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Weather Comparison

London vs Manchester

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

London: 8°CManchester: 7°C262 km apart

December Weather: London vs Manchester

MetricLondonManchesterBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer8°C (46°F)7°C (45°F)London
Average LowHigher is milder3°C (37°F)2°C (36°F)London
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days15 daysLondon
PrecipitationLess is drier58 mm100 mmLondon
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier4h/day3h/dayLondon
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better22 km/h23 km/hLondon

Which City is Better in December?

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

London is on the cooler side at 8°C, requiring warmer clothing. Manchester is cooler at 7°C.

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

Temperature Comparison in December

London reaches an average high of 8°C (46°F) and drops to 3°C (37°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Manchester 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 December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

London receives approximately 58 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Manchester sees 100 mm over 15 rain days. That makes London the drier option by 4 rain days and 42 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: London vs Manchester

Packing for London in December

Highs of 8°C, lows of 3°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

Packing for Manchester in December

Highs of 7°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

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 December.

Year-Round Comparison: London vs Manchester

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.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthLondonManchester
HighRainHighRain
Jan7°C11d6°C15d
Feb8°C10d7°C14d
Mar10°C10d9°C14d
Apr14°C11d12°C13d
May17°C10d15°C13d
Jun20°C10d18°C14d
Jul22°C11d19°C16d
Aug21°C10d19°C15d
Sep19°C9d17°C13d
Oct15°C11d13°C15d
Nov10°C11d9°C16d
Dec8°C11d7°C15d
8°

London Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

7°

Manchester Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London warmer than Manchester in December?
Yes. In December, London is warmer with an average high of 8°C (46°F) compared to Manchester at 7°C (45°F), a difference of 1°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, London or Manchester?
Manchester gets more rain in December with 15 rain days and 100 mm of precipitation. London is the drier option with 11 rain days.
Is it better to visit London or Manchester in December?
It depends on your preferences. London averages 8°C and 4 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Manchester averages 7°C with 3 sunshine hours and 15 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose London. For drier weather, London is the better pick.
How far apart are London and Manchester?
London and Manchester are approximately 262 km (163 miles) apart. London is located in United Kingdom (Europe) while Manchester is in United Kingdom (Europe).
What is the best month to visit London and Manchester?
For London, June tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 20°C. For Manchester, May is typically ideal with 10 sunshine hours and 15°C highs.

Compare London and Manchester 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.

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