When to go · Manchester
Manchester in December
Great month. Inside Manchester's best window: May–Sep (long daylight, outdoor drinking); Dec for Christmas markets.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Temperature
- 7°C45°F / 2°C36°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 14
- Crowds
- Medium
- United Kingdom overall
- Prices
- High
- United Kingdom overall
Verdict
Inside Manchester's best window: May–Sep (long daylight, outdoor drinking); Dec for Christmas markets.
Weather in December
- ManchesterHighs around 7 °C, lows around 2 °C, rain on about 14 daysHighs around 45 °F, lows around 36 °F, rain on about 14 days
- Northern England and Wales, United Kingdom · York, Manchester, Lake District, Snowdonia (Eryri), Cardiffrainy
Uplands catch the Atlantic rain; May–June and September are the clearest walking months.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day (substitute 28 Dec) big impact
25–28 Dec 2026 · United Kingdom
No trains or Tube on Christmas Day; reduced service on Boxing Day; most shops and sights closed on the 25th.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · United Kingdom overall
- Medium
- Prices · United Kingdom overall
- High
United Kingdom overall: Christmas markets and shows; transport stops on the 25th and hotels spike around New Year.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast