Spring in Manchester marks a gradual shift from chilly, damp days to milder, brighter weather. Daytime temperatures usually climb from about 48°F (9°C) in March to around 64°F (18°C) by late May. Nights slowly warm from near 38°F (3°C) up to 50°F (10°C). This change makes spring a comfortable time to check out the city.
You’ll see plenty of clouds, but by late spring, the sky tends to clear a bit. Rain is still frequent, with about a one-in-four chance of showers most days. Totals stay pretty steady, just under two inches per month.
Longer daylight hours—starting at about 11 hours in early March and stretching to over 16 hours by late May—mean more time to enjoy the outdoors, even with the unpredictable weather.
As spring continues, winds lighten up and sunshine increases, making the city feel much more welcoming after the gloom of winter. With a bit of planning, you can really enjoy Manchester’s parks, cultural spots, and lively neighborhoods while soaking in the unique spring climate.
Overview of Manchester’s Spring Climate
Spring in Manchester means steadily warming days, longer daylight, and changing cloud cover. You’ll notice the comfort level gradually improves, though rainfall remains a regular part of life.
Key Characteristics of Spring Weather
Temperatures start around 48°F (9°C) in early March and rise to about 64°F (18°C) by late May. At night, lows go from 38°F (3°C) up to 50°F (10°C). Frost becomes less likely as you move through spring.
Cloud cover eases up a bit, with overcast skies dropping from about 67% in March to 54% in May. So, you’ll get more sunshine, even if the weather still feels a bit mixed.
Rainfall stays steady at roughly 1.8 inches per month. On average, about 28% of days bring measurable rain. Showers are common, but they’re usually light or moderate—not heavy downpours.
Daylight hours increase quickly. You get just under 11 hours of daylight in early March, and by late May, days stretch to over 16 hours. This gives you much longer evenings.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Spring feels milder than winter, but not quite as settled as summer. Winter days average highs of 44°F (7°C), with short daylight and lots of clouds. Spring brings more daylight and a clear warming trend.
Compared to summer, spring is cooler and a bit wetter. July highs reach about 69°F (21°C), with more sunshine but also heavier rain. Summer days can feel a little humid, though Manchester rarely gets extreme heat.
Autumn feels similar to spring in temperature, but the daylight and mood change. In September, highs average 63°F (17°C), close to late spring. But the days get shorter fast, and rain picks up as winter nears.
Influence of Geography and Location
Manchester sits in northwest England, and that shapes its spring weather. The city is in a lowland basin, with the Pennines to the east and the Irish Sea to the west. Moist Atlantic air moves inland easily.
Westerly winds bring frequent clouds and rain. The surrounding hills protect the city from the worst coastal storms, but they also trap moisture, so showers are common.
At about 164 feet above sea level, Manchester is milder than the higher ground nearby. Rural areas east of the city, closer to the Pennines, are often cooler and wetter.
Manchester’s inland spot, but not far from the coast, means it avoids big temperature extremes. So, you get a fairly mild, damp spring.
Monthly Breakdown: March, April, and May
Spring in Manchester brings steady changes in daylight, temperature, and rainfall. March starts off cool, April’s afternoons get milder, and by May, you’ll notice much longer, brighter days.
Rain is still part of the mix, but with more sunshine, outdoor plans get easier.
March Weather Trends
March often feels like the tail end of winter. Daytime highs average around 49–50°F (9–10°C), while nights dip to about 39°F (4°C). You’ll want a warm jacket, especially after sunset.
Rainfall is moderate, with about 2.3 inches spread across 5 rainy days. Sunshine is scarce, and you might get about 6 clear days all month.
Day length increases from 10.8 to 13 hours, so you’ll notice more daylight by the end of March.
The air often feels damp, and clouds are frequent. If you’re heading out, waterproof layers and comfy shoes are handy. Parks and gardens start to show early signs of spring, but it’s still chilly enough to layer up.
April Weather Patterns
By April, things get a bit milder. Daytime highs reach about 55°F (13°C), and nights hover near 42°F (6°C). Evenings are lighter, with daylight stretching from 13 to 15 hours.
Rain is less frequent than in March, averaging 1.9 inches across 3 rainy days. You’ll see around 7 sunny days, a slight improvement over March.
The air feels fresher, and clouds break up more often. Mornings can still be cool, but afternoons are mild. Outdoor cafés and walking routes become more tempting as the month goes on.
May Weather Overview
May brings the warmest, brightest spring weather. Daytime highs hit 60°F (16°C), with nights staying around 47°F (8°C). Days now run 15 to 16.5 hours, giving you tons of daylight.
Rainfall bumps up a bit to 2.5 inches across 5 rainy days. Still, you get about 6 sunny days, and clouds are less stubborn. The mix of rain and sun makes the city’s parks really lush.
May is probably the most inviting spring month for travel. Outdoor events and festivals kick off, and mild evenings mean you won’t need a heavy coat. A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick.
Temperature Ranges and Averages
Spring in Manchester brings a steady rise in both daytime highs and nighttime lows. March starts cool, but by late May, you get much milder conditions. Temperatures rarely swing to extremes.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During spring, daytime highs climb from about 48°F (9°C) in early March to around 64°F (18°C) by late May. Sometimes, highs can sneak into the low 70s°F (21–23°C), but that’s not the norm.
At night, lows rise from about 38°F (3°C) to 50°F (10°C) over the season. By April, frost is pretty rare, though early mornings can still feel chilly.
Data from Manchester Airport shows that after mid-March, temperatures rarely dip below freezing. By late spring, nights are mild enough for evening strolls without bundling up.
This warming trend means you can wear lighter clothes as spring goes on, but a jacket is still smart for evenings.
Temperature Fluctuations During Spring
Spring temperatures in Manchester generally rise, but you’ll get some ups and downs. A cold front in March might bring nights near 32°F (0°C), while a warm spell in May can push highs above 70°F (21°C).
The daily temperature range—between highs and lows—averages about 10–15°F (5–8°C). So, mornings often feel much cooler than afternoons.
By mid-May, the difference from winter is obvious. Afternoons are comfortable, and evenings are mild.
Manchester’s inland location, close to the Irish Sea, means wind changes can quickly shift temperatures. Westerly winds usually keep things moderate, but clear nights can make it feel colder.
Rainfall and Humidity in Spring
Spring in Manchester brings steady rainfall and moderate humidity. You’ll get frequent damp days, but the weather rarely feels extreme. Showers are mostly light to moderate, and humidity makes the air feel moist but not sticky.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rain in Manchester during spring is pretty consistent, ranging from about 60 mm to 80 mm per month. April’s a little drier, while May and June see a bit more rain.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~70 mm | ~2.8 in |
| April | ~60–65 mm | ~2.4–2.6 in |
| May | ~70–75 mm | ~2.8–3.0 in |
Rain spreads out pretty evenly, so you won’t get long dry spells. This steady rain keeps the city’s parks and gardens green and lively.
Frequency of Showers
You should expect 12 to 18 wet days per month in spring. Showers usually come as quick bursts, not all-day storms.
March tends to have more rainy days, April a bit fewer, and May sees showers pick up again, though they’re often lighter.
Most rain falls as drizzle or light rain, but heavier showers can happen, especially late in spring. Carrying a light waterproof jacket or umbrella makes sense, since rain can appear and disappear quickly.
Humidity Trends
Humidity in Manchester during spring stays moderate, usually between 70% and 80%. The air feels damp, especially in the mornings and evenings.
March often feels more humid because cool air holds moisture. By April and May, rising temperatures make the humidity less noticeable, even though the percentage stays high.
You might spot mist or light fog some mornings, especially near rivers and open areas. More sunshine as spring goes on helps balance out the dampness, making afternoons nicer for being outside.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Spring in Manchester brings longer days and more sunlight than winter, but clouds still stick around. You’ll notice a steady increase in sunshine from March to May, and overcast days become a bit less common.
Average Daily Sunshine
In March, you usually get about 4 to 4.5 hours of sunshine each day. By April, it jumps to around 6 hours daily, and in May, you’ll see 7 to 7.5 hours on average. Late spring is definitely the brightest part of the season.
Here’s what the monthly totals look like:
- March: about 135 hours
- April: about 183 hours
- May: about 232 hours
These numbers show how daylight and clearer skies increase through spring. While you won’t get sunshine every day, the trend is toward brighter, longer days.
This steady rise in sun makes May one of the best months for outdoor plans, since daylight and temperatures are both pretty pleasant.
Typical Cloudiness in Spring
Manchester has a reputation for cloud cover, and spring doesn’t break the pattern. In March, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about two-thirds of the time. By May, that drops to about half of the time, giving you more sunshine breaks.
Cloudiness shifts gradually. You’ll get more scattered clouds and partly sunny days as spring moves along. April often feels like a mix—grey mornings, brighter afternoons.
Even in May, expect some clouds. Clear skies do pop up, but rarely stick around for days on end. It’s smart to keep outdoor plans flexible so you can take advantage of the brighter spells.
Wind Conditions and Weather Variability
Spring in Manchester often brings steady breezes along with changing temperatures and clouds. You’ll find a mix of calm days and unsettled spells, and wind really shapes how the weather feels when you’re out and about.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
In spring, winds in Manchester usually blow in from the west and southwest. These winds bring moist air from the Atlantic, so the city often gets a good dose of rain.
Average wind speeds sit around 3 m/s (6–7 mph) in calmer spells, but they can climb to 5 m/s (11 mph) during the windiest weeks. At 3 m/s, you’ll see leaves rustling and flags fluttering softly.
When it hits 5 m/s, the breeze feels stronger and steadier, though it rarely gets bothersome. Spring works well for outdoor plans, but you might want to brace for breezy days, especially if you’re heading somewhere open.
Wind strength changes a lot from one day to the next. Most days stay pretty moderate, but sometimes gusts pick up, especially in wide-open spots.
People often grab light jackets or windbreakers—those come in handy when you’re out and about.
Sudden Weather Changes
Spring weather in Manchester flips quickly. You might wake up to sunshine and then see clouds and drizzle roll in by afternoon, thanks to Atlantic fronts moving through.
These quick changes happen because the winds keep pushing unsettled air over the city. Short bursts of rain pop up all the time, but they don’t usually stick around.
Temperatures can jump around too. One moment, it’s in the mid-60s °F, but by evening, you could feel it drop into the 40s °F.
Planning with layers helps a lot, and a small umbrella never hurts. Conditions aren’t wild, but the ups and downs mean you’ll want to keep your plans flexible.
Travel Advice and Packing Tips for Spring
Spring in Manchester means mild temperatures, lots of rain, and daylight that changes fast. You’ll want to get ready for cool mornings, warmer afternoons, and sudden showers, but still keep your packing simple.
Recommended Clothing for Visitors
Pack layers you can swap in and out as the weather shifts. A light sweater, long-sleeve shirts, and a comfy base layer work well for daytime temps between 10°C and 16°C.
Evenings cool off fast, sometimes to 4–9°C, so a warm jacket comes in handy.
A waterproof jacket or raincoat is a must. Umbrellas help, but honestly, spring winds can make them tricky.
Waterproof shoes or sturdy sneakers with good grip will keep your feet dry when the pavements are wet.
Bring comfortable walking shoes because Manchester’s best seen on foot. If you’re thinking about visiting the countryside, grab shoes that can handle a bit of mud.
A small foldable bag for extra layers or your rain gear makes life easier.
Don’t forget a scarf and light gloves for early spring mornings. By May, sunglasses start to feel essential since daylight stretches past 15 hours.
Weather Considerations for Outdoor Activities
Spring weather in Manchester? It can flip from sunshine to rain before you know it. You’ll usually get 3–6 rainy days each month, and rainfall totals hover between 47–63 mm.
If you’ve got a compact rain jacket, you’re set to keep exploring without much hassle.
Planning to stroll through Manchester’s parks or wander along the canals? Definitely check the forecast first. Wet ground often turns paths slippery, especially in March and April when rain seems to show up more often.
Daylight stretches out as spring goes on, growing from about 11 hours in March to over 16 hours in May. Those longer days invite you to explore, though evenings can still feel chilly.
Try to get outside around midday or early afternoon—it’s usually the warmest part.
If you’re heading to the Peak District or out to a nearby town, toss an extra layer and some waterproof gear in your bag. Rural spots can feel a lot cooler and windier than the city center, so it’s better to be prepared.