What May feels like in Manchester
May is late spring in Manchester. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. Little changes after sunset — nights are cool, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Manchester in May
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. Wet days average about 5.6 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 5.9 mm per wet day. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 5:10 am and sets around 9:00 pm local time, giving 15 h 51 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 1 h 55 min more daylight than mid-April. The sun is out for roughly 64% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Manchester's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Compared with April, afternoons are 3°C (5.4°F) warmer, with 21 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into June. By June, typical highs are 18.3°C (64.9°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
Tips for visiting Manchester in May
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Manchester in May?
Expect around 15.6°C (60.1°F) in the afternoon and 7.7°C (45.9°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Manchester in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 78 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Manchester in May?
The numbers point to rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Manchester?
June scores better on our climate ranking (#1 of 12 vs #3), rated Good against Good. June is warmer and has more rainy days.