A jacket is a must for fall in Manchester, and you may want to add in a few layers, like a sweater or a scarf, later in the fall. And, of course, grab that handy umbrella along with a raincoat.

Winter in Manchester

Winter in England can be depressing thanks to the early sunset, which arrives around 4:30 p.m. in December and January. But for those who don't mind less sunlight, December can also be an ideal month to visit thanks to the holiday spirit that pervades the country, including Manchester. Come for the Christmas lights and shopping in December, or take advantage of the empty museums and attractions in January and February. There's always a chance of some rain, but it rarely snows.

What to Pack: Bring a good winter coat, gloves and a hat, although you might not always need them during the winter in Manchester. Warm shoes or boots are recommended, especially if you plan to do some walking outside, and that umbrella should still be on your packing list.

Spring in Manchester

Spring is a great time to visit Manchester, with the temperature coming up and more hours of daylight, as well as flowers and trees blossoming all over the city. March and April can be on the colder side, but things start to really warm up by May. There's a chance of rain throughout the season, especially in April, but spring can also bring some sun. To avoid crowds, skip a visit during the Easter holiday.

What to Pack: Pack layers, including a light coat and a sweater for when it gets cool at night. In the early spring, including March and early April, it helps to assume the weather will be chilly and then remove layers if it warms up. And don't forget your umbrella, of course.

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours