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Weather Comparison

Manchester vs London

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Manchester: 6°CLondon: 7°C262 km apart

January Weather: Manchester vs London

MetricManchesterLondonBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer6°C (43°F)7°C (45°F)London
Average LowHigher is milder2°C (36°F)2°C (36°F)Tie
Rain DaysFewer is drier15 days11 daysLondon
PrecipitationLess is drier89 mm55 mmLondon
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier3h/day4h/dayLondon
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better24 km/h23 km/hLondon

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, London edges ahead as the better destination in January. London offers 4 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Manchester sees 3 sunshine hours and 15 rain days.

Manchester is on the cooler side at 6°C, requiring warmer clothing. London is cooler at 7°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, London is the stronger choice in January. London receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Manchester reaches an average high of 6°C (43°F) and drops to 2°C (36°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

London averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Manchester receives approximately 89 mm of rainfall across 15 rain days during January. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

London sees 55 mm over 11 rain days. That makes London the drier option by 4 rain days and 34 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Manchester vs London

Packing for Manchester in January

Highs of 6°C, lows of 2°C, 15 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Packing for London in January

Highs of 7°C, lows of 2°C, 11 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Manchester vs London

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthManchesterLondon
HighRainHighRain
Jan6°C15d7°C11d
Feb7°C14d8°C10d
Mar9°C14d10°C10d
Apr12°C13d14°C11d
May15°C13d17°C10d
Jun18°C14d20°C10d
Jul19°C16d22°C11d
Aug19°C15d21°C10d
Sep17°C13d19°C9d
Oct13°C15d15°C11d
Nov9°C16d10°C11d
Dec7°C15d8°C11d
6°

Manchester Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

7°

London Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manchester warmer than London in January?
No. In January, London is warmer with an average high of 7°C (45°F) compared to Manchester at 6°C (43°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in January, Manchester or London?
Manchester gets more rain in January with 15 rain days and 89 mm of precipitation. London is the drier option with 11 rain days.
Is it better to visit Manchester or London in January?
It depends on your preferences. Manchester averages 6°C and 3 hours of daily sunshine with 15 rain days. London averages 7°C with 4 sunshine hours and 11 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose London. For fewer rain days, London is the better pick.
How far apart are Manchester and London?
Manchester and London are approximately 262 km (163 miles) apart. Manchester is located in United Kingdom (Europe) while London is in United Kingdom (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Manchester and London?
For Manchester, May tends to be the best month with 10 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 15°C. For London, June is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 20°C highs.

Compare Manchester and London in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Manchester coordinates: 53.48°N, -2.24°E | London coordinates: 51.51°N, -0.13°E