Best Time to Visit Manchester

Summer: mild, not dry

June is the pick, with the most sun of the year and highs around 18°C. July and August are a touch warmer, but they're also wetter. August has the most rainy days, 19 of them. So pack a waterproof whatever the month says.

On a good day, Manchester feels great. You'll find people on the steps in Castlefield, pints outside in the Northern Quarter and long light evenings. If you're after museums, football or live music, summer works well. Many football fans come for the new season in August, and Old Trafford and the Etihad get busy. Manchester Pride lands on the August bank holiday weekend and fills the Gay Village with crowds. Hotels cost more then.

Spring and autumn: quieter and flexible

April and May are fair. Mornings are cool and showers come and go, but parks like Heaton Park turn green and the city feels easy. Manchester International Festival runs in odd-numbered years, usually in summer, so check if it's on.

September ties June as one of our best months. It's still mild, with highs of 17°C, and the students haven't quite taken over yet. By October it turns grey and wet, with the most rain outside winter. If you want a city break with fewer people, early September is a smart choice. The Great Manchester Run is in May, and it closes some central roads for the day.

Winter: dark, damp and cosy

From November to February, expect short days, often under two hours of sun, and rain on most days. January is the gloomiest. Highs sit around 6°C. It's the cheapest time to visit, and you won't queue much at the Science and Industry Museum, the John Rylands Library or the Manchester Art Gallery.

Winter does have a charm. The Christmas Markets open from mid-November and spread across Albert Square, St Ann's Square and beyond. They're busy, especially on weekends, so go on a weekday evening. Then warm up in a pub with a hot pie and gravy. Travelling with kids? Winter indoor options are strong, and the tram makes getting around simple.

If you only get one trip, choose June or September. For cheap and cosy, pick late January.