The climate of Manchester
Manchester, located in the
United Kingdom, is predominantly classified under the Köppen climate classification as a Cfb zone, which is characterized by a marine west coast climate with warm summers. The year-round climate understandably is greatly influenced by its geographical position.
Throughout the course of the year, Manchester experiences a relatively mild temperature range. Peak temperatures are around 19.3°C (66.7°F) in
July while the lowest fall to 1.5°C (34.7°F) in
January. Humidity levels remain consistent, hovering from 79% to 89%. Rainfall is a common occurrence with months like July and
August seeing the heaviest rain of 67mm (2.64") and 64mm (2.52") respectively. In stark contrast,
April sees the least rainfall with only 23mm (0.91") recorded on average.
Manchester does not experience heavy snowfall but a moderate amount is noted in winter months. January and
December each witness an average snowfall of 24mm (0.94") and 15mm (0.59") respectively. With regards to daylight, the city experiences its longest sunlight hours from
May to July with the sun remaining in the sky for about 16 to 16.9 hours. In wind observations, wind speeds peak at 17.8km/h (11.1mph) in
February and lowest at 12.5km/h (7.8mph) from
June to August.
The best time to visit Manchester
Considering the overall climate data, the best time to visit
Manchester would be from late spring till early summer months:
May to
July. This period sees ample daylight with hours ranging from 16 to 16.9. Additionally, these months are warmest with temperatures that can reach up to 19.3°C (66.7°F). Despite registering relatively high rainfall, the enhanced sunlight hours and warmer temperatures enhance outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Manchester
Autumn to Winter, primarily from
November to
January would be considered the least favorable time to visit
Manchester. Due to significant decrease in sunlight hours which averages around 7.6 to 8.6, the weather is substantially cooler, sometimes dipping down to an average low of 1.5°C (34.7°F) in January. An added challenge is the prevalence of snowfall in these months.
Spring weather in Manchester
During Spring,
Manchester starts to shed its winter chill and temperatures start to rise steadily.
March observes a controlled 9°C (48.2°F) while
May touches a comfortable 14.8°C (58.6°F). Rainfall sees a slight jump, with May witnessing 31mm (1.22") as compared to March's 43mm (1.69"). Spring also marks the commencement of an increase in daylight hours, from 11.9 hours in March to a substantial 15.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Manchester
Summers in
Manchester, which is typically from
June to
August, sees the city at its warmest. Among these months,
July records the highest temperatures, averaging 19.3°C (66.7°F). Despite the soaring temperatures, there's a noticeable increase in rainfall, particularly in June and July with averages of 54mm (2.13") and 67mm (2.64") respectively. Manchester enjoys 16 to 16.9 hours of daylight during this season, the longest in the year.
Autumn weather in Manchester
Autumn, running from
September to
November, brings with itself a significant dip in temperature. September still maintains warmth at an average of 16.3°C (61.3°F) but by November, mercury levels drop to an average of 8.7°C (47.7°F). Rainfall doesn't deviate considerably from the annual average but it does gain traction by November, with 48mm (1.89"). Daylight hours also start to decrease during this time from 12.7 hours in September to a reduced 8.6 hours in November.
Winter weather in Manchester
The winter period in
Manchester, from
December to
February, sees the city experiencing its coldest periods. February observes an average low of 1.6°C (34.9°F). This season also marks a slight increase in snowfall with 24mm (0.94") in December and 19mm (0.75") in
January. Daylight hours are at their shortest, with December having just 7.6 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 9.8 hours by February.
Weather in January
At the beginning of the year, a shift can be seen as the weather in
Manchester begins to transform from the frosty conditions of winter.
January brings about an increased likelihood of periodic snowfall amounting to 24mm (0.94") dispersed over approximately three days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Manchester transitions out of the gloom of winter, temperatures remain low in
February. A gradual decline in snowfall can be observed, diving to 19mm (0.75") from 24mm (0.94") in
January. The struggling winter sun offers cold comfort, fleetingly appearing during the day.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Arriving with the echoes of spring,
March enriches
Manchester with slightly longer daylight than previous months. In an indication of the season's onset, snowfall dips to a trifling 10mm (0.39"). The weather becomes balanced, neither too hot nor too cold, which is welcoming for outdoor enthusiasts in the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In an embrace of the solid spring season,
April in
Manchester witnesses a noticeable increase in mean temperatures. Signalling further departure from winter, the snowfall eventually whittles down to 1mm (0.04"). The city thrives under the extended daylight, perfect for those intending to explore it beyond the confines of their immediate environment.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As summer looms on the horizon, the weather in
May sees an appreciable warming trend in
Manchester. Becoming a non-entity, snowfall registers at 0mm (0"), a significant plunge from 1mm (0.04") observed in the preceding month. In stark contrast, banks of low-lying clouds often gather, with the resultant rainfall refreshing the city.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The arrival of summertime in
June sees a distinct, measurable shift in
Manchester's weather, shedding the cool tones of spring. A rising mercury accompanied by extended sunshine hours marks the city's longest days of the year. Indoor activities find an alternative in the outdoors taking advantage of the change in the season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The peak of summer in
July brings the hottest time in
Manchester. Notable is the 19.3°C (66.7°F) high temperature, turning the usual crisp winds of the city to a humid breeze. Spates of rain continue to break the monotony of clear, sunny days, serving as a respite from the high temperatures.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August,
Manchester continues its dance with summer, albeit with a slight dip in the temperature scale. August distinguishes itself from
July with a slightly lower average high temperature, which rests at 18.5°C (65.3°F). Despite this, daylight hours remain extensive, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the city’s parks and green spaces.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Manchester presents a fascinating blend of the upcoming autumn mixed with the lingering summer. This month's peculiar characteristic is the humidity level, which elevates to 84% frequently causing overcast days. Dropping temperatures advocate the necessity of lightweight, warm clothing.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses
Manchester fully embracing autumn, evidenced by the shedding leaves and the cool temperature. It's an interesting period when the receding warm days fellowship with the oncoming cold evenings. Although the rains persist, the atmosphere remains pleasant and inviting, marked by the beautiful autumn foliage.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the weather in
Manchester begins gearing towards the frigid confines of winter. Notably, the cold begins creeping in with average low temperatures hovering around 4.5°C (40.1°F). Often, the short daylight hours are masked by a thick layer of clouds, turning the atmosphere grey.
Weather in November »Weather in December
As the year draws to a close,
Manchester finds itself in the throes of winter. Characteristic of this month is the brisk 15mm (0.59") of snowfall, which blankets the city in white as the year ends. The dipping temperatures, with the mercury often lurking around the single-digit figures, necessitate an extra layer of woolens.
Weather in December »