Manchester Weather: What to Expect in December 2025

Understanding Manchester’s Winter Climate

Manchester’s weather in December 2025 continues the city’s tradition of mild but damp winter conditions. The city marks the onset of December with an average high temperature of 6.4°C (43.5°F), subtly different from November’s 8.7°C (47.7°F), whilst nightly temperatures experience a slight descent to an average low of 2.6°C (36.7°F). This relatively mild winter weather is characteristic of Manchester’s maritime climate, making it far less severe than many other northern cities.

Current Weather Patterns and Precipitation

December in Manchester is notably wet, with rain falling for 16.1 days and accumulating 43mm (1.69″) of precipitation throughout the month. The months with the highest humidity are January and December, with an average relative humidity of 89%. Residents and visitors should prepare for frequent rain showers and overcast conditions. There are normally 1 hour of bright sunshine each day in Manchester in December – that’s 17% of daylight hours, making it one of the gloomiest months of the year.

Winter Weather Implications for Residents

The lack of severe cold makes Manchester’s winter more manageable than many expect. Winter in Manchester is dull and damp however it is rather warm than cold, with temperatures in negative range (below 32°F) rare and occurring mostly at nights. Snow is possible but not abundant, with snow falling for 1.3 days during December and regularly aggregating up to 15mm (0.59″) of snow. The shortest days of the year occur in December, with an average of 7 hours and 36 minutes of daylight.

Looking Ahead: Weather Significance

Understanding Manchester’s December weather is essential for both residents and visitors planning activities. The persistent cloud cover and rainfall mean outdoor events require careful planning, whilst the mild temperatures allow for comfortable exploration with appropriate waterproof clothing. For those concerned about winter conditions, Manchester’s climate remains relatively forgiving compared to more extreme continental weather patterns, though the dampness and limited daylight hours are factors to consider when organising winter activities in Greater Manchester.