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Manchester Weather in May
Manchester in May sees moderate temperatures, with highs around 17°C (63°F) and overnight lows of 7°C (45°F). Rainfall is fairly high at around 77 mm (3 in) on average, so pack waterproofs just in case.
Rainfall in Manchester in May
Historically, the month has about 16 days of rain, averaging 77 mm (3 in) in total. Rain falls on many days this month, but usually in relatively small amounts. A light waterproof is more useful than a heavy umbrella.
Temperature in Manchester in May
Manchester in May gets highs of 17°C (63°F) during the day and drops to 7°C (45°F) at night. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights fall to 7°C (45°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Manchester in May
The city usually sees around 186 hours of sunlight, indicating a moderately sunny period.
Wind Speed in Manchester in May
In May, average wind speeds reach 4 m/s (8 knots), leading to light to moderate breezes. Conditions vary from day to day, with both calm and windier periods.For Manchester itself, July and August generally stand out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Manchester Temperature in May
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Chance of Rain
52%
Precipitation
77 mm (3 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
84%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
186 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Manchester Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Manchester - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Manchester typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 9°C (48°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather records for Manchester in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Manchester spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Manchester historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations in Manchester between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- The hottest May day on record in Manchester reached 31°C (88°F) (May 25, 2026).
- On May 1, 1979, Manchester saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 5°C (41°F).
- The coldest night in May in Manchester was on May 4, 1996, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F).
- Peak precipitation in May occurred on May 29, 1997, when 50 mm (2 in) of precipitation was measured.
Best Places in the United Kingdom in May
Find out more about the weather in the United Kingdom and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United Kingdom in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Manchester in May
For Manchester in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.
What To Do in Manchester in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming5/10 -
Cycling6/10 -
Walking6/10 -
Barbeque6/10 -
Camping4/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Manchester 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Manchester
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Manchester climate overview or explore weather in the United Kingdom.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
London
18°C (64°F) Bath17°C (63°F) Manchester
17°C (63°F) York17°C (63°F) Torquay15°C (59°F) Glasgow15°C (59°F) Edinburgh15°C (59°F) Blackpool14°C (57°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
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