2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Manchester — December

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

☔ Climate Overview

December is a wet time to visit Manchester. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 8°C during the day. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. With only around 8 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

5.6
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

8°C

Avg Low

4°C

Rainy days

17days

Daylight

7.5h

Feels like 5°C / 0°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

122mm

Sunshine

2.5h/day

Humidity

90%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

0.6

Low
Wind

23 km/h (gusts 46)

Is December a good time to visit Manchester?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

--

Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

08:18

Sunset

15:50

7.5h daylight

Visiting Manchester in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Limited sunshine — expect overcast skies
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎉
Manchester Christmas Markets
November–December Festival

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Manchester Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 7°C 2°C 14d (105mm) 3.1h
89% Very Humid
0.9 Low
Wet
Feb 9°C 4°C 16d (111mm) 4.3h
85% Very Humid
1.7 Low
Wet
Mar 11°C 4°C 12d (75mm) 6.8h
80% Very Humid
3.6 Moderate
Good
Apr 13°C 5°C 11d (52mm) 9.6h
74% Humid
6.1 High
Good
May 17°C 8°C 12d (71mm) 10.3h
76% Humid
7 High
Excellent
Jun 19°C 11°C 15d (81mm) 10.7h
76% Humid
7.5 Very High
Excellent
Jul 20°C 13°C 16d (104mm) 9.5h
81% Very Humid
6.4 High
Excellent
Aug 20°C 13°C 15d (75mm) 9.4h
80% Very Humid
5.7 High
Excellent
Sep 18°C 11°C 13d (95mm) 7.2h
84% Very Humid
3.9 Moderate
Excellent
Oct 14°C 9°C 17d (131mm) 4.8h
87% Very Humid
2.1 Moderate
Wet
Nov 10°C 5°C 16d (94mm) 3.2h
89% Very Humid
1.1 Low
Wet
Dec Current 8°C 4°C 17d (122mm) 2.5h
90% Very Humid
0.6 Low
Wet

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

Adjust the sliders to weight what matters most to you.

5
3
3
Your Best MonthJanScore: 5.8
1.Jan
5.82.Oct
5.73.Feb
5.44.Nov
5.45.Dec
5.46.Apr
5.17.Mar
4.78.Jun
4.39.Aug
4.310.Jul
3.811.Sep
3.812.May
3.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Manchester – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Open map in new tab

Manchester

Industrial heritage with Science & Industry Museum and Northern Quarter, football culture, music scene, and Northern Quarter creativity.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Cool Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Manchester?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Manchester?
December is typically wet for visiting Manchester, with average highs of 8°C and around 17 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Manchester in December?
Yes, nights in Manchester during December are cold, averaging 4°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Manchester in December?
With highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Manchester in December?
Manchester typically sees around 17 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Manchester in December?
In December, Manchester gets approximately 7.5 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Manchester?
No, December is not peak season in Manchester. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/London)

Last Updated: February 2026

More Manchester Guides

Best Time to Visit

Coming soon

Things to Do

Coming soon

Where to Stay

Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations

Find Hotels →

Cost & Budget

Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown

Read Guide →

Itineraries

Coming soon

Overview

Complete travel guide for Manchester: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.

Read Full Guide →