When you picture autumn in Manchester, you’ll notice a real shift in both temperature and daylight. Average highs drop from the mid-60s °F in early September to the upper 40s °F by late November, while lows fall from the low 50s °F to around 39°F.
This steady cooling shapes the season. You’ll want to plan for layers and changing conditions.
Rain starts showing up a lot more during this time of year. The chance of a wet day climbs as the season goes on, and cloud cover thickens fast, with overcast skies becoming totally normal by late autumn.
At the same time, daylight hours shrink quickly. You lose nearly six hours of sunlight from September to November.
You’ll also spot subtle but important changes in wind and humidity. Winds get stronger, usually blowing in from the west, while the air stays pretty dry and comfortable.
These shifts, mixed with Manchester’s geography, create a fall that feels cool, damp, and often gray, but never too harsh. It’s a balance that makes autumn in Manchester unique, so it’s worth knowing before you plan to spend time outside or visit.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Manchester
Temperatures in Manchester fall steadily through autumn. September feels mild, but by late November, chilly weather takes over.
You’ll notice cooler days, colder nights, and shorter daylight hours as the weeks go by.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
In September, daily highs average around 66°F (19°C), while lows stay near 53°F (12°C). This month usually feels the most comfortable, especially early on.
By October, highs drop to about 57°F (14°C) and lows dip to 46°F (8°C). Evenings get noticeably colder, so you’ll probably want a jacket most of the time.
In November, the cold settles in with highs averaging 48°F (9°C) and lows near 39°F (4°C). Frost starts popping up more often, especially at night and early in the morning.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 66°F / 19°C | 53°F / 12°C |
| October | 57°F / 14°C | 46°F / 8°C |
| November | 48°F / 9°C | 39°F / 4°C |
Temperature Trends from September to November
The season has a pretty clear downward trend. Early September can still feel like late summer, but by mid-October, temperatures drop off fast.
By November, the air gets crisp, and nights often flirt with freezing.
Daytime warmth falls by nearly 20°F (about 10°C) from the start to the end of autumn. You’ll definitely reach for heavier clothing as the weeks pass.
Unlike summer, when temperatures hold steady, fall in Manchester brings plenty of swings. A mild afternoon might turn into a chilly evening with little warning.
This kind of variability just comes with the territory thanks to shifting Atlantic weather systems.
Days get shorter and cooler too. By late November, daylight barely lasts 8 hours, making things feel even colder.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall is much cooler and cloudier. In July and August, highs hover around 68–70°F (20–21°C), but after early September, fall rarely hits those numbers.
When you stack it up against winter, fall feels transitional. Winter highs in Manchester average only 44–46°F (7–8°C), with lows near 36°F (2°C). By late November, you’re already close to those winter temps.
Spring warms up more slowly than fall cools. In March, highs sit around 50°F (10°C)—pretty similar to November—but spring gradually brightens and warms, while fall just keeps getting darker and chillier.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Manchester gets steady precipitation all year, and autumn doesn’t really break the trend. Rain falls often, but not usually in wild downpours, so the city keeps its reputation for damp but manageable weather.
Monthly Rainfall Totals in Autumn
Rainfall in Manchester during autumn stays fairly steady across September, October, and November. You’ll see about 70–90 mm of precipitation per month, based on long-term records.
September usually lands around 80 mm, October gets closer to 90 mm, and November ranges between 85–95 mm, making it a bit wetter than early autumn.
These numbers aren’t extreme, but they do keep the ground damp and the skies cloudy.
Unlike those summer storms, autumn rain in Manchester comes in lighter, more frequent showers. The season feels wet most of the time, even though the totals don’t spike dramatically.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~80 mm | Mild temperatures, steady showers |
| October | ~90 mm | Slight increase, cooler air |
| November | ~85–95 mm | Damp and chilly, fewer dry spells |
Frequency of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days in autumn really tells the story. Manchester averages 15–20 wet days per month this time of year, so you’ll see rain on about half the days.
September usually brings around 15 days with measurable rain. October and November bump that up to 18–20 days, so dry stretches get pretty rare.
Even when the rain isn’t heavy, drizzle and light showers are common.
That’s why it can feel like it rains constantly, even if the totals aren’t huge. Damp conditions will probably mess with your outdoor plans now and then, but rain rarely gets heavy enough to really disrupt things.
Carrying an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket just makes sense, since showers can pop up without much warning.
Rainfall Compared to Other UK Cities
Manchester’s autumn rainfall is moderate by UK standards. The city gets just over 1,000 mm a year, which puts it in the higher range, but it’s not the wettest place around.
For example, Glasgow often sees more than 1,200 mm each year, with heavier autumn rain. London averages about 600 mm annually, so it’s noticeably drier than Manchester.
In autumn, the northwest of England, including Manchester, tends to be wetter than the southeast. That’s mostly thanks to moist Atlantic air reaching the region more easily.
Coastal cities in western Scotland and Wales usually get even higher rainfall.
If you’re visiting Manchester in autumn, expect more rain than in southern England, but less than in the wettest parts of Scotland or Wales. The city stays damp, but it’s not extreme compared to other UK spots.
Humidity, Wind, and Cloud Cover in Autumn
During autumn in Manchester, you’ll feel higher humidity, steady winds, and lots of cloudy days. These factors shape how the city feels—from damp mornings to breezy afternoons and shorter bursts of sunshine.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity in Manchester during autumn usually sits between 80% and 85%. September often starts with levels around 81%, but by November, the air feels heavier and more saturated.
This steady rise means you can expect damp mornings and cooler evenings to feel even colder than the numbers suggest. Even on dry days, the high humidity can make the air feel a bit clammy, especially when temperatures drop below 10°C.
If you’re traveling, lightweight but warm clothing works best. Fabrics that resist moisture, like quick-dry or layered cotton blends, help you stay comfortable.
If you’re outdoors for a while, a waterproof jacket comes in handy, since humidity and light showers often go together.
Prevailing Winds and Speeds
Winds in Manchester during autumn tend to be moderate and consistent. Average speeds run between 13–16 km/h (8–10 mph), with stronger gusts showing up more in October and November as Atlantic systems move in.
Winds usually come from the west and southwest, bringing in moist air from the Irish Sea. That pattern adds to the frequent rain and cloud cover you’ll see this season.
Winds aren’t extreme, but they can feel brisk when paired with cooler temperatures. If you’re walking through open spots like Salford Quays or along the River Irwell, the breeze feels stronger than it does on city streets.
A wind-resistant jacket helps on those days.
Cloudiness and Sunshine Hours
Manchester is pretty famous for its cloudy skies, and autumn definitely keeps up the tradition. September still gives you around 12.5 hours of daylight, but by November, you’re down to about 8.5 hours.
Actual sunshine is way less, with many days stuck under grey, overcast skies.
Cloud cover usually sits above 70%, so bright, clear days are rare. September has the best shot at longer sunny spells, while November is usually the dullest month.
You’ll want to plan outdoor stuff earlier in the day, since afternoons can feel darker and colder. If you’re into photography or sightseeing, September offers better light, while late autumn requires some flexibility due to less sun and more clouds.
Daylight and Sunlight Hours During Fall
During fall in Manchester, daylight hours shrink quickly, and direct sunshine drops as cloud cover gets heavier. You’ll notice a real shift from long, mild days in September to short, dim days by November.
Changes in Daylight from September to November
Daylight in Manchester drops steadily all season. In early September, you get about 13 hours of daylight, but by late November, it’s just over 8 hours.
The longest day in fall is early September, with sunrise before 6:30 a.m. and sunset after 7:30 p.m. By late November, sunrise is close to 8:00 a.m., and sunset’s before 4:00 p.m.
You lose nearly five hours of daylight over the season. The biggest change happens in October, when the clocks go back an hour, making evenings even darker.
For outdoor plans, September still gives you enough light for evening walks or late travel. By November, most daylight is packed into the middle of the day.
Sunshine Duration and Overcast Days
Manchester is well-known for frequent cloud cover, and this ramps up in fall. In September, you might get 4–5 hours of sunshine per day, but by November, it’s down to about 2 hours daily.
Total sunshine for the season averages about 250–300 hours, with September giving the most. October brings more overcast days, and November is usually the gloomiest.
Rain and cloudiness often overlap, so even when there’s daylight, skies aren’t always clear. You should expect lots of days with limited direct sunlight, especially in late fall.
If you’re after brighter weather, plan visits or outdoor activities in early fall, when sunshine is more reliable and cloud cover isn’t as stubborn.
What to Expect: Weather Variability and Extremes
Fall in Manchester brings shifting conditions that can change fast—even within a single day. You might wake up to mild temperatures, get caught in heavier rain by afternoon, and face strong winds by evening.
Most days are manageable, but every season brings a few surprises.
Unusual Weather Events in Fall
You’ll find that while Manchester’s fall weather is usually cool and damp, outliers do happen. Early frosts sometimes show up in late October or November, cutting the growing season short.
On rare days, light snow can appear before winter, but it usually melts quickly.
Heavy downpours can cause localized flooding, especially along rivers and low-lying areas. The city’s layout sometimes slows drainage, so streets might hold water after long bouts of rain.
Thunderstorms aren’t super common in fall, but they do happen now and then. When they hit, you might see short bursts of hail and sudden gusts of wind. These events are brief, but they can throw off travel plans.
Temperature Fluctuations
Temperatures in fall drop steadily, but sudden swings are pretty common. Early September often feels mild, with highs near 65–66°F (18–19°C), but by late November, daytime temps average closer to 48°F (9°C).
Nights can dip into the upper 30s °F (3–4°C).
You might notice quick changes from week to week. A mild spell can suddenly give way to a sharp cold front that drops temperatures by 10°F or more.
These shifts stand out most in October, when the season transitions quickly.
Frost gets more frequent in late fall. Early September mornings are usually frost-free, but by November, ground frost is common, especially outside the city center.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, layering up helps you keep up with the changes.
Wind Storms and Heavy Rain
Manchester’s fall months usually bring stronger winds blowing in from the west. Average wind speeds climb from around 10 mph (16 km/h) in early fall to about 12 mph (19 km/h) by November. Sometimes, brief gales show up, especially when Atlantic weather systems sweep through.
Heavy rain is another thing you’ll notice. The chance of a wet day creeps up from about 31% in September to 37% in November. Rainfall totals rise too, with late October often seeing the longest stretches of wet weather.
Get ready for days when wind and rain team up. That combo can slow down travel, make roads slippery, and cut visibility. Honestly, umbrellas don’t always help much when it’s windy, so most people stick with waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes instead.
How Manchester’s Location Influences Fall Weather
Manchester’s fall weather really depends on its spot between the Irish Sea to the west and the Pennine hills to the east. These features shape the rainfall, cloud cover, and temperature patterns you’ll get during the season.
Impact of Proximity to the Irish Sea
The Irish Sea keeps Manchester’s fall temperatures milder than you might expect for this latitude. Moist air from the Atlantic blows in, which softens both daytime highs and nighttime lows.
This maritime influence also means you’ll see more clouds. Skies get gloomier as fall goes on, with cloud cover rising from about 50% in early September to over 70% by late November. The sea feeds the air with moisture, which helps explain the frequent light rain you’ll run into all season.
Rainfall slowly increases through fall, with average 31‑day totals going from about 2.2 inches in early September to 2.6 inches by late November. It’s not exactly extreme, but it’s enough to keep the ground soggy and the air feeling chilly and damp.
Thanks to this oceanic effect, Manchester avoids the wild temperature swings you get in more continental places. Early fall frosts are pretty rare, but the dampness can make cooler days feel colder than you’d think.
Effect of the Pennines on Local Climate
The Pennines, just east of Manchester, act like a wall that shapes local weather. Moist air from the west rises over these hills, cools down, and turns into extra rainfall on the western side—right where Manchester sits.
This “rain shadow” effect means you’ll get wetter conditions than towns farther east of the Pennines. The hills also block some wind, which traps clouds and cuts down on sunshine hours in fall. That’s a big reason why Manchester usually has fewer clear days than other inland cities.
Wind patterns shift too because of the Pennines. In fall, westerly winds pick up, averaging 10–12 mph, but the hills channel and bend these winds around. You might notice gusts in open spots, while sheltered neighborhoods stay a bit calmer.
With both the sea and the hills working together, Manchester’s fall weather stays damp, breezy, and often cloudy. It’s part of why the city is so famous for its frequent rain and gray skies this time of year.
Tips for Visiting Manchester in Autumn
Temperatures in Manchester during autumn start off mild in September, but by November, it’s chilly, with lots of rain and shorter days. If you’re prepared, you can enjoy the city’s culture and outdoor spots without too much trouble.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
Manchester’s autumn weather can switch up quickly—one minute cool and damp, the next breezy. Average daytime highs drop from about 17°C in September to around 9°C in November. Nights can get close to 6°C. Bring clothes you can layer so you can add or remove as needed.
A waterproof jacket is a must since you’ll probably run into rain, with 5–6 rainy days each month. Umbrellas help sometimes, but when the wind picks up downtown, a sturdy hood works better. Good walking shoes with solid grip matter too, since pavements get slick.
Pack a mix of long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a warm coat for later in the season. By November, you’ll probably want a scarf, gloves, and a hat. If you’re planning to check out both the city and the countryside, bring casual outfits for urban exploring and tougher outdoor gear for rural walks.
Best Outdoor Activities in Autumn
Autumn feels like the perfect time to get out and wander through Manchester’s parks and walking routes. The canalside paths near Castlefield and green spaces like Heaton Park or Fletcher Moss really come alive with colorful foliage in October.
If you’re after more countryside vibes, you can easily take a day trip to the Peak District. The air’s crisp, the views are wide, and it’s honestly hard not to feel recharged out there.
Pumpkin patches and harvest events pop up at places like Tatton Park or Smithills Farm. People love these in October, especially families looking for something a bit different outside the city center.
With shorter days, it’s smart to get outdoors earlier. By November, daylight drops to under 8 hours, so starting your walks in the late morning just makes sense.
Once it gets dark, maybe head inside to one of Manchester’s pubs, museums, or theaters. It’s a good way to balance out your trip, don’t you think?