Manchester Weather in November

November weather

Manchester scores 2.4/10 in November, and the main reason is the cold. Days reach about 9°C and nights dip to 4°C, so you'll want a proper coat. Rain falls on 18 days, and the sky stays cloudy much of the time. With only 1.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, don't count on long, bright afternoons.

Because of that, the city suits indoor plans best. The Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery and the John Rylands Library are all good places to spend a wet afternoon. You can still wander the Northern Quarter, but muddy park paths and exposed strolls lose their charm after rain. A full day at the beach or a countryside hike is a poor bet this month.

Events and seasonal feel

The good news is that November has a festive side. Manchester's Christmas Markets usually open in November, filling central spots such as St Peter's Square and Piccadilly Gardens with stalls and crowds. Bonfire Night falls on November 5, though displays and events change from year to year, so check before you go. Remembrance Sunday also takes place in November.

Families often enjoy the markets, but central Manchester gets busier once they open, so plan around the crowds.

Crowds and practical tips

Outside the market period, November is quieter than the summer months, when the city's better weather draws more visitors. Hotel rates can be lower than in summer, though market weekends may push demand and prices up. If you want the best weather, June to July and September are the strongest months, so November is really a choice of a calmer, cheaper trip over sunshine.

When the rain sets in, the free city-centre bus helps you hop between indoor sights. For a cosy break, try a Manchester tart at a café near the Northern Quarter. It's a local dessert with custard and raspberry jam, and it's just right on a chilly afternoon.