Manchester sits in northwest England with a temperate maritime climate. The city sees cool winters, mild summers, and rainfall spread fairly evenly throughout the year. Snow is rare in the city centre but occurs a few days each winter on higher ground. The Pennine hills to the east create a slight rain shadow effect, but Manchester still averages 810mm (32 inches) of rain annually across roughly 150 wet days. Average daytime temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) in January to 20°C (68°F) in July.
Manchester Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
The table below shows average daily high and low temperatures, monthly rainfall totals, and daily sunshine hours for Manchester, based on Met Office 30-year averages from the Ringway weather station at Manchester Airport.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 70 | 14 | 1.5 |
| February | 8°C / 46°F | 1°C / 34°F | 50 | 11 | 2.5 |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 3°C / 37°F | 60 | 13 | 3.5 |
| April | 13°C / 55°F | 4°C / 39°F | 55 | 12 | 5.0 |
| May | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 | 11 | 6.0 |
| June | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 65 | 11 | 6.0 |
| July | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | 65 | 11 | 5.5 |
| August | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | 75 | 12 | 5.0 |
| September | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | 75 | 12 | 4.0 |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 90 | 15 | 3.0 |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | 4°C / 39°F | 80 | 15 | 2.0 |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 80 | 15 | 1.5 |
Manchester Weather by Month: Seasonal Breakdown
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Manchester is cool and often grey. Daytime highs hover around 7°C to 8°C (45°F-46°F) and overnight lows drop to 1°C-2°C (34°F-36°F). Frost occurs on about 40 mornings per winter. Snow falls on roughly 10 days annually but rarely settles in the city centre for more than a day. December is the gloomiest month with just 1.5 hours of daily sunshine. The Manchester Christmas Markets draw large crowds despite the weather, and indoor attractions like the John Rylands Library and the Museum of Science and Industry see peak winter visitors. Hotel rates drop 20-30% from summer peaks except during the Christmas market period (mid-November to late December).
Spring (March to May)
Spring sees temperatures climb from 10°C (50°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) by May. Rain eases slightly with March and April averaging 11-12 wet days each. May delivers the best combination of mild temperatures and increasing sunshine at 6 hours daily. The city’s parks, including Heaton Park (the largest municipal park in Europe at 240 hectares) and Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens in Didsbury, come alive with daffodils and cherry blossoms. This is a good window for walking tours of the Northern Quarter and Castlefield without summer crowds.
Summer (June to August)
Summer brings the warmest weather with July and August both averaging 20°C (68°F) highs. Heatwaves can push temperatures to 28°C-30°C (82°F-86°F) for a few days, though these are uncommon. Nights stay mild at 10°C-12°C (54°F). Rainfall averages 65-75mm per month across 11-12 rain days, and sudden showers are common even on sunny days. Sunshine peaks at 6 hours daily in June. Long daylight hours, with sunset after 9:30pm in late June, make summer ideal for outdoor dining in Spinningfields, canal-side walks, and day trips to the Peak District. Hotel prices are at their highest, especially when Manchester United or Manchester City have home fixtures.
Autumn (September to November)
September starts mild at 17°C (63°F) but temperatures drop noticeably by November to 10°C (50°F). October and November are the wettest months with 90mm and 80mm of rainfall respectively across 15 wet days each. Strong Atlantic low-pressure systems can bring gusty winds and persistent rain. On the plus side, autumn colours in the Peak District and Cheshire countryside are within a 30-60 minute drive. The Manchester Food and Drink Festival takes place in late September and indoor venues like HOME arts centre and the Royal Exchange Theatre draw crowds. Hotel rates dip in October before rising again for the Christmas season.
Manchester Weather by Month: What to Pack
- Waterproof jacket: essential year-round. A lightweight packable raincoat works for summer; a heavier waterproof coat with a hood is needed November through March.
- Layers: temperatures shift during the day. A t-shirt, jumper, and waterproof outer layer let you adapt. Even in July, evenings can feel cool after sunset.
- Umbrella: useful but often useless in Manchester’s gusty rain. A hooded waterproof jacket works better on windy days.
- Comfortable waterproof shoes: puddles form quickly on Manchester’s pavements. Leather trainers or boots with good grip handle wet cobblestones in the Northern Quarter.
- Summer: pack shorts and t-shirts for warm spells but always bring a light jacket. Sunglasses and sunscreen are worth having for the 5-6 hours of daily June sunshine.
For a detailed seasonal overview including the best months for football matches, festivals, and the Christmas Markets, see our best time to visit Manchester guide.
