What April feels like in Manchester
For Manchester, April is the heart of spring. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cold. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Manchester in April
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 4.7 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 5.9 mm per rainy day. April is Manchester's driest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in April
In mid-April, sunrise is at about 6:11 am and sunset at about 8:07 pm (local time) — 13 h 56 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 2 h 11 min more daylight than mid-March. The sun is out for roughly 67% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How April compares to the rest of the year
In Manchester's temperature order, April sits as the 6th coolest month. Against March, the average high is 3°C (5.4°F) higher, with 24 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into May. May averages a high of 15.6°C (60.1°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Manchester in April
Versatile Layers
Mornings and evenings are cooler than midday, so dress in layers.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Manchester in April?
It feels chilly: typical highs are 12.6°C (54.7°F), with lows near 4.4°C (39.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Manchester in April?
Quite a lot — 56 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Manchester in April?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is April or May better for visiting Manchester?
April, narrowly: it ranks #2 of 12 among Manchester's months, against #3 for the other. May is warmer and has more rainy days.