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Weather Comparison

Manchester vs London

Side-by-side weather comparison for May

Manchester: 15°CLondon: 17°C262 km apart

May Weather: Manchester vs London

MetricManchesterLondonBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer15°C (59°F)17°C (63°F)London
Average LowHigher is milder7°C (45°F)8°C (46°F)London
Rain DaysFewer is drier13 days10 daysLondon
PrecipitationLess is drier70 mm52 mmLondon
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day10h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer1010Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better21 km/h20 km/hLondon

Which City is Better in May?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, London edges ahead as the better destination in May. London offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Manchester sees 10 sunshine hours and 13 rain days.

Manchester sits in the comfortable travel range at 15°C. London is also comfortable at 17°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, London is the stronger choice in May.

Temperature Comparison in May

Manchester reaches an average high of 15°C (59°F) and drops to 7°C (45°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

London averages 17°C (63°F) for the high and 8°C (46°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

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

Rainfall Comparison in May

Manchester receives approximately 70 mm of rainfall across 13 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

London sees 52 mm over 10 rain days. That makes London the drier option by 3 rain days and 18 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Manchester vs London

Packing for Manchester in May

Highs of 15°C, lows of 7°C, 13 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for London in May

Highs of 17°C, lows of 8°C, 10 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.

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.May 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
15°

Manchester Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

17°

London Weather in May

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manchester warmer than London in May?
No. In May, London is warmer with an average high of 17°C (63°F) compared to Manchester at 15°C (59°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in May, Manchester or London?
Manchester gets more rain in May with 13 rain days and 70 mm of precipitation. London is the drier option with 10 rain days.
Is it better to visit Manchester or London in May?
It depends on your preferences. Manchester averages 15°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 13 rain days. London averages 17°C with 10 sunshine hours and 10 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