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The months of June, July, August, and September are the best time to visit Manchester for dry and warm weather, attractions and events. The summer months usually bring warm weather, although in Manchester it’s always a good idea to pack your umbrella.
However, a generally mild climate makes Manchester a year-round destination, and there are plenty of things to see and do in every season. The Manchester weather is infamously unpredictable, so there really isn’t one month that comes with a guarantee of warm and dry weather.
As a Manchester local, I’m here to give you the lowdown on when is the best time to visit Manchester. I’ve also got a guide to where to stay in Manchester, if you need help sorting your accommodation. Let’s go!
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Table of Contents
When is the Best Time to Visit Manchester?
The best time to visit Manchester is from June to September. These are the warmest months in Manchester, and during this time the best of the city’s many events and festivals take place.
But there are many other factors to consider when deciding when to visit, including your budget, what key events you want to attend, hotel prices, the football season, your tolerance for crowds and more.
Let’s break down the best time to visit.
When to Visit Manchester for Good Weather
How long is a piece of string? The best combination of clear skies and warm temperatures in May and June, but Manchester’s weather is notoriously unpredictable.
Temperatures can rise a little in July and August, but increased rainfall can make outdoor events and festivals a little damp.
When to Visit Manchester for Cheap Prices
The cost of eating, drinking and entertainment in Manchester is cheaper than in London, but it’s possible to save even more if you visit early in the year.
Many of the city’s restaurants offer discounts – sometimes as much as 50% – during January to encourage business during the quieter weeks following Christmas. Great hotel deals can be had during January and February too, although expect a spike around Valentine’s Day.
Shoppers can find incredible bargains during the January sales which begin on December 26.
When to Visit Manchester for Families and Kids
The run up to Christmas is a great time to go to Manchester with family and kids. The world famous Christmas Markets that spread across the city are a must visit. Kids will love the giant Bratwurst sausages, Belgian waffles and hot chocolate on offer, while mugs of gluhwein will get the adults into the festive spirit.
December is pantomime season, with British celebrities and actors coming together to perform classic plays like Aladdin and Peter Pan. Check out showtimes at the Palace Theatre, Manchester Opera House, the Royal Exchange Theatre, and The Lowry.
When to Visit Manchester to Avoid Crowds
March and April are great months to visit Manchester as they are quiet like January and February but promise better weather.
Manchester is at its busiest during summer and at Christmas, so avoid those months if you want to explore the city at a calmer, more leisurely pace.
When to Visit Manchester for Festivals and Events
Manchester really comes to life in summer. Festival season is well underway with revellers from across the country flocking to Heaton Park for Parklife Festival (June). Sounds of the City and Manchester International Festival are well worth checking out in July.
Celebrate all things Manchester on Manchester Day with a parade and fun family activities in July, or join one of the biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country when Manchester Pride takes over the city in August.
When to Visit Manchester for Football
The English football season runs from mid-August through to May. With Manchester United, Manchester City and a host of other teams based in the city, Manchester is a great place to catch a game.
Avoid going to matches in December, January and February if you don’t want to get too cold and wet.
Manchester Travel Seasons
Visiting Manchester in January and February
The start of the year in Manchester tends to be bitterly cold and wet, making it the perfect time to make the most of the city’s excellent indoor attractions. There are fewer crowds following the Christmas rush, while in January many restaurants offer deals and discounts to attract customers during the low season.
- Chinese New Year – Manchester is home to the UK’s biggest Chinatown outside of London and every year hosts a huge celebration (dates move between January and February). Come for the famous dragon parade and stay for excellent live music and delicious street food.
- Museums and galleries – Manchester’s museums and galleries are open all year round, but they provide both entertainment and shelter during the winter months. Manchester Art Gallery, The Whitworth, Manchester Science Museum, People’s History Museum, and the National Football Museum are among those well worth a visit.
Visiting Manchester in March and April
March and April bring mild temperatures and brighter evenings, opening up the possibility of al-fresco eating and drinking after a cold, wet winter.
- Manchester Film Festival– While there aren’t too many events scheduled for this time of year, the Manchester Film Festival in March is certainly one to put in the diary. Outside the festival dates, there are always interesting – and often independent – films being screened at HOME Theatre.
- Football Matches – Manchester is home to two of the world’s biggest football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City. March and April are great months to attend a football match with the season entering the final stretch and both teams often involved in thrilling European encounters.
Visiting Manchester in May through August
Average temperatures push up into the high teens and early twenties in summer, so make the most of Manchester’s outdoor activities and events!
July and August tend to be the hottest months with an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, although in recent years, unpredictable heat waves have brought extremely hot weather. Despite the odd rain shower, summer sees Mancunians let their hair down in beer gardens and at festivals.
- Parklife – One of the UK’s fastest growing festivals attracts a largely youthful crowd to Heaton Park every June. Music ranges from indie and rock to pop, electronic, and hip-hop.
- Sound of the City – Throughout July the historic Castlefield Bowl hosts a string of outdoor indie and rock concerts. Past performers have included New Order, Arcade Fire, and The Courteeners.
- Manchester Pride – Every August Manchester hosts one of the biggest LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations around, with thousands of revellers heading to the Gay Village. Expect a parade, music, dance, food, drinks and a really positive, pleasant time.
👉 Pro Tip: Rain showers are not uncommon in summer in Manchester, so remember to pack a light rain jacket just in case.
Visiting Manchester in September and October
The trees turn from green to golden in September and October. While it’s rarely freezing during the shoulder season, be prepared for glorious sun, cold snaps, showers, and everything in between.
- Manchester Food and Drink Festival – Food and drink vendors from across the world come together for a celebration of eating and culinary exploration. The festival took a year off in 2023 but will return in September 2024.
- Indy Man Beer Con – A beer and cider festival that celebrates independent breweries, hosted in October in the stunning Grade II listed Victoria Baths, a former Victorian municipal swimming pool.
Visiting Manchester in November and December
The cold weather brings a distinctly festive mood to the city, with bonfire night events soon followed by the Manchester Christmas Markets.
November and December are two of the rainiest months of the year in Manchester, but there are plenty of indoor events to check out when the wet weather hits. Expect higher prices for hotels nearer Christmas.
- Manchester Christmas Markets – Sample festive treats from across Europe as market stalls sprawl across the city centre. The markets typically open early to mid November and wrap up in mid to late December.
- Live music – Manchester is famous for its music, so why not attend a gig when the weather outside is frightful? From the AO Arena and Co-op Live to small venues like Band on the Wall and Soup Kitchen, there’s something for everyone.
- Pub culture – Manchester’s historic pubs are perfect to hunker down in when the weather is miserable. Peveril of the Peak, Marble Arch, and Edinburgh Castle are must visits.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? The luxurious Stock Exchange Hotel is close to all of the Christmas Market sites, while the boutique Cow Hollow Hotel has plenty of great music venues and bars on its doorstep.
Manchester Weather and Climate
Manchester has a mild climate with no extreme weather, although visitors should be prepared for clear skies and sunshine to suddenly give way to clouds and rain.
July and August are the hottest months with an average temperature of 20℃, while December, January and February are the coldest with an average temperature of 4℃.
On average Manchester has 152 days of rain per year, with 86.71cms of rain per year. The best advice is to pack layers and waterproofs so that you’re prepared for whatever the weather throws at you.
FAQs About When to Visit Manchester
When is the high season in Manchester?
Manchester doesn’t have a peak season as such, but the city definitely feels busier in the weeks before Christmas.
What is the best month to go to Manchester?
July and August are the best months to visit Manchester for festivals, events and good weather, with temperatures ranging from the mid teens to high 20s if you’re lucky.
How many days do you need in Manchester?
Two days is enough to take in the city’s main sights and attractions, but if you have a specific event or day trip on your itinerary then three would be better.
What is the wettest month in Manchester?
November and December see the most rainfall in Manchester, but it can rain any time of year. Pack a good waterproof jacket and you’ll be good to go!
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Hopefully, my guide has helped you decide when to visit Manchester. The best time to visit is different for everyone and depends on many factors, but rest assured, you are guaranteed to have a great time in Manchester! Before you go, make sure to check out my guide to Manchester’s neighbourhoods.
