Are you thinking about visiting Manchester, UK? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Manchester worth visiting?
This city is a good place to visit for two to four days. Manchester is the second largest city in the UK and it has many cultural, historical, culinary, and sport related activities to enjoy. Notably, it's home to Manchester United, but it's also a student city with a great nightlife scene as well as a family-friendly city with plenty of activities for people of all ages.
Manchester, England
Reasons to Visit Manchester
Museums
Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.
Food
You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.
Nightlife
The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.
Music
There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.
Shopping
From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.
Authenticity
Manchester has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Manchester worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Manchester is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 16°C (62°F).
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Manchester
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 16°C (62°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| August | 16°C (61°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| September | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Is Manchester worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Manchester, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Manchester is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and listen to some live music.
Autumn Weather in Manchester
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| November | 7°C (44°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| December | 5°C (40°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Manchester worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Manchester. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Manchester can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (39°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities. Also, you can check out the live music scene and the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Manchester
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| February | 4°C (39°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| March | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Manchester worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Manchester. Even though Manchester is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Manchester can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the many shops, the famous sights and museums, and the live music. Also, you'll be able to take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Manchester
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 8°C (46°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 11°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Related
What is Manchester most famous for?
Manchester is most famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is often described as dynamic, diverse, cultural, and vibrant.
What is the most famous sight in Manchester?
The most popular sight in Manchester is The National Football Museum. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Manchester on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The National Football Museum and other attractions here.
How touristy is Manchester? Is it a popular city to visit?
Manchester is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Infinity Adventure: $108
- Yorkshire Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour: $87
- Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
- Private City Walking Tour in Manchester: $127
- Fascinating Manchester - Walking Tour: $235
- A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $21
- Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
- Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
How long should I spend in Manchester?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Manchester is two to four days. Since Manchester has activities such as music, shopping, museums, and dining, many visit for up to four days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Manchester? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Manchester?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.