Weather Comparison
Manchester vs London
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
May Weather: Manchester vs London
| Metric | Manchester | London | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 15°C (59°F) | 17°C (63°F)▲ | London |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 7°C (45°F) | 8°C (46°F)▲ | London |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 13 days | 10 days▲ | London |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 70 mm | 52 mm▲ | London |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 10h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 10 | 10 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 21 km/h | 20 km/h▲ | London |
Which City is Better in May?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, London edges ahead as the better destination in May. London offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 10 rain days, while Manchester sees 10 sunshine hours and 13 rain days.
Manchester sits in the comfortable travel range at 15°C. London is also comfortable at 17°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, London is the stronger choice in May.
Temperature Comparison in May
Manchester reaches an average high of 15°C (59°F) and drops to 7°C (45°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.
London averages 17°C (63°F) for the high and 8°C (46°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.
Rainfall Comparison in May
Manchester receives approximately 70 mm of rainfall across 13 rain days during May. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
London sees 52 mm over 10 rain days. That makes London the drier option by 3 rain days and 18 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Manchester vs London
Packing for Manchester in May
Highs of 15°C, lows of 7°C, 13 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Packing for London in May
Highs of 17°C, lows of 8°C, 10 rain days
- ✓warm layers
- ✓a mid-weight jacket
- ✓long trousers
- ✓waterproof jacket
- ✓compact umbrella
- ✓waterproof shoes
Pack for both: warm layers, a mid-weight jacket, long trousers, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during May.
Year-Round Comparison: Manchester vs London
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.May is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Manchester | London | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 6°C | 15d | 7°C | 11d |
| Feb | 7°C | 14d | 8°C | 10d |
| Mar | 9°C | 14d | 10°C | 10d |
| Apr | 12°C | 13d | 14°C | 11d |
| May | 15°C | 13d | 17°C | 10d |
| Jun | 18°C | 14d | 20°C | 10d |
| Jul | 19°C | 16d | 22°C | 11d |
| Aug | 19°C | 15d | 21°C | 10d |
| Sep | 17°C | 13d | 19°C | 9d |
| Oct | 13°C | 15d | 15°C | 11d |
| Nov | 9°C | 16d | 10°C | 11d |
| Dec | 7°C | 15d | 8°C | 11d |
Manchester Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
London Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities