Manchester in December
In December, Manchester averages 8°C (47°F) during the day and 3°C (38°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 18 days of the month see precipitation (117 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Manchester. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Manchester
December is one of the coolest months in Manchester (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C below the annual average (13°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (10°C) and cools 1°C in January (7°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Manchester
Times shown for Manchester local time (Europe/London), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Manchester — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Manchester's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Manchester in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Manchester's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Manchester
Manchester is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Manchester
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Manchester in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 36°F | 104 mm | 19 | — |
| February | 8°C / 47°F | 2°C / 36°F | 94 mm | 16 | — |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 3°C / 37°F | 97 mm | 16 | — |
| April | 13°C / 55°F | 4°C / 39°F | 55 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 16°C / 60°F | 8°C / 46°F | 74 mm | 15 | — |
| June | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 51°F | 88 mm | 15 | — |
| July | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | 108 mm | 18 | — |
| August | 19°C / 67°F | 12°C / 54°F | 116 mm | 18 | — |
| September | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 51°F | 85 mm | 13 | — |
| October | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 47°F | 111 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 10°C / 50°F | 5°C / 41°F | 102 mm | 17 | — |
| December | 8°C / 47°F | 3°C / 38°F | 117 mm | 18 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Manchester in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Manchester in December?
In December, Manchester averages a high of 8°C (47°F) and a low of 3°C (38°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Manchester in December?
December is quite rainy in Manchester, with about 18 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Manchester?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Manchester in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Manchester for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.