Weather Comparison
London vs Manchester
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: London vs Manchester
| Metric | London | Manchester | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 8°C (46°F)▲ | 7°C (45°F) | London |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 3°C (37°F)▲ | 2°C (36°F) | London |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 11 days▲ | 15 days | London |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 58 mm▲ | 100 mm | London |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 4h/day▲ | 3h/day | London |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 22 km/h▲ | 23 km/h | London |
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.
| Month | London | Manchester | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 7°C | 11d | 6°C | 15d |
| Feb | 8°C | 10d | 7°C | 14d |
| Mar | 10°C | 10d | 9°C | 14d |
| Apr | 14°C | 11d | 12°C | 13d |
| May | 17°C | 10d | 15°C | 13d |
| Jun | 20°C | 10d | 18°C | 14d |
| Jul | 22°C | 11d | 19°C | 16d |
| Aug | 21°C | 10d | 19°C | 15d |
| Sep | 19°C | 9d | 17°C | 13d |
| Oct | 15°C | 11d | 13°C | 15d |
| Nov | 10°C | 11d | 9°C | 16d |
| Dec | 8°C | 11d | 7°C | 15d |
London Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Manchester Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities